How to Prepare Your Plumbing for Winter in Germantown, MD: 12 Things to Do Now

A burst pipe in January is a rough way to start the year. A little prep now can help you avoid one, and most of it takes less than a weekend.

Here is the checklist we share with Germantown homeowners. Start with the quick jobs, and if you would rather hand some of it off, our winter plumbing services are just a call away.

Outside the House

1. Drain your hoses. Disconnect them, shut off the water to outdoor connections, and drain the lines, as WSSC Water It is a quick job with a big payoff.
2. Check outdoor spigots. Weather swings and years of use wear them down, and small drips can waste hundreds of gallons. Fix leaks early.
3. Seal exterior gaps. The Maryland Insurance Administrationsuggests caulking cracks and gaps and weatherstripping doors and windows. Keep garage doors closed, too.

Inside the House

4. Find your main shut-off valve. Make sure it turns before you need it, and make sure everyone at home knows where it is.
5. Insulate exposed pipes. Focus on attics, crawl spaces, and outside walls, which the Maryland Insurance Administration lists as at-risk spots.
6. Look for drips. Check under sinks and around toilets. A small drip is easier to fix now than a bigger problem later.
7. Inspect your water heater. Our water heater servicesinclude a safety and performance inspection of the tank, pressure relief valve, thermostat, and connections. We recommend one yearly.
8. Book a maintenance visit. We check pipes, valves, toilets, drains, and water pressure, and we recommend a visit at least once a year.

When the Cold Arrives

9. Open cabinet doors. Warm air can then reach the pipes under your sinks during a cold spell.
10. Let a faucet drip. Do this during a long cold snap, but only while you are home.
11. Keep the heat on. Stay at 55°F or warmer, even when you are away for a few days.
12. Know the fix. If a pipe freezes, open the nearest cold tap fully and thaw it carefully with a hairdryer. Call a licensed plumber if you are unsure.

Need a Hand with Winter Plumbing Services?

We are Your 1 Plumber, a Germantown-based team with more than 15 years of experience. We offer plumbing services in Germantown, including 24/7 service.

Looking for a plumber in Germantown before the cold sets in? Call 301-671-0447 or contact us online to schedule a visit. Whether you need a quick check or a repair, we are happy to help.