Winter Plumbing Checklist for Central Iowa Homes
Iowa winters can be hard on your home's plumbing system.
Freezing temperatures, snow, ice, and rapid temperature swings can all increase the risk of frozen pipes, water damage, and unexpected plumbing repairs.
The good news is that a little preparation before winter arrives can help protect your home and reduce the chance of expensive plumbing emergencies.
Use this checklist to get your plumbing ready for the colder months.
1. Disconnect Garden Hoses
Leaving a hose attached to an outdoor faucet can trap water inside the plumbing.
When temperatures drop below freezing, that water expands and can damage your hose bib or plumbing inside the wall.
Before winter:
Disconnect all garden hoses.
Drain the hose.
Store it indoors if possible.
2. Shut Off and Drain Exterior Faucets (If Applicable)
If your home has shutoff valves for exterior hose bibs, turn them off before freezing temperatures arrive.
After shutting off the water supply:
Open the outside faucet.
Allow any remaining water to drain.
This simple step can help reduce the risk of frozen pipes.
3. Know Where Your Main Water Shutoff Is
If a pipe ever bursts, every second matters.
Before winter begins, make sure everyone in your household knows:
Where the main water shutoff valve is located.
How to turn it off.
Being prepared can significantly reduce water damage during an emergency.
4. Protect Exposed Pipes
Pipes located in:
- Crawl spaces
- Garages
- Unfinished basements
- Exterior walls
are more vulnerable to freezing.
Insulating exposed plumbing can provide additional protection during periods of extreme cold.
5. Check Your Water Heater
Winter often means:
- Longer showers
- Holiday guests
- Increased hot water use
If your water heater is older or already showing signs of wear, consider having it inspected before the coldest part of the season.
6. Test Your Sump Pump
Even during winter, melting snow and mid-season thaws can create groundwater around your home's foundation.
Testing your sump pump before winter helps confirm it's ready when you need it.
7. Seal Air Leaks
Cold air entering around plumbing penetrations or foundation openings can increase the risk of frozen pipes.
Inspect areas where plumbing enters your home and seal obvious air leaks when appropriate.
8. Keep Your Home Warm
If you're traveling during the holidays, avoid turning the thermostat off.
Keeping your home at a consistent temperature—even when you're away—helps reduce the risk of frozen plumbing.
9. Watch for Warning Signs
Don't ignore:
- Slow water flow
- Frost on exposed pipes
- Unusual plumbing noises
- Cold spots near plumbing
These may be early warning signs that a pipe is beginning to freeze.
10. Schedule Plumbing Repairs Before Winter
Small plumbing problems rarely improve on their own.
If you've been putting off:
- Water heater repairs
- Sump pump replacement
- Drain problems
- Sewer issues
- Leaky pipes
Fall is often the best time to address them before freezing temperatures make repairs more urgent.
What Should You Do If a Pipe Freezes?
If you suspect a frozen pipe:
Turn off the water supply if a pipe has burst.
Open the affected faucet to relieve pressure.
Warm the pipe gradually using safe heat sources such as warm air from a hair dryer or by increasing the room temperature.
Never use an open flame or propane torch to thaw plumbing.
If you're unable to safely thaw the pipe or it has burst, contact a licensed plumbing contractor.
Acting quickly may help prevent significant water damage.
Frequently Asked Questions
At what temperature do pipes freeze?
Pipes are at greater risk when temperatures remain below 32°F, particularly if they're poorly insulated or exposed to cold air. Extended periods below freezing increase the likelihood of frozen pipes.
Should I leave faucets dripping?
During periods of extreme cold, allowing a small trickle of water to flow from faucets served by vulnerable pipes can help reduce the risk of freezing. This is generally most beneficial for plumbing located along exterior walls or in unheated areas.
Is it worth replacing an older water heater before winter?
If your water heater is nearing the end of its expected lifespan or has required multiple repairs, replacing it before winter may help avoid an inconvenient mid-season failure.
Trust Beebe Drain & Sewer Co.
At Beebe Drain & Sewer Co., we're proud to help homeowners throughout the Des Moines metro prepare their plumbing systems for every season.
Whether you need water heater service, sump pump replacement, drain cleaning, sewer repair, or general plumbing maintenance, we'll help you protect your home with honest recommendations and quality workmanship.
A little preparation before winter can help prevent major plumbing problems when temperatures drop.
Beebe Drain & Sewer Co. proudly serves homeowners in Des Moines, West Des Moines, Urbandale, Grimes, Johnston, Clive, Waukee, Ankeny, Altoona, Pleasant Hill, Norwalk, Indianola, Ames, and surrounding Central Iowa communities.
