A Comprehensive Winter Plumbing Checklist
As the temperatures start to drop across North Georgia, we all get ready for cozy nights and holiday gatherings. But a sudden cold snap can turn from festive to frantic if your home’s plumbing isn’t prepared. A burst pipe or a failed water heater is the last thing any homeowner wants to deal with, especially during the busy winter season.
Don’t let a cold snap turn into a major plumbing disaster.. This simple checklist will help you protect your home, prevent costly repairs, and ensure your plumbing is ready for anything the winter throws at it.
1. Check Your Water Heater for Warning Signs
When was the last time you thought about your water heater? If it’s been a while, now is the time. Your water heater works hardest during the winter, and an old or failing unit is most likely to break down when it’s under the most strain.
Many homeowners first search for “water heater replacement near me” after it fails on the coldest day of the year. Get ahead of it by looking for these warning signs:
- Age: Is your water heater over 10-12 years old?
- Noise: Do you hear rumbling, popping, or banging sounds? This can be sediment buildup, which kills efficiency.
- Leaks: Any sign of water (even a small drip) around the base is a red flag.
- Rusty Water: Discolored hot water can mean the inside of your tank is corroding.
If you notice any of these signs, it’s time to schedule a water heater inspection or replacement before you’re left with a cold shower.
2. Inspect and Test Your Sump Pump
“Why check my sump pump in the winter?” We hear this a lot. While you may associate sump pumps with spring floods, they are critical for handling winter rain and melting snow. A heavy, wet snow that melts quickly can flood your basement or crawl space just as easily as a summer storm.
- How to Test: You can easily test your sump pump by slowly pouring a 5-gallon bucket of water into the sump pit. The float should rise and trigger the pump, which should quickly drain the water and shut off.
What to Look For: If the pump doesn’t turn on, makes a strange noise, or struggles to pump the water out, you may need a sump pump repair or service. Doing this now is far better than discovering it’s broken during a storm.
3. Prevent Burst Pipes (Your #1 Winter Foe)
A single burst pipe can cause thousands of dollars in water damage, and a hidden leak can be even worse. Learn about our leak detection services here. This is the most common—and most preventable—winter plumbing disaster. Here’s how to protect your home.
Disconnect & Shut Off Exterior Faucets
This is a non-negotiable step for every Georgia homeowner.
- Disconnect: Unscrew all hoses from your outdoor spigots (hose bibs).
- Shut Off: Find the indoor shut-off valve for each spigot. This is usually located on the pipe in your basement or crawl space, near where the faucet exits the wall. Turn the valve clockwise to shut it off.
- Drain: Go back outside and turn the spigot handle to “on.” This will drain any remaining water from the pipe, preventing it from freezing and bursting the spigot.
Insulate Exposed Pipes
Any uninsulated pipe in an unheated area is at risk. Your primary targets are pipes in:
- Crawl spaces
- Attics
- Basements
- Garages (especially on outside-facing walls)
You can easily cover these pipes with foam pipe sleeves (available at any hardware store). It’s a small investment that provides massive protection.
4. Don’t Wait for a Plumbing Emergency
The best time to fix a plumbing problem is before it becomes an emergency. Taking an hour to run through this checklist can save you thousands of dollars and a major headache this winter.
Want total peace of mind for the holidays? Give us a call at 770-769-4033 or Contact EaZy Pros for a pre-winter plumbing inspection! Our experts will check your water heater, sump pump, and exposed pipes to ensure your home is fully prepared for the cold.