Cold-Weather Guide

Winterize Your Well & Plumbing (Before Jack Frost Does It For You)

When temps drop, unheated/seasonal homes and even year-round houses can end up with frozen lines, cracked fittings, and a surprise indoor fountain show. Here’s a clean, step-by-step plan to keep water flowing and repairs off your to-do list.

Hire a pro if you can. A licensed plumber or well contractor is your safest bet. Doing it yourself? Follow the checklist below carefully and when in doubt—pause and call.

Why Winterizing Matters

  • Frozen pipes block flow and can burst under pressure—copper, PEX, PVC, no favorites.
  • Your well system is vulnerable: well pump, pressure tank, switches, and fittings don’t like ice.
  • Repairs are pricey, and a freeze during a cold snap can leave you without water when you need it most.

Seasonal Home? Do This Before the First Hard Freeze

  1. Shut off the main water supply to the house.
  2. Open every faucet (hot & cold) and drain fixtures—sinks, showers, tubs, hose bibs.
  3. Toilets: flush, then drain tanks & bowls. Add non-toxic RV/Marine antifreeze to traps and bowls as labeled.
  4. Water heater: power/gas OFF, then drain per the manufacturer’s instructions.
  5. Well system:
    • Cut power to the well pump at the breaker.
    • Open low-point drains and relieve pressure safely.
    • Drain filters, softeners, UV housings, and other treatment equipment as the manuals specify.
  6. Cabinet doors open: leave vanity/kitchen sink doors ajar so residual warmth can reach pipes.

If a Sudden Cold Snap Hits

  • Insulate the wellhead temporarily with dry towels/blankets. Avoid trapping moisture on electrical components.
  • Mark your well location near driveways or plow routes to protect the wellhead from snow equipment.
  • Drip strategy: for occupied homes, allow a slow drip on at-risk lines to keep water moving.
  • Pump house/garage: use a thermostatically controlled heater (rated for the space) to maintain safe, low heat.
Upgrade idea—Pitless Adapter: Have your well contractor install one to connect the service line below the frost line for a frost-proof, sanitary seal.

Quick Checklist

  • ✅ Main valve off; drains and faucets open
  • ✅ Well pump & water heater OFF; water heater drained
  • ✅ Toilets & traps winterized (RV/Marine antifreeze)
  • ✅ Filters/softeners/UV units drained per manuals
  • ✅ Wellhead protected & clearly marked; consider a pitless adapter

When to Call a Professional

If anything has already frozen, you’re unsure how to depressurize safely, or you have complex treatment equipment, contact a licensed pro immediately. Fast action can prevent bigger damage.

Get Winterizing Help

This guide is general information. Always follow equipment manuals and local codes. If something looks risky, pause and call a pro.