When the first frost hits Michigan, it’s not just the roads and your windshield that need attention, it’s your plumbing. Preparing plumbing for winter is a key part of your home’s safety and what keeps your pipes from bursting, your water heater from struggling, and your budget from taking a hit.
According to the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety, burst pipes are one of the most common causes of property damage during freezing weather, costing homeowners thousands each year. The good news? A little winter plumbing maintenance now can prevent most of those disasters later.
So before the snow piles up and the temperatures dip below freezing, here’s what every homeowner should know about winter plumbing preparation, including everything from preventing frozen pipes to protecting your water heater and keeping your entire system flowing smoothly through another Michigan winter.
At a Glance
- Insulate exposed pipes before freezing temperatures arrive.
- Disconnect outdoor hoses and shut off exterior valves.
- Check your water heater’s efficiency and temperature settings.
- Seal up drafts around plumbing lines to prevent freezing.
- Schedule a professional inspection to catch hidden issues early.
Why Winter Plumbing Maintenance Matters
Cold weather is rough on plumbing systems. Water expands when it freezes, and that pressure can cause pipes to burst, even ones hidden behind walls or under floors. When they thaw, the damage becomes painfully obvious: soaked drywall, ruined flooring, and a sudden call to your plumber.
Michigan’s harsh winters make this type of damage especially common, but it’s also one of the easiest problems to prevent. A few hours of plumbing winterization now saves weeks of cleanup and repair later. Think of it as giving your pipes a winter coat; one they’ll thank you for when temperatures drop below zero.
This guide walks through practical steps to protect your plumbing system, identify weak spots, and prepare your home for the season ahead.
Insulate Pipes Before Temperatures Drop
If you only do one thing this season, make it this. Exposed pipes in unheated spaces, like basements, crawl spaces, garages, or attics, are prime candidates for freezing. A simple layer of insulation can make the difference between flowing water and a burst pipe.
You can pick up foam pipe sleeves or heat tape at any hardware store. Focus on the most vulnerable spots: areas near exterior walls or cold air leaks. Don’t forget supply lines that run under sinks, especially those on outside walls.
Pro Tip: If your pipes have frozen before, they’ll likely do it again. Keep those areas warmer with additional insulation or a space heater on the coldest nights.
Disconnect Outdoor Hoses and Shut Off Exterior Valves
It’s one of the simplest winter prep steps, and one of the most often forgotten. Leaving hoses attached traps water in the spigot and nearby pipes, which can freeze, expand, and split the line.
Turn off the outdoor water supply, open the exterior faucet, and let any remaining water drain out completely. Then disconnect and store your garden hose indoors to prevent cracking.
If your home doesn’t have a frost-proof sillcock, consider installing one. It’s a small upgrade that can prevent a major headache come January.
Inspect and Maintain Your Water Heater
Few things are worse than losing hot water in the middle of winter. Your water heater works harder when temperatures drop, so it’s smart to make sure it’s up to the task.
Check the temperature setting: 120°F is ideal for both comfort and efficiency. Drain a few gallons from the tank to clear sediment buildup, which can reduce heating performance. Listen for rumbling or popping sounds, which often signal excessive mineral deposits.
If your unit is older or struggling to keep up, consider scheduling a video plumbing inspection to evaluate its condition. A tune-up now can extend its life and prevent a mid-winter breakdown.
Pro Tip: Homes with tankless systems should also get a pre-winter checkup to confirm proper ventilation and freeze protection on exterior units.
Seal Drafts and Exposed Areas
Even a small draft can chill the air around your plumbing enough to cause freezing. Inspect basements, crawl spaces, and the areas under kitchen or bathroom cabinets for cold air leaks.
Use caulk or spray foam to seal any gaps where pipes enter walls or floors. If you have plumbing that runs along exterior walls, leave cabinet doors open on cold nights to let warm air circulate.
This simple habit can make a surprising difference when Michigan’s winter winds kick up.
Know the Warning Signs of Frozen Pipes
Frozen pipes don’t always announce themselves with a bang. Sometimes, the signs are subtle, until they’re not.
Watch for:
- No water coming from a faucet on an especially cold morning
- Frost forming on visible pipes
- Unusual gurgling sounds when using sinks or toilets
- A strong, damp smell near walls or flooring
If you notice any of these signs, turn off the main water supply immediately and call a professional. Thawing pipes the wrong way, especially with open flames or high heat, can cause permanent damage.
Pro Tip: If you can’t reach the shut-off valve quickly, know where it is before winter begins. Label it clearly for anyone in your household.
Don’t Forget Outdoor Drains and Sump Pumps
Outdoor plumbing isn’t limited to faucets. Drains, irrigation systems, and sump pumps are just as vulnerable to freezing temperatures.
Clear any leaves, dirt, or debris from drains and gutters to keep water flowing freely. Check that your sump pump discharge line is angled properly and free of blockages. A frozen discharge pipe can cause water to back up into your basement, leading to costly flooding and foundation issues.
Routine checks take minutes, but skipping them could cost you an entire basement remodel.
Schedule a Professional Plumbing Inspection
Even with the best preparation, some problems hide deep inside your plumbing system. That’s why scheduling a winter plumbing inspection with a licensed plumber is worth every penny.
A professional can spot issues that aren’t visible to the eye, like slow leaks, pressure imbalances, or failing valves. They’ll also check your backflow system, water heater, and sump pump to make sure everything’s ready for freezing weather.
Regular maintenance not only prevents emergencies but also extends the life of your entire system. For Michigan property owners, that peace of mind goes a long way when the snow won’t quit and the temperature refuses to rise.
Keep Water Flowing All Winter Long
Winter in Michigan isn’t for the faint of heart, or for unprepared plumbing. Taking time to inspect, insulate, and maintain your system now means fewer headaches and lower repair bills later.
The best part? Once everything’s prepped, you can sit back, turn up the heat, and enjoy that first snowstorm knowing your home is ready for it.
Schedule Your Winter Plumbing Service with PowerVac of Michigan
Cold weather doesn’t wait, and neither should plumbing services. PowerVac of Michigan offers expert inspections, backflow testing, and winter prep services to keep your water systems protected through the toughest Michigan freeze.
Our licensed plumbers are ready around the clock to handle maintenance, repairs, and prevention before problems turn into emergencies.
Call (248) 912-9974 or schedule your service online today. Keep your water safe, and your systems flowing in the right direction, with the experts Michigan trusts.