- Published: December 15, 2025
How to Winterize Your Plumbing Before a Vacation
Planning a winter getaway? Before you leave, it’s important to prepare your home — and one of the most critical steps is winterizing your plumbing. Frozen pipes, leaks, and unexpected bursts can cause thousands of dollars in damage while you’re away. The good news? With the right preparation, you can significantly reduce the risk.
At Crystal Drain & Plumbing, we help homeowners protect their plumbing systems year-round. Here’s a complete guide to winterizing your plumbing before heading out on vacation.
1. Shut Off the Main Water Supply
The most effective way to protect your home from plumbing disasters while you’re gone is to turn off your main water valve.
Why this matters:
- Prevents water from flooding your home if pipes freeze or burst
- Stops unnoticed leaks while you’re away
- Reduces water pressure in your system
If you can’t turn off the main supply due to sprinkler or boiler systems, at least shut off water to individual fixtures.
2. Drain the Water Lines
After shutting off the main valve, drain as much water from your pipes as possible.
How to do it:
- Open all faucets (hot and cold).
- Flush all toilets.
- Drain outdoor spigots and hoses.
Optional but highly recommended:
- Run your dishwasher or washing machine on a short cycle to drain any remaining water.
- If you have a water softener or filtration system, follow the manufacturer’s draining instructions.
Empty pipes = no freezing.
3. Insulate Vulnerable Pipes
Pipes in unheated areas are at the highest risk of freezing, including:
- Basements
- Crawlspaces
- Attics
- Garages
- Exterior walls
Solutions:
- Foam pipe insulation
- Heat tape or heat cable
- Insulated faucet covers
Insulating exposed piping is one of the simplest ways to prevent freezing.
4. Keep Your Home at a Safe Temperature
Even if you’re away, your home should never get too cold.
Recommended indoor temperature while away:
At least 12–15°C (55–60°F)
A warm enough indoor environment keeps interior pipes from freezing, especially those inside walls.
If you have a smart thermostat, set up remote monitoring so you can track the temperature while you’re gone.
5. Open Cabinet Doors for Better Airflow
Pipes under sinks—especially those against exterior walls—can freeze easily.
Before leaving:
- Open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors
- Allow warm air from the home to circulate around the pipes
This small step goes a long way in preventing freezing.
6. Disconnect and Drain Outdoor Hoses
Outdoor hose bibs are one of the first things to freeze in winter.
Checklist:
- Disconnect all garden hoses
- Drain each hose completely
- Store hoses indoors
- Turn off the exterior spigot’s water supply valve (if available)
- Leave the spigot open to drain fully
For added protection, install frost-free hose bibs.
7. Check Your Sump Pump Before Leaving
If your sump pump fails during winter storms, your basement could flood.
Make sure it:
- Activates properly
- Is free of debris
- Has backup power (battery or generator)
If your home relies on the sump pump, this step is essential.
8. Protect Your Water Heater
Your water heater can be adjusted while you’re gone.
Options:
- Set to vacation mode (if your unit has this feature)
- Lower the temperature to save energy
Do not turn it off if freezing temperatures could affect pipes connected to it.
9. Seal Air Leaks Around Your Home
Cold drafts can freeze nearby plumbing.
Check for drafts around:
- Basement windows
- Crawlspaces
- Garage doors
- Doors and windows
- Utility openings
Use caulking or weatherstripping to block cold air entry points.
10. Consider a Professional Winterization Service
For long trips, older homes, or complex plumbing systems, professional winterization is the best choice.
Crystal Drain & Plumbing offers:
- Full home plumbing winterization
- Pipe insulation upgrades
- Outdoor spigot shutoff and draining
- Sump pump inspection
- Leak detection
- Emergency shutoff installations
Our experts make sure your plumbing is protected while you’re away — giving you peace of mind.
Final Thoughts: Protect Your Home and Enjoy Your Vacation
Winterizing your plumbing before vacation is one of the smartest things you can do to prevent frozen pipes, leaks, and costly water damage. With a few simple steps — or help from a professional — you can relax knowing your home is safe.
Going away this winter?
Contact Crystal Drain & Plumbing today for a full plumbing winterization service and protect your home from cold-weather disasters.
FAQs
You should run your dehumidifier continuously in the humid months, or at least when humidity levels are above 50%.
Signs include a musty smell, visible mold, condensation on walls, or dampness.
The size depends on the square footage and moisture levels. Condenser dehumidifiers are suitable for 500-2,500 square feet, while venting dehumidifiers can cover up to 7,000 square feet.
While they have an upfront cost, dehumidifiers are energy efficient, especially venting models, and can save money by preventing costly repairs due to moisture damage.
Dehumidifiers prevent mold growth but won’t remove existing mold. You may need professional cleaning for severe mold issues.