Winter’s Coming! Time to Cozy Up and Winterize
When those chilly winds sneak into Wake County and the temps dip, your plumbing system can get caught off guard. As your friendly local plumbing experts, Matthew’s Plumbing Solutions is here to walk you through the steps to get your home ready—so you avoid cold-weather surprises, frozen pipes, or bigger issues later on.
Why winterizing matters even in Raleigh
Yes, we may not get the deep freezes like further north, but when the temperature drops or cold snaps hit, you still face a real risk of pipe damage, water heater strain, and unexpected system shocks. A little prep now means fewer headaches, fewer emergency calls, and better comfort all season long.
1. Protect exposed pipes and outdoor spigots
First up: check any pipes that run along exterior walls, in uninsulated spaces (garage, crawlspace, attic), or outdoor faucets.
- Disconnect garden hoses and shut off the outdoor spigot if possible, then drain it.
- For exposed interior piping along outside walls, wrap them with foam sleeves or heat-tape (just follow the product instructions).
- If you have a rarely used space that gets cold, consider keeping the door open slightly so warmth circulates.
2. Inspect your water heater and service it
Your hot-water system does double duty in winter—keeping you comfortable and protecting your plumbing from cold sides. At Matthew’s Plumbing Solutions, we specialize in water heater installs and repairs, including tankless systems.
- Drain a few gallons from the tank to flush sediment (this boosts efficiency).
- Check the temperature setting: around 120°F is safe and efficient.
- Make sure the area around the heater is clear so it can vent properly and so there’s no freezing risk around the unit.
3. Check and reinforce insulation
Insulation keeps heat in and cold out—for your pipes, but also for your home’s plumbing performance.
- Examine insulation around pipes in attics, basements, crawlspaces. Consider adding extra insulation if it’s thin or missing.
- Make sure your home’s HVAC & plumbing-adjacent rooms are getting enough heat. Even an unfinished space matters.
- If you have a water line running through an exterior wall or beneath your home, ask a pro to inspect and add protective insulation or reroute it if needed.
4. Monitor water pressure and flow
Cold weather can make leaks or weak spots more likely to show up. Before deeper winter sets in:
- Check faucets and fixtures for drips or slow flow.
- If a sink or toilet seems to run longer than usual, that could signal an underlying issue.
- We handle general repairs, water line fixes, drain issues, and make sure your plumbing system stays healthy.
Taking care of small issues now pays off big later.
5. Know where your shut-off valves are
If a pipe does freeze or burst, you’ll thank yourself for knowing where the main shut-off valve is located—and making sure it works.
- Locate the main water shut-off and test it briefly.
- Tell anyone else in the household.
- Consider shutting off water to unused rooms/spaces if you have guest areas, second floors, or seldom-used bathrooms.
6. When to call in a pro
Some tasks you can handle yourself (like wrapping pipes or draining hoses). But there are moments when calling Matthew’s Plumbing Solutions is the smart move:
- You suspect a crack or leak in a hidden pipe under the slab or behind drywall.
- Your water heater is old, showing signs of failure, or has had minimal maintenance.
- You’ve got low water pressure, strange noises, or persistent minor leaks.
Because we’re local, we respond fast with honest communication and quality workmanship you can count on.
Bonus Tips from your expert Raleigh plumber
- Run your faucets on the cold side for just a minute once a week during a deep freeze to keep water moving.
- Keep cabinet doors open beneath sinks on exterior walls so heat from the room reaches the pipes.
- If you have a vacation house or are heading out for a long weekend and expect a hard freeze, set your thermostat no lower than 55°F and ask someone to check on the house.
If you’re a homeowner in Raleigh or the Triangle area and want a professional check-up or some help getting winter-ready, just reach out to us. At Matthew’s Plumbing Solutions, we’re committed to transparent communication, skilled professionalism, and fast response times.
Reach us online or call 919-525-1894 and we’ll help protect your home, your plumbing, and your peace of mind.
Here’s to a comfortable and worry-free winter season!