Cold weather plumbing problems are easier to prevent before the temperature drops than to deal with after a pipe, outdoor faucet, or drain system has already caused damage.
In a recent Hire It Done episode, Adam Helfman spoke with Travis Haines and Nathan Bourdon of Nelson Haines Plumbing and Drain Cleaning about practical fall plumbing maintenance. Their conversation covered outdoor faucets, garden hoses, frozen-pipe prevention, water shutoffs, leak detection, winterization, and sump-pump backups.
If you are preparing your home for winter, this checklist gives you a practical place to start.
Disconnect Your Garden Hoses
One of the simplest fall plumbing tasks is also one homeowners forget.
Adam recommended disconnecting garden hoses before freezing weather arrives. Nathan said frozen outdoor spigots caused by forgotten hoses are common and something their team sees regularly.
The advice was simple: unhook the hose and get the water out. Do this before the first hard freeze instead of waiting for a cold-weather warning.
Check Outdoor Faucet Shutoffs
Not every outdoor faucet is frost-free.
If your home has a shutoff valve that serves an exterior spigot, Nathan recommended shutting it off and draining the line as part of winter preparation.
The important part is knowing where that valve is before you need it. Adam and the guests also discussed having a plumber walk through the home, identify shutoffs, and point out areas that may need an upgrade or better access.
Protect Pipes Near Exterior Walls
Pipes near exterior walls can be more exposed to cold conditions.
Adam recommended opening cabinet doors under sinks when those fixtures sit against an outside wall so warmer indoor air can circulate around the plumbing. Nathan agreed that this can be useful advice.
Look at kitchens, bathrooms, laundry areas, and other fixtures along exterior walls. Make sure the plumbing is not completely isolated from the heated part of the home.
Be Careful With the “Let It Drip” Rule
Leaving a faucet running is a common frozen-pipe tip, but the episode added an important qualification.
Adam suggested leaving a small amount of water moving through a faucet during deep cold. Travis noted that this old trick does not work the same way for every home, especially when a well system or other equipment is involved.
The takeaway is that your plumbing setup matters. If you are unsure, ask a plumber what makes sense for your system instead of relying on one blanket winter rule.
Consider Pipe Insulation
Adam also asked whether homeowners with copper piping can have exposed lines insulated with pipe sleeves. The guests confirmed that a plumber can help with this.
The episode also compared copper and PEX. Travis described PEX as more weather-resistant, but Adam kept returning to the same point: proper installation matters regardless of the material.
If you are worried about a specific pipe, focus first on where it runs, how exposed it is, and whether the installation is sound.
Know Your Main Water Shutoff
Every homeowner should know how to stop water to the house during an emergency.
Adam pointed out that many people do not know where their main shutoff or modern water meter is located. A plumbing walkthrough can identify that valve before an emergency forces you to search for it.
Find the shutoff now. Make sure it is accessible. If you are not sure which valve is the main, have a qualified plumber show you.
Add Leak Detection When It Makes Sense
Travis recommended a whole-home leak detector with an automatic water shutoff. Adam described systems that monitor water use, alert the homeowner when flow changes unexpectedly, and can shut off the water automatically.
That can be useful when you are at work, travelling, or away from a seasonal home. It does not replace maintenance, but it can help you respond sooner when water starts running somewhere it should not.
Winterize Before Leaving for a Long Trip
If you are leaving a home for an extended period during cold weather, consider a more complete winterization.
Travis said their team can winterize a home by shutting systems down and preparing the plumbing for the period when the property will be unattended. The exact process depends on the house and system, so this is one area where a professional walkthrough matters.
Check Your Sump-Pump Backup
The episode also covered backup options for sump pumps.
Travis and Nathan discussed both water-powered and battery-powered backups. They noted that both approaches have pros and cons.
The useful homeowner question is simple: if your basement depends on a sump pump, what happens during a power outage or equipment failure?
Your Fall Plumbing Checklist
Before freezing weather arrives:
- Disconnect and drain garden hoses.
- Identify exterior-faucet shutoffs.
- Drain exterior lines when appropriate.
- Open sink cabinets near exterior walls during severe cold.
- Ask whether pipe insulation makes sense.
- Locate your main water shutoff.
- Review leak-detection and automatic shutoff options.
- Plan professional winterization if the home will be vacant.
- Confirm your sump-pump backup is ready.
The best time to work through this list is while everything is still working normally.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I disconnect garden hoses before winter?
Yes. Adam and Nathan recommended removing hoses from outdoor faucets before freezing weather and draining the water out. They described forgotten hoses as a common source of frozen-spigot problems.
What if my outdoor faucet is not frost-free?
If there is a dedicated shutoff valve for that spigot, Nathan recommended shutting it off and draining the line. If you cannot identify the valve, a plumber can help.
Does opening sink cabinets help prevent frozen pipes?
It can help when plumbing is near an exterior wall. Adam recommended opening cabinet doors so warmer indoor air can circulate around the pipes, and Nathan agreed.
Should I leave a faucet dripping in freezing weather?
It depends on the plumbing system. Adam discussed using a small flow of water, while Travis cautioned that the approach does not work the same way for every home, particularly with well systems or other equipment.
How do I find my main water shutoff?
Do not wait for an emergency to look for it. The episode recommended having a plumber identify the main shutoff during a plumbing walkthrough if you are unsure.
Can a plumber winterize a house before I leave town?
Yes. Travis said a plumber can help shut systems down and winterize a home when the owner will be away. The exact steps depend on the property.
What does a whole-home leak detector do?
The system discussed in the episode monitors water flow, can alert you when use changes unexpectedly, and may shut off the water automatically.
Should I insulate exposed plumbing?
Pipe insulation may be useful for lines exposed to colder areas. The guests confirmed that plumbers can install pipe sleeves, but the right approach depends on the location and installation.
Do I need a backup sump pump?
If your basement relies on a sump pump, understand what happens if the primary pump or power source fails. The episode discussed both battery and water-powered backups, with pros and cons for each.
Is PEX better than copper in cold weather?
Travis described PEX as more weather-resistant, but the episode did not say one material is best for every home. Adam’s broader point was that proper installation matters regardless of the material.
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