Winterizing a Lititz-Area Home Before the First Freeze

When to Winterize in the Lititz Area

The first frost in the Lititz and Hershey area typically arrives in mid to late October, with the first hard freeze following in November. However, Lancaster County has seen hard freezes as early as mid-October and as late as early December. The safest approach is to complete your winterizing tasks by mid-October so you are prepared regardless of when cold weather arrives.

Winterizing is not just about protecting against a single freeze event. It is about preparing your entire plumbing system for months of sub-freezing temperatures, freeze-thaw cycles, and the stress that winter places on pipes, fixtures, and water heaters.

Outdoor Plumbing Checklist

Disconnect Garden Hoses

This is the single most overlooked winterizing step, and it is one of the most common causes of frozen pipe damage. When a garden hose remains connected to an outdoor hose bib, water trapped between the shutoff valve and the hose cannot drain. When that water freezes, it expands and can crack the valve body or the pipe behind it. The damage often goes unnoticed until spring when you turn the water on and find a leak inside the wall.

Disconnect all garden hoses, drain them, and store them in a garage or shed. Even frost-free hose bibs can freeze if a hose is left attached.

Shut Off and Drain Outdoor Supply Lines

If your outdoor faucets have dedicated shutoff valves inside the house, close them and then open the outdoor faucets to drain any remaining water from the line. Leave the outdoor faucet open so any residual water can expand without building pressure.

Drain Irrigation Systems

If you have an in-ground sprinkler or irrigation system, have it professionally blown out with compressed air before the first freeze. Water left in irrigation lines and sprinkler heads will freeze and crack the fittings. A professional blowout costs $75 to $150 and prevents hundreds of dollars in spring repair costs.

Insulate Outdoor Pipes and Fixtures

Outdoor pipes, well houses, and exposed supply lines should be wrapped with foam pipe insulation at minimum. For extreme cold protection, add heat tape beneath the insulation. Cover outdoor faucets with insulated hose bib covers, available at any hardware store for a few dollars each.

Indoor Plumbing Checklist

Insulate Pipes in Unheated Spaces

Walk through your basement, crawl space, attic, and garage and identify any exposed water supply lines. Wrap them with foam pipe insulation. Pay special attention to:

- Pipes running along exterior walls - Pipes in unheated crawl spaces and attics - Pipes near windows, vents, or any source of cold air infiltration - The cold water inlet on your water heater if it is in an unheated space

Install Heat Tape Where Needed

For pipes in areas that consistently drop below freezing despite insulation -- such as poorly insulated crawl spaces, unheated additions, or pipes routed through exterior walls -- self-regulating heat tape provides active protection. This tape adjusts its heat output based on the surrounding temperature, running at full power during cold snaps and reducing output as temperatures rise.

Heat tape should be installed according to the manufacturer's instructions and connected to a GFCI-protected outlet. Inspect existing heat tape annually for damage, fraying, or burn marks.

Seal Air Leaks

Cold air infiltration is often the reason pipes freeze even in heated spaces. Check for gaps and cracks around:

- Rim joists where floor framing meets the foundation wall - Pipe penetrations through exterior walls and foundation - Dryer vents, exhaust fans, and other wall penetrations - Basement windows and door frames

Seal gaps with expanding foam, caulk, or weatherstripping. A quarter-inch crack near a pipe run can channel enough cold air to freeze the pipe even when the room is heated.

Prepare Your Water Heater

Winter is when your water heater works hardest. Incoming water temperatures drop from 55 to 65 degrees in summer to 35 to 45 degrees in winter, meaning the heater must raise the water temperature an additional 10 to 20 degrees for every gallon it heats.

- **Flush the tank** to remove sediment that reduces heating efficiency. This is especially important in Lancaster County's hard water, which deposits heavy scale. - **Check the anode rod** and replace it if it is more than 50 percent depleted. The anode rod protects the tank lining from corrosion. - **Insulate the hot water pipes** leaving the heater to reduce heat loss during the long runs to distant fixtures. - **Consider insulating the tank** if it is in an unheated space. A water heater insulation blanket costs $20 to $40 and can reduce standby heat loss.

Check Your Sump Pump

The sump pump protects your basement from flooding during spring thaw, but it needs to be functioning before winter arrives. Test it by pouring water into the pit until the float activates the pump. Verify that the discharge line is clear and that water flows freely to the discharge point. If your discharge line runs to the surface outside, check that the outlet is not blocked by leaves, debris, or soil.

Install or test a battery backup system so the pump operates during winter power outages.

When You Leave for Winter Travel

If you leave your Lititz or Hershey area home for an extended period during winter:

- Keep the thermostat set to at least 55 degrees Fahrenheit. - Open cabinet doors under sinks on exterior walls. - Have a trusted neighbor or friend check on the house every day or two during cold snaps. - Consider installing a smart water leak detector that sends alerts to your phone.

For winterizing help or to schedule a pre-winter plumbing inspection, call Lititz Hometown Plumbing at (831) 290-4327. We serve the Lititz and Hershey areas with seasonal plumbing maintenance.