Cold-Weather Plumbing Prep Checklist: How To Winterize Your Home Before Temperatures Drop

When temperatures dip in the Puget Sound area, small plumbing issues can turn into burst pipes, water heater failures, and surprise leaks. Use this step-by-step guide to prepare your Auburn-area home so you can avoid emergencies and enjoy the colder months with confidence.

• Locate and label your main water shutoff valve. Make sure it turns easily.

• Insulate any exposed pipes in garages, basements, crawl spaces, and exterior walls.

• Disconnect garden hoses and install insulated covers on outdoor spigots.

• Set your thermostat to a consistent 60–68 °F. Do not let it drop below 55 °F when away.

• Test your sump pump and clear outdoor drains and gutters.

• Flush a few gallons from your water heater to remove sediment.

• Schedule a professional inspection if you have older plumbing, low insulation, or past freeze issues.

• Remove and drain all hoses. A connected hose traps water that can freeze back into the spigot and split the pipe.

• Install foam faucet covers on every outdoor spigot. They are inexpensive and very effective.

• Shut off the irrigation supply at the dedicated valve.

• Open drain ports or have the lines professionally blown out to remove water.

• Clean gutters and downspouts so meltwater flows away from your foundation.

• Sweep leaves and debris from driveway and patio drains to prevent ponding and seepage.

• Garages, unheated basements, crawl spaces, attics, and under kitchen or bathroom sinks on exterior walls.

• Use foam pipe sleeves or fiberglass wrap. Tape the seams and cover elbows with pre-formed corners.

• Caulk and weather-strip rim joists, sill plates, and pipe penetrations that let cold air into wall cavities.

• Install draft blockers on crawl space vents if your home design allows seasonal closure.

• Maintain steady heat day and night. Heat cycling too low at night increases freeze risk.

• If a deep freeze is forecast, open cabinet doors under sinks on exterior walls to let warm air circulate.

• Let cold water drip at pencil-thin flow from the highest-risk faucets during hard freezes.

• Focus on fixtures on exterior walls and in unheated areas.

• Attach a hose to the drain valve and flush 2–3 gallons until water runs clear. Sediment makes heating slower and noisier.

• Check for any signs of rust or moisture around the tank base and fittings.

• Set temperature to 120 °F for comfort, scald prevention, and energy efficiency.

• Consider an insulating blanket for older tanks and add foam covers to hot and cold lines above the heater.

• Pour a bucket of water into the pit to trigger the pump. Confirm discharge flows outside and away from the home. 
• Install or test a battery backup if your area loses power during storms.

• Ensure vapor barriers are intact and any standing water is addressed. 
• Verify that heat tape, if present on pipes, is working and UL-listed.

• Never pour grease down the sink. Cool it, can it, and trash it.

• Run the disposal with cold water only and feed small amounts of food at a time.

• Remove and clean aerators and shower heads to keep flow strong. Low flow can make drain lines sluggish in winter.

• Set heat to at least 55 °F.

• Shut off water to the washing machine and any outdoor supply lines.

• For longer trips, consider shutting off the main water and draining fixtures, especially if your home has a history of freezing.

• Turn off the main water supply immediately.

• Open the affected faucet to relieve pressure.

• Warm the pipe with a hair dryer or portable heater. Start at the faucet and move toward the frozen section.

• Never use an open flame or torch.

• Call a professional if you cannot locate the freeze or if a pipe has burst.

• Repeated slow drains or frequent gurgling from multiple fixtures.

• Brown or rusty hot water, popping water heater noises, or water at the base of the tank.

• Cold spots behind cabinets, musty smells, or unexplained increases in your water bill.

• Past freeze damage or a home with older galvanized or polybutylene piping.

I Need A Plumber Now helps homeowners in Auburn and nearby communities prepare for cold weather, spot risks, and fix problems fast. If you want a professional winterization checkup or discover a leak, call us and we will get you taken care of.

What temperature causes pipes to freeze?

Pipes are at risk when sustained outdoor temps fall near or below 20 °F, but wind and drafts can freeze pipes at higher temps if insulation is poor.

Should I use heat tape?

Heat tape can be helpful on short, exposed sections when installed correctly and used with a GFCI outlet. Only use UL-listed products and follow the manufacturer instructions.

Is dripping faucets wasteful?

A controlled drip during a short cold snap costs less than repairing a burst pipe. Stop the drip once temps normalize.

How often should I flush my water heater?

Once a year for most homes. More often if you notice rumbling or have hard water.