Winter arrives quickly in Colorado Springs, and freezing temperatures create challenges for your plumbing system. Frozen pipes and leaks can quickly turn into emergencies when the temperatures begin to drop. A winter plumbing checklist will help you protect your home before the first freeze. Build Craft LLC supports Colorado Springs homeowners like you with faucet installation, fixture repair, bathtub upgrades, and full-service plumbing care to ensure the entire system stays ready for winter.
Insulate Exposed Pipes Before the Freeze
Begin your winter checklist by walking through your home and inspecting every space where pipes sit near cold air. Look at basements, garages, crawl spaces, and exterior walls. Touch each pipe and check for cold spots. When you find areas that are vulnerable, wrap the pipes with foam sleeves, fiberglass wrap, or heat tape. This will help the pipes stay warm and reduce the chance of them freezing.
Open the cabinet doors under the kitchen and bathroom sinks when temperatures drop sharply. This simple action allows warm indoor air to circulate around pipes near exterior walls. If your home has a history of freezing pipes, add more insulation or install heat cables for extra protection.
Prepare Outdoor Faucets and Hoses
Move to your outdoor plumbing next. Disconnect every garden hose, drain the water from each, and store them indoors. A connected hose traps water in the faucet and increases the freeze risk. Check frost-free hose bibs to ensure they drain correctly, and drain traditional hose bibs manually by shutting off the indoor valve and opening the outdoor faucet to release the remaining water. Place insulated faucet covers over exterior spigots before overnight temperatures drop into the teens.
Check Indoor Fixtures, Drains, and Water Lines
Inspect every faucet, drain, and fixture inside the home as part of your winter checklist. Turn each handle to confirm that it moves smoothly without sticking. Look under sinks and around supply lines for moisture or mineral buildup. Run each shower and tub for a moment and listen for unusual noises or fluctuations in temperature. If you notice aging hardware or outdated valves, update the fixtures before the weather freezes.
Flush and Inspect the Water Heater
Shift your focus to your water heater next. Drain one to two gallons from the bottom of the tank to flush out sediment buildup that strains the heater during the colder months. After flushing, check the thermostat and set it to 120 degrees Fahrenheit to balance efficiency and performance.
Listen to the unit while it operates. Rumbling noises usually indicate additional sediment or aging components. Tankless water heaters also need winter attention. Clean the filter and confirm that the surrounding area stays warm enough to avoid freezing. If the water heater struggles to maintain hot water or shows signs of wear, schedule an inspection before the demand increases around the holidays.
Seal Drafts to Protect Indoor Pipes
Walk through the home again and search for drafts near plumbing lines. Check under sinks, behind appliances, and beneath countertops. When you find gaps where pipes pass through walls or floors, seal them up with caulk or expanding foam. Drafts create cold pockets that quickly freeze pipes.
Inspect basement windows, crawl space vents, and garage doors for gaps that allow cold air to enter. Close these openings to keep the surrounding temperature higher and reduce stress on your plumbing system.
Prepare the Home for Extended Travel
Finish your checklist by preparing for any upcoming winter travel. Set the thermostat to at least 55 degrees to keep the home warm enough to prevent freezing in the plumbing. If you plan a long trip, shut off the main water supply and open the faucets to drain the lines. Leave interior doors open so that warm air can circulate evenly throughout the house.
If your home uses a smart thermostat, confirm that the low-temperature alerts work correctly. These alerts allow you to react quickly if the indoor temperature drops while you’re away.
Know When to Call Build Craft LLC
A thorough winter checklist cannot resolve every plumbing concern in your home. By using this checklist, you can strengthen your home against freezing weather and reduce costly plumbing emergencies. Build Craft LLC stands ready to help with inspections, repairs, and winter-ready upgrades when you need extra support from a professional. Contact us today!
