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Winterizing Your Home to Avoid Water Damage

Last updated October 25, 2026

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The short answer

Drain and Disconnect Outdoor Water

Before temperatures drop, disconnect and drain garden hoses. Store them indoors to prevent cracking. Close the outdoor faucet's shutoff valve if you have one, then open the faucet to let remaining water drain out. Leave it open until spring so any trapped water has room to expand without breaking the pipe.

If your home has an irrigation system, drain the lines or have a pro blow them out with compressed air. This prevents underground pipes from freezing and splitting. For pools and spas, follow the manufacturer's winterizing steps or hire a local water damage pro for advice. These simple steps stop the most common winter leaks.

  • Disconnect garden hoses and store them inside
  • Close shutoff valves for outdoor faucets and drain the line
  • Drain irrigation lines or schedule a blowout service
  • Winterize pool and spa equipment per instructions
  • Check outdoor faucets for drips and repair washers now

Protect Pipes Inside Your Home

Pipes in unheated areas like crawlspaces, attics, and garages are most at risk. Insulate them with foam pipe sleeves or heat tape. Keep garage doors closed if water lines run through the garage. Open cabinet doors under sinks on very cold nights to let warm air reach the pipes.

Let a thin stream of water run from faucets during extreme cold if you have a history of freezing. This keeps water moving and reduces pressure buildup. If you leave for several days, set your thermostat to at least 55 degrees Fahrenheit, even if you normally lower it. This small cost prevents burst pipes and major water damage.

  • Insulate pipes in crawlspace, attic, and garage
  • Keep garage doors closed if pipes run through
  • Open cabinet doors under sinks on freezing nights
  • Run a slow drip during extreme cold if needed
  • Keep thermostat at 55 degrees when away

Seal Air Leaks and Drafts

Cold air entering through gaps around windows, doors, and utility penetrations can freeze nearby pipes. Use caulk or spray foam to seal gaps around pipes, vents, and cables. Install door sweeps on exterior doors and weatherstripping on windows. This keeps warm air in and cold air out.

Pay extra attention to the rim joist area in your basement or crawlspace. This is where the floor meets the foundation wall. Seal any gaps with caulk or foam. If you live in Eden Prairie, keep your shutoff valve location written down so you can act quickly if a leak starts.

Clear Gutters and Downspouts

Ice dams form when snow melts on a warm roof and refreezes at the eaves. This trapped water can back up under shingles and leak into your attic. Before winter, clean leaves and debris from gutters and downspouts. Make sure downspouts direct water at least 5 feet away from your foundation.

Consider installing gutter guards or heat cables along the roof edge if you have recurring ice dams. These help prevent ice buildup. Also check your roof for loose or missing shingles and repair them now. A small roof leak can become a large water damage problem during snowmelt.

Know Your Shutoff Valve and Emergency Steps

Locate your main water shutoff valve and make sure it works. Label it clearly so any household member can find it in an emergency. If a pipe bursts, shutting off the water quickly limits damage. Also know where the valve is for your outdoor faucets and any irrigation system.

If you suspect a frozen pipe, turn on the faucet to relieve pressure and use a hair dryer or space heater to warm the pipe slowly. Never use an open flame. If you notice water damage from a leak, dry the area and call a local water damage pro for help. They can inspect and repair the damage properly.

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Frequently asked questions

What temperature should I keep my house to prevent frozen pipes?

Set your thermostat to at least 55 degrees Fahrenheit when you are away. This keeps interior pipes warm enough to avoid freezing. For unheated areas, add pipe insulation or heat tape. During extreme cold, let a faucet drip to keep water moving.

How do I prevent ice dams on my roof?

Keep gutters clean and ensure downspouts drain away from the house. Improve attic insulation and ventilation to keep the roof surface cold and even. If ice dams recur, consider heat cables along the eaves. Remove snow with a roof rake after heavy storms.

What should I do if a pipe freezes anyway?

Turn off the main water valve immediately. Open the affected faucet to relieve pressure. Thaw the pipe slowly with a hair dryer or space heater, never an open flame. If you see cracks or water damage, call the pros for repair and drying.

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