Top Winter Tips for Your Home's Plumbing
At JR Snider Water Care & Plumbing, we’ve seen it all — from frozen outdoor faucets that burst overnight to water heaters pushed to their limits during a cold snap. But here’s the good news: with a little preparation and professional care, you can keep your plumbing running efficiently and your home protected all winter long.
Below, our experts share the best ways to winter-proof your plumbing system before the next cold front hits:
Protect Your Pipes This Winter
When temperatures drop, protect your pipes from freezing and bursting!
Insulate exposed pipes in crawl spaces, basements, and attics to keep them warm.
Open cabinet doors under sinks to let warm air circulate, and let faucets drip slightly on frigid nights to keep water moving.
Pro tip: Even a small trickle of water can prevent major damage and expensive repairs later on.
Keep Winter From Wreaking Havoc on Your Plumbing!
Disconnect and drain all outdoor hoses, and shut off water to exterior faucets.
This simple step prevents leftover water from freezing in the line — a leading cause of burst pipes that can lead to major water damage and costly repairs.
If possible, install insulated faucet covers on outdoor spigots for an extra layer of protection.
Service Your Water Heater
Your water heater works extra hard in the winter months. Flushing the tank removes sediment buildup that reduces efficiency.
If your system is older or struggling to keep up, a JR Snider technician can inspect it and recommend whether maintenance or replacement is the best option.
Maintain a Steady Indoor Temperature
Even when you’re away, keep your thermostat set no lower than 55°F.
A consistent indoor temperature prevents hidden pipes behind walls or under floors from freezing solid.
Know Where Your Main Shut-Off Valve Is
If a pipe bursts, you’ll want to shut off your water immediately.
Locate your main shut-off valve and make sure everyone in your household knows how to use it — it can save you thousands in damage.
Schedule a Winter Plumbing Inspection
Before freezing temperatures set in, schedule a JR Snider plumbing inspection.
Our licensed technicians will check your pipes, water heater, and overall system for weak points — helping you prevent emergencies before they start.
Stay Ahead of Winter’s Chill with JR Snider
Winter plumbing problems are avoidable with a little preparation and professional care.
If you suspect a leak, see slow drainage, or want peace of mind before the deep freeze hits, we’re here to help.
The JR Snider Difference
We’ve been proudly serving our neighbors in Northern Virginia for over 30 years, providing trusted plumbing, water treatment, and well pump services with honesty, quality, and care. Our technicians are licensed, experienced, and genuinely passionate about helping you protect your home.
At JR Snider, we don’t just fix plumbing problems — we prevent them. That’s what it means when we say, “We Know Water.”
Stay Ahead of Winter’s Chill
Don’t wait until the first freeze to protect your plumbing. Whether you need a quick inspection, a water heater tune-up, or an emergency repair, JR Snider Water Care & Plumbing is ready to help.
