Prepare exposed plumbing before winter and give residents a clear, property-specific plan for a cold snap.
A freeze plan starts before the forecast: find the pipes most exposed to cold, protect them where you can, and make sure residents know exactly what to do if temperatures drop. The Red Cross identifies outdoor lines, unheated spaces, and pipes along poorly insulated exterior walls as common trouble spots.
Treat this as a property-preparation routine, not a request for residents to inspect hidden plumbing or make repairs. A simple map, a working heat plan, and one clear message can prevent last-minute guesswork.
Map the vulnerable plumbing
Before winter, walk the accessible basement, crawlspace, attic, garage, and areas under kitchen and bathroom sinks. Note visible water lines near exterior walls, where the water service enters, and which indoor valves control outdoor faucets. Mark the main water shutoff and keep the notes with the property records. Do not open walls or reach into an unsafe space to trace a line.
Disconnect, drain, and store outdoor hoses. Check the fixture instructions or ask a plumber how the outdoor faucet should be shut off and drained; designs differ, so do not force an unfamiliar valve. Have sprinkler or pool supply lines winterized according to the installer’s or manufacturer’s directions. The Red Cross advises against adding antifreeze to those lines unless directed to do so.
Protect pipes and confirm the heat plan
Insulate accessible exposed water pipes in unheated areas and seal drafts that let cold air reach plumbing. If a line is concealed, already damaged, or difficult to reach, ask a qualified plumber to recommend the right work. Keep garage doors closed when water lines run through the garage.
Before cold weather, confirm that the heating system works and decide who will respond if it stops. The Red Cross recommends keeping the thermostat steady through the day and night and leaving heat on during a winter absence. Choose and write down a setting for this particular home with local guidance in mind; pipe locations, heating systems, utility advice, and local requirements vary. Include a plan for checking a vacant unit.
Give residents a clear cold-weather message
Send a short notice before the first hard freeze. Name the affected sinks if their pipes are on an exterior wall, and ask residents to open those cabinet doors during very cold weather so warmer room air can reach the plumbing. If your plumber or local utility recommends a dripping faucet for this home, identify the exact cold-water faucet and when to use it rather than asking residents to leave every tap running.
Tell residents to keep heat at the setting in your written plan, report a heating outage or extended absence promptly, and use the normal or after-hours contact for a sudden loss of water flow or any leak. They should not try to thaw plumbing with a torch or open flame, open a wall, or repair a concealed pipe. A suspected frozen or burst line needs prompt reporting; arrange a qualified professional for hazardous, inaccessible, or damaged plumbing. If water is near electrical equipment, residents should stay clear and follow the property’s emergency instructions.
- Map accessible exposed lines, outdoor-faucet controls, and the main shutoff.
- Drain and store hoses; arrange system-specific winterization for irrigation or pool lines.
- Insulate exposed pipes, seal cold drafts, and schedule professional help for hidden or damaged lines.
- Confirm heat works and write down the property’s cold-weather and vacant-unit plan.
- Send residents the unit-specific instructions and the right urgent contact before the forecast turns severe.
These are general prevention steps, not a universal code or a substitute for local instructions. Check the local water utility, equipment manuals, and a qualified plumber for this property’s shutoffs and winterization. Local rules and lease responsibilities can differ, so confirm those for your area instead of relying on a temperature number copied from another place.
Sources and further guidance
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