Welcome to 2025! As we kick off the year, it’s the perfect time to make sure your home is ready for the colder months ahead. While Lakeway, Texas, might not see the frigid winters of other parts of the country, we still experience enough chill to cause plumbing issues. Frozen pipes, burst pipes, and other cold weather plumbing problems can lead to costly repairs if not handled early. This week, we're diving into how to winterize your plumbing and keep your system running smoothly throughout the season.

Why Winterizing Your Plumbing is Essential

Winterizing your plumbing isn’t just for places that get snow—it’s a crucial task for homeowners everywhere. When temperatures drop, the water inside your pipes can freeze. As water freezes, it expands, putting immense pressure on your pipes. This pressure can cause your pipes to crack or burst, leading to significant water damage and expensive repairs. Winterizing your plumbing helps protect your system and can save you from these headaches.

Step 1: Insulate Your Pipes

One of the easiest and most effective ways to prevent frozen pipes is to insulate them. Insulating your pipes helps keep the temperature inside the pipes above freezing. Focus on pipes in areas that are exposed to the outside elements, such as pipes in unheated garages, basements, attics, and exterior walls. You can use foam insulation, heat tape, or even pipe sleeves to cover them.

If you're unsure which pipes to insulate, call a professional plumber like Cold is on the Right Plumbing at 512-PLUMBER to help identify vulnerable pipes and properly insulate them. This simple step can save you from serious damage later.

Step 2: Seal Cracks and Gaps

Even small gaps in your home’s foundation or around windows and doors can let in cold air. This cold air can cause a drop in temperature in your home’s plumbing system, which is a problem for the pipes that run along exterior walls. Use caulk or weatherstripping to seal any cracks or gaps around windows, doors, and vents. This will help keep the cold out and maintain a more stable temperature inside your home.

Step 3: Let Faucets Drip

While it's not a permanent fix, letting your faucets drip during particularly cold weather can help prevent your pipes from freezing. When you allow water to slowly flow through the pipes, it relieves the pressure that builds up when water freezes. Make sure to run both the hot and cold taps, especially in bathrooms or kitchens located in colder areas of the house, like near exterior walls.

If you’re going to be away from home for an extended period, it’s a good idea to leave the heat on in your home (even at a lower temperature) to keep the plumbing system from freezing.

Step 4: Protect Outdoor Faucets and Sprinkler Systems

Outdoor faucets are particularly vulnerable to freezing temperatures, and unfortunately, many people forget about them until it’s too late. Before the temperatures dip, make sure to disconnect hoses, drain irrigation systems, and shut off the water supply to outdoor faucets.

For added protection, consider installing insulated covers on your outdoor faucets. These inexpensive covers can help prevent freezing and minimize the risk of burst pipes.

Step 5: Know How to Shut Off Your Water Supply

In the event that a pipe does burst, knowing how to quickly shut off your water supply can save you a lot of damage. Familiarize yourself with the location of your home’s main water shut-off valve and test it to ensure it’s working properly. If you have trouble locating the valve or if it's not functioning properly, give Cold is on the Right Plumbing a call to help with maintenance.

Step 6: Schedule a Plumbing Inspection

If you haven’t had your plumbing system inspected recently, now is the perfect time to do it. A professional plumber can identify weak spots in your system and make recommendations for repairs or upgrades to ensure your pipes are safe and efficient throughout the winter. Plumbing systems that are regularly inspected are less likely to develop serious issues, meaning fewer headaches for you down the road.

The Importance of Plumbing Advances

Plumbing has come a long way in recent years, and many of the latest advancements can help homeowners stay ahead of potential cold weather problems. For example, modern pipe materials like PEX (cross-linked polyethylene) are more resistant to freezing and bursting than older materials like copper. PEX pipes expand slightly when frozen, which can prevent the pipe from bursting—this makes them a great choice for homes in cold climates.

Additionally, plumbing technology such as leak detectors and smart water shut-off valves can alert you to issues early and even turn off your water automatically if a problem is detected. Investing in these tools can give you peace of mind during the winter months.

Conclusion: Stay Safe and Prevent Plumbing Disasters This Winter

Winterizing your plumbing is an essential step to protect your home and avoid costly repairs. From insulating pipes to sealing gaps and scheduling a professional inspection, taking these simple actions can help you weather the colder months with ease.

At Cold is on the Right Plumbing, we’re here to help you with all of your winter plumbing needs. Whether you need help insulating your pipes, checking your water heater, or performing a full plumbing inspection, our expert team is just a phone call away at 512-PLUMBER.

Start the new year off right by getting your plumbing system in tip-top shape—let’s make sure your home stays warm, dry, and stress-free all winter long!