Avoid frozen pipes, costly leaks, and mid-winter breakdowns with these expert tips from Massie Creek Plumbing.
When Ohio temperatures start to drop, your plumbing system feels it first. Frozen pipes, burst outdoor spigots, and clogged drains aren’t just inconvenient, they can lead to hundreds or even thousands of dollars in repairs.
Fortunately, a little proactive maintenance in the fall can prevent major problems down the road. Here’s how to get your home’s plumbing ready for cold weather, inside and out.
Outdoor Plumbing Maintenance: Your First Line of Defense
As the weather cools, start outside. Disconnect and drain all garden hoses before the first freeze. Leaving them attached traps water inside the faucet, which can freeze and expand, cracking pipes or fittings. Once drained, store hoses indoors to keep them flexible and protected.
Next, shut off the interior valves that supply your outdoor faucets, then open the exterior spigots to let remaining water drain out. Even frost-free hose bibs can freeze if a hose is left connected.
Finally, take a few minutes to clear your outdoor drains and gutters. Leaves and debris often build up during fall, preventing proper drainage when rain or melting snow hits. A quick cleanout now can save you from water backups and foundation damage later.
Preventative Drain Cleaning
Your main drain lines handle everything from showers to dishwashers, and over time, debris, grease, and tree roots can slow them down. As winter approaches, this buildup can cause major blockages.
Scheduling a preventative drain cleaning each fall removes early obstructions and ensures your system can handle the extra demand that comes with the holidays. Professional cabling or root-cutting tools clear buildup efficiently, reducing your risk of backups when your plumbing system is working hardest.
Preventative cleaning doesn’t just keep drains flowing, it helps extend the life of your entire system and prevents costly emergency repairs.
Don’t Forget Your Annual Backflow Test
Your home’s backflow prevention system keeps contaminated water from reversing into your clean water supply. These devices are especially important if you have irrigation, sprinklers, or outdoor plumbing systems.
Most Ohio municipalities require annual backflow testing performed by a certified technician. During the inspection, a licensed plumber verifies that your device works correctly and submits documentation to your local city or county.
Skipping your annual test can lead to noncompliance notices or, worse, contamination risks. If you’re unsure when your last test was done, schedule your next one now through our Backflow Prevention & Testing page.
Indoor Plumbing Maintenance: Keeping the Inside Protected
Once the outdoor work is done, turn your attention indoors. Start by checking for leaks around sinks, toilets, and water heaters. Even a small drip can freeze and cause pipes to burst in extreme cold.
Next, insulate any exposed pipes in basements, attics, crawl spaces, or garages. Foam insulation or heat tape is inexpensive and can prevent thousands in potential water damage.
Your water heater also deserves care. Sediment builds up over time, reducing efficiency and increasing energy costs. Draining a few gallons or performing a full flush once a year keeps it running smoothly. Tankless water heaters need annual flushing too, using a cleaning solution to remove mineral deposits.
Finally, test your sump pump before the snow hits. Pour a bucket of water into the pit to make sure it activates and drains properly. Clean debris from the pit and check that the discharge pipe is clear, your sump pump is critical protection against basement flooding.
Keep an Eye on Water Pressure
Your home’s water pressure should stay between 40–60 PSI. If it’s too high, it can strain pipes and shorten the lifespan of your fixtures and appliances. Too low, and you might be dealing with a blockage or a faulty regulator.
If your faucets or showers suddenly feel weaker, or stronger, than usual, it’s time for a professional check. Our plumbers can measure and adjust your home’s pressure to ensure it’s at a safe and consistent level.
Because local utilities occasionally change pressure settings, an annual inspection is a simple way to avoid stress on your plumbing system.
Why Preventative Maintenance Pays Off
Taking small steps now can prevent major plumbing emergencies later. Seasonal maintenance helps:
- Prevent frozen or burst pipes
- Improve water efficiency
- Extend the life of plumbing fixtures
- Keep your home compliant with safety codes
Whether you need drain cleaning, pipe insulation, or backflow testing, Massie Creek Plumbing is here to help. We provide professional, reliable plumbing services across Xenia, Beavercreek, Fairborn, and the greater Dayton area, keeping your water systems safe and running strong all year long.
Frequently Asked Questions
Schedule Your Seasonal Plumbing Checkup
If you haven’t winterized your plumbing yet, it’s not too late. Our licensed plumbers can inspect, clean, and prepare your system for the cold — all in one visit.