November Plumbing Patrol: 3 Critical Winterizing Steps to Prevent a Burst Pipe Disaster

November is here, and for homeowners, that means one thing: the clock is ticking on winter preparation. The single most common (and most expensive) winter home emergency is a burst pipe.

A line of frozen, expanding water can cause a crack that floods your home once it thaws—leading to thousands in water damage. The good news? It is entirely preventable with a little November "Plumbing Patrol."

Here are the three critical steps you need to take this month, and how Tony's Plumbing can help you check the items that require an expert's touch.

Step 1: Focus on Your Outdoors (The Hose Bibs)Your outdoor faucets (or hose bibs) are the most vulnerable pipes in your entire home. Any water left in the line between your house and the spigot is exposed to freezing cold air and will freeze solid.

Your DIY Action Plan:

1. Disconnect: Remove and drain all garden hoses. Store them in the garage or shed. Leaving a hose attached keeps water trapped in the pipe and is the #1 cause of cracked outdoor faucets.
2. Shut Off: Find the shut-off valve for your outdoor spigots inside your home (usually in the basement or utility room). Turn it off.
3. Drain: Open the outdoor faucet one last time to drain any residual water from the line.
4. Cover: Place an insulated foam faucet cover (available at any hardware store) over the spigot for extra protection.

How Tony's Plumbing Can Help:
If you have an automated sprinkler or irrigation system, it needs to be properly drained and "blown out" with an air compressor. This is a job best left to the pros to ensure all the water is cleared without damaging the system. Call us today to schedule your system blowout.

Step 2: Insulate the Vulnerable Spots (The Unheated Areas)The pipes that are most likely to freeze are those running through unheated spaces.

Your DIY Action Plan:

1. Locate Exposed Pipes: Walk through your garage, basement, crawl spaces, and attic. Look for any exposed pipes against exterior walls.
2. Seal Any Air Leaks: Use caulk or weatherstripping to seal any small cracks or gaps in your exterior walls where cold air can rush in and hit the pipes. Pay close attention to where utility lines enter the house.
3. Open Cabinets: During extreme cold snaps, keep the cabinet doors open under your kitchen and bathroom sinks. This allows warm air from the house to circulate around the pipes that are often installed against exterior walls.*

How Tony's Plumbing Can Help:
For long runs of piping in difficult-to-access crawlspaces or basements, we can expertly install pipe insulation or, for the most vulnerable spots, electric heat cable (heat tape) to ensure they stay warm even during an arctic blast.


Step 3: Prepare for the Worst (The Emergency Plan)No matter how well you prepare, accidents happen. You need to know what to do when an unexpected cold snap is coming or if you find a leak.

Your DIY Action Plan:

1. Know Your Main Shut-Off: Locate your home's main water shut-off valve and ensure every adult in the house knows how to use it. If a pipe bursts, shutting off the main water line is the only way to stop the flooding. Test it now to make sure it’s not seized up!
2. Test Your Sump Pump: Pour a bucket of water into your sump pit to ensure the pump activates correctly. * You need this working flawlessly when the snow melts.

If you are experiencing problems, we highly recommend a professional look at your Water Heater before it has to work overtime this winter. Cold incoming water puts a massive strain on your unit.
Don’t gamble your home's safety on a cold snap! Call Tony's Plumbing & Heating today to schedule your winterization service.


*https://atchleyair.com/how-to-prepare-for-a-winter-storm/
*https://www.marathonhvac.com/plumbing/rancho-park-ca/sump-pumps/

---