How to Prepare Your Plumbing for a Rochester Winter

Rochester winters are no joke. We routinely see sustained temperatures below zero, ice storms that knock out power for days, and freeze-thaw cycles that are genuinely brutal on residential plumbing. A frozen pipe that bursts can release hundreds of gallons of water into your home in minutes — and it always seems to happen at the worst possible time.

The good news is that most winter plumbing problems are preventable with the right preparation before temperatures drop. Here's what to do.

Disconnect and Drain Outdoor Hoses

This is the most commonly skipped step and one of the most important. A garden hose left connected to an outdoor spigot traps water in the valve, which can freeze, expand, and crack the spigot or the pipe behind it — sometimes inside the wall where you won't discover the damage until spring. Disconnect all hoses, drain them, and store them before the first hard freeze.

If you have frost-free hose bibs, they're designed to self-drain when the hose is disconnected. But they can only do their job if the hose isn't attached. Check each one.

Shut Off and Drain Irrigation Systems

Your in-ground irrigation system needs to be fully winterized before Rochester's temperatures drop. This means shutting off the supply, using compressed air to blow out water from every zone, and ensuring the backflow preventer is properly protected. Water left in the lines will freeze, and cracked irrigation pipes and a damaged backflow preventer are expensive spring surprises.

If you're not comfortable doing this yourself, a plumber can winterize the system properly in a single visit.

Know Where Your Main Water Shutoff Is

Every homeowner in this region should know exactly where their main water shutoff valve is and be able to operate it quickly. If a pipe freezes and bursts, the first thing you need to do is shut off water to the entire house. Hunting for that valve while water pours into your basement is not the time to figure it out.

Locate it now, make sure it operates smoothly, and show every adult in your household where it is.

Insulate Exposed Pipes in Unheated Spaces

Pipes running through unheated spaces — garages, crawl spaces, attics, and exterior walls — are the most vulnerable to freezing. Foam pipe insulation is inexpensive and easy to install. Wrap any exposed pipes in these areas before winter. Pay particular attention to pipes on exterior walls and any pipes near windows or doors.

Keep the Heat On, Even When You're Away

If you're leaving for a vacation or extended period during winter, resist the temptation to turn the heat down to 55 degrees. While that may seem fine, pipes inside exterior walls or in unheated spaces can freeze even when interior temperatures are in the high fifties. A better practice is to keep the heat at a minimum of 60 degrees and turn off the main water supply if you'll be away for an extended period.

Service Your Water Heater Before the Season

Winter is when your water heater works hardest. Incoming cold water temperatures drop significantly in Rochester winters — sometimes into the low forties — which means your water heater has to work harder to raise it to your desired temperature. A water heater that's already struggling with sediment buildup or an aging heating element may not make it through a hard winter without failing. A quick inspection before the season can catch problems early.

What to Do If a Pipe Freezes

If you turn on a faucet and nothing comes out, or only a trickle flows, you likely have a frozen pipe. Turn off the main water shutoff first — if the pipe has already cracked, keeping pressure on it will cause it to flood when it thaws. Then apply gentle heat using a heating pad or hair dryer, starting from the faucet end and working back toward the cold section. Never use an open flame.

If you can't locate the frozen section or aren't comfortable addressing it, call a plumber. Attempting to thaw a pipe incorrectly can cause it to burst.

For winter plumbing preparation or emergency service throughout Rochester and surrounding communities, call John Lockwood Plumbing at (585) 265-0736.