How to Winterize Your Home’s Plumbing System in Ohio

Avoid Burst Pipes with These Straightforward Tips from a Local Pro

When winter rolls into Ohio, especially places like Grove City, Hilliard, or Westerville, one of the biggest threats to your home is frozen pipes. A burst pipe isn’t just a plumbing issue—it can flood your walls, ruin your floors, and rack up thousands in water damage. Trust me, we see it every season.

So let’s talk about how to winterize your home’s plumbing system the right way.

Why Winterizing Matters

Frozen water expands. That expansion creates pressure inside your pipes. When that pressure has nowhere to go, the pipe bursts. If it’s in a ceiling or wall, you won’t know it until the water starts pouring down.

Winterizing your plumbing isn’t just for when you leave town—it’s for anyone who wants to protect their home through a hard Ohio freeze.

Step-by-Step: How to Winterize Your Plumbing

Here’s what we do in homes around Columbus every winter:

1. Shut Off and Drain Outdoor Faucets

• Disconnect hoses and drain them.

• Turn off the shutoff valve inside your home (usually near where the pipe exits the wall).

• Open the outdoor spigot to let it drain fully.

• Install an insulated faucet cover.

2. Insulate Pipes in Unheated Spaces

• Use foam pipe insulation or heat tape in places like:

  • Crawl spaces

  • Garages

  • Attics

  • Exterior walls

• Pay extra attention to elbows, valves, and tees.

3. Seal Up Cold Air Leaks

• Check around pipes where they enter your home.

• Use spray foam or caulk to block drafts.

• This keeps pipes and your whole house warmer.

4. Let Faucets Drip on Frigid Nights

• A slow drip keeps water moving, which helps prevent freezing.

• Focus on sinks near exterior walls.

5. Know Where Your Main Shutoff Is

• If a pipe bursts, seconds count.

• Make sure everyone in the house knows where it is and how to turn it off.

For Vacant or Seasonal Homes

If your home will sit empty:

• Shut off the main water supply.

• Open all faucets and drain the system.

• Flush toilets and add RV antifreeze to the bowls and traps.

• Drain your water heater per manufacturer instructions.

A Real Example from Grove City

Last December, we helped a family on Parlin Drive whose second-floor bathroom pipe froze, then burst. Water ran for hours. Ceiling collapse, ruined hardwoods—the works. If the outdoor faucet had been winterized and the attic pipes insulated, we wouldn’t have been there.

They told us, “We had no idea that could happen so fast.” Now they do. And so do you.

When to Call a Pro

If you’re not sure what to do—or if you’ve already had a freeze—call a licensed contractor. We’ve got the gear and know-how to:

• Inspect for hidden leaks

• Add heat tape safely

• Drain systems properly

At Total Home Water Restoration, we’ve winterized hundreds of homes across Franklin County and beyond. It’s part of keeping your home safe, year-round.

Need Help Winterizing?

We’re here for Grove City, Columbus, Dublin, and surrounding areas. Call Tyler Zimmerman today for honest, real-world advice and help you can trust.

Phone: 380-246-1837
Address: 4141 Hoover Rd, Grove City, OH 43123

FAQs

Q: Do I need to winterize if I’m staying home?
Yes. Pipes in cold spots can still freeze even if you’re home and running the heat.

Q: How much does professional winterization cost?
Most jobs run between $150–$500 depending on home size and complexity.

Q: Can heat tape be dangerous?
Yes, if installed improperly. Always follow manufacturer instructions or let a licensed pro do it.