Make it safe
Disconnect hoses and protect exposed piping before freezing weather.
All guides
Greg’s field guide
Seasonal Tips
Prepare outdoor plumbing, vacation shutoffs, and weather-sensitive fixtures.
13
First, understand the job.
Ten quiet minutes before a freeze or long trip can prevent a very loud insurance claim.
Step by step
Do it in this order.
Find the actual problem
Know the location of the main shutoff and make sure it turns.
Make the repair
Inspect irrigation, hose bibs, and condensate drains seasonally.
Test your work
Before travel, address active leaks and set the water heater according to its instructions.
One last check
Dry everything, run the fixture more than once, and look again in ten minutes. A tiny drip now becomes cabinet damage later.