Don’t Let Freezing Weather Damage Your Plumbing

Michigan winters are no joke — freezing temperatures can wreak havoc on your home’s plumbing system. When water freezes inside your pipes, it expands, creating pressure that can cause pipes to burst. The result? Costly repairs, water damage, and major inconvenience.

Fortunately, with a few preventive steps, you can keep your plumbing protected all season long. Follow this winter plumbing checklist from the experts at Putman & Son’s Plumbing to prepare your home before the deep freeze sets in.

1. Insulate Exposed Pipes

Pipes in unheated areas — such as basements, attics, crawl spaces, and garages — are most vulnerable to freezing. Use foam pipe insulation or heat tape to keep them warm.

For outdoor plumbing, insulate spigots and hose bibbs using weatherproof covers. These simple materials are affordable and can save you thousands in potential water damage.

2. Disconnect and Drain Outdoor Hoses

Before the first frost, disconnect all outdoor hoses and drain any remaining water. Leaving hoses attached can trap water in the faucet and supply line, increasing the risk of frozen or burst pipes.

Also, shut off and drain water to exterior spigots from your home’s main valve.

3. Check for Leaks and Weak Spots

Even a small leak can become a big problem when temperatures drop. Inspect under sinks, around toilets, and near your water heater for moisture, corrosion, or drips.

Fixing leaks early ensures water won’t freeze, expand, or cause pressure buildup in your pipes.

4. Keep a Consistent Indoor Temperature

Even if you’re away for the holidays, never let your home’s temperature drop below 55°F (13°C). Maintaining steady warmth throughout your home helps prevent interior pipes — especially those in exterior walls — from freezing.

Open cabinet doors under sinks to let warm air circulate around pipes.

5. Seal Drafts and Cold Air Leaks

Cold air entering through gaps or cracks can freeze nearby plumbing. Inspect areas around windows, doors, vents, and where pipes enter walls. Seal any openings with caulk or insulation to block chilly drafts.

This not only protects pipes but also helps your heating system run more efficiently.

6. Let Faucets Drip on Frigid Nights

During extreme cold, let a few faucets run at a slow trickle — especially those on exterior walls or far from the water heater. Moving water is less likely to freeze, and the slight flow helps relieve pressure inside pipes.

7. Test Your Sump Pump

If your sump pump fails during a winter storm or power outage, your basement could flood. Test your sump pump before the season begins to ensure it’s working properly. Consider installing a battery backup system for peace of mind.

8. Know Where Your Main Shut-Off Valve Is

If a pipe bursts, shutting off the main water supply quickly can minimize damage. Make sure everyone in your household knows where the shut-off valve is located and how to operate it.

Label it clearly for easy access in an emergency.

9. Schedule a Professional Plumbing Inspection

Before winter hits, have your plumbing system inspected by a licensed professional. At Putman & Son’s Plumbing, we’ll check your home for potential risks, insulate vulnerable areas, and ensure everything is ready for the cold.

A professional inspection is the best way to avoid surprises — and expensive repairs — when temperatures plunge.

Stay Warm, Stay Protected

A little preparation goes a long way in preventing frozen or burst pipes. With over 35 years of experience, Putman & Son’s Plumbing proudly serves Macomb, Oakland, and Wayne counties with trusted, year-round service.

From emergency repairs to winterization, our team is here to keep your home safe, warm, and running smoothly.

📞 Call 248-652-0990 or visit 🌐 www.pnsplumbing.com to schedule your winter plumbing checkup today.

The post Winter Plumbing Checklist: Prevent Frozen or Burst Pipes appeared first on Putman & Son's Plumbing.

Winter brings freezing temperatures, and with them comes the risk of frozen pipes. When water freezes, it expands, which puts immense pressure on your plumbing. This can lead to cracks or burst pipes, resulting in costly water damage and repairs. Fortunately, you can take proactive steps to prevent frozen pipes and protect your home this winter.

Insulate Your Pipes

One of the most effective ways to prevent frozen pipes is by insulating them, especially those in unheated areas such as attics, basements, and garages. Use foam pipe insulation or heat tape to keep them warm. Even simple measures like wrapping pipes with towels or newspapers can provide some level of protection.

Keep a Steady Indoor Temperature

Maintaining a consistent indoor temperature helps keep your pipes from freezing. Keep your thermostat set to at least 55°F, even when you’re away from home. It’s also a good idea to open cabinet doors under sinks to allow warm air to circulate around the pipes.

Let Faucets Drip

Allowing faucets to drip slightly during extreme cold helps keep water flowing, reducing the chance of freezing. This is especially important for pipes located along exterior walls or in colder parts of the house.

What to Do If Your Pipes Freeze

If you suspect a pipe has frozen, act quickly. Shut off the main water supply to prevent flooding if the pipe bursts. Use a hairdryer, heating pad, or warm towels to gently thaw the pipe. Never use an open flame, as it can damage the pipe and create a fire hazard.

The post How to Prevent Frozen Pipes This Winter appeared first on Putman & Son's Plumbing.

As winter quickly approaches, it’s essential to prepare your home to withstand freezing temperatures. Your plumbing system is particularly sensitive to the cold because as water freezes, it expands. Frozen pipes can burst, which can result in water damage or extensive repairs. Winterizing your home plumbing system can help keep your home safe.

Are you going on an extended vacation, or staying at a second home during the winter? Putman & Son’s Plumbing specializes in home winterization, so you know the job is done right.

Home Winterization Tips

Set your home temperature to 50-55°

Regardless of how long you’ll be away from your home, it’s important to set your thermostat no lower than 50-55° to prevent your pipes from freezing.

Drain water from your irrigation system

Many homeowners may forget to drain their irrigation system before the winter. Drain your system by first disconnecting the valve for your outdoor water system. Then, run your sprinklers until you’ve purged all water from the lines.

Prepare your home for winter storms

Make sure your home is secure against winter storms before you leave for your trip. Put away yard furniture, and make sure to secure all exterior doors and windows in case of high winds or heavy snowfall.

Drain water heater and pipes

If you anticipate being away from home for an extended period, consider draining your home’s plumbing entirely before you leave. Shut off your main water line and run your faucets to drain all water from your pipes. You may also consider draining your water heater.

For expert guidance on plumbing winterization for your home, contact Putman & Son’s Plumbing at (248) 652-0990.

The post Plumbing Winterization for Your Home appeared first on Putman & Son's Plumbing.