A simple preparation step in the fall can be the difference between a minor inconvenience and a catastrophic plumbing emergency: winterization. When temperatures drop below freezing, water trapped in uninsulated pipes—especially those running through garages, crawl spaces, or exterior walls—expands as it turns to ice. This expansion creates immense pressure that the pipes cannot withstand, leading to a burst or rupture.
The resulting flood can cause thousands of dollars in damage, destroying insulation, drywall, flooring, and electronics, and fostering dangerous mold growth. Proper winterization involves simple steps like disconnecting and draining garden hoses, turning off the exterior hose bib shutoff valve, and insulating vulnerable pipes. Ignoring these steps leaves your home highly vulnerable to a destructive flood the moment a severe cold snap hits.
