Cold Weather Being Prepared

⚠️ Important Homeowner Reminder

Homeowner maintenance is required to protect your home during cold weather.

Any damage that results from failure to take preventative measures may not be covered under your home warranty.

If you need help locating shutoffs or have questions about your home’s systems, contact our team before the freeze begins.

✅ Quick Checklist (Do These First)

• Cover all exterior hose bibs / outdoor faucets
• Disconnect hoses and store them indoors
• Open sink cabinet doors (especially on exterior walls)
• Set thermostats to 68° or higher and keep interior doors open for airflow
• Drip faucets (see guidance below)
• Know where your main water shutoff is
• If you have an outdoor-mounted tankless water heater, review the freeze steps below
• Switch to Emergency Heat if equipped and temperature is below 38° F

💧 Drip Guidance

When temperatures are expected to reach freezing:

• Drip both hot and cold water from the faucet farthest from your water heater.
• A steady drip is usually sufficient.
• During severe freezes or extreme wind chills, use a small stream instead of a drip.

🚰 Exterior Hose Bibs (Outdoor Faucets)

Exterior faucets are one of the most common freeze-damage points.

What to do:

• Install an insulated faucet cover on every exterior hose bib.
• Make sure the cover seals tightly.
• Disconnect hoses and splitters.

🍳 Outdoor Kitchen / Exterior Sink

If your home has an outdoor kitchen sink, take these steps before a freeze:

1. Locate the hot and cold shutoff valves (often inside a nearby cabinet).
2. Turn both shutoffs OFF.
3. Open the exterior faucet to drain remaining water.
4. Leave the faucet OPEN until temperatures rise.

🌿 Sprinkler System / Backflow

Sprinkler components exposed outside can freeze and crack.

Recommended steps:

• Turn off irrigation at the controller.
• Winterize backflow device and drain system.
• Insulate any exposed plumbing or backflow device.

Video:

🔧 Know Your Main Water Shutoff

Every homeowner should know where the main water shutoff valve is located.

In many homes, it is typically found:

• Near the water meter
• On an exterior wall near where water enters the home
• In a garage wall box (depending on layout)

⚡ If Power Goes Out During a Freeze

If your power goes out and temperatures are at or below freezing, your plumbing is at higher risk.

If power is OFF and freezing temperatures continue:

• Keep faucets dripping (if water pressure is available).
• Open cabinet doors under sinks.
• Keep interior doors open for airflow and maintain indoor heat if possible.

If power may remain off for an extended period: The safest option is to shut off water and drain the system to reduce the risk of burst pipes and interior flooding.

🔥 Tankless Water Heaters (Outdoor Units)

If your home has a tankless water heater mounted outside, follow the steps below. Even units with built-in freeze protection can be damaged during prolonged freezes—especially if power is lost.

NAVIEN Outdoor Tankless (Freeze Protection)

If you will be home and power is ON:

• Maintain power to the unit.
• Keep the thermostat set to 68° or higher.
• Drip hot water during freezing temperatures.
• Insulate any exposed exterior piping connected to the unit.
• Ensure airflow around the unit is not blocked.

If you are leaving town: The safest option is to turn off and drain the unit.

Basic steps:

1. Turn off the cold water supply to the unit.
2. Turn off the hot water outlet (if equipped).
3. Turn off the gas supply to the unit.
4. Open hot water faucets inside to relieve pressure.
5. Drain the unit from the service valves (if applicable).

If you are unsure or uncomfortable performing these steps, contact a licensed plumber.

RINNAI Tankless (Freeze Protection)

Rinnai units typically include freeze protection when power is maintained. However, no system can prevent freezing during extended outages or extreme conditions.

Before a freeze:

• Maintain power to the unit.
• Insulate exposed exterior pipes.
• Drip hot water during freezing temperatures.

Manufacturer guidance: