Fall Plumbing Checklist: 7 Essential Steps Before Winter

As temperatures begin to drop across Toronto and the GTA, fall is the ideal time to prepare your home’s plumbing for winter. A little preventative maintenance now can help reduce the risk of frozen pipes, unexpected leaks and plumbing problems during the coldest months of the year. What should you do to prepare your plumbing for winter? Disconnect garden hoses, protect outdoor faucets, inspect exposed pipes, check for hidden leaks, address slow drains and locate your main water shut-off valve before freezing temperatures arrive. Whether you live in a detached home, townhouse or condominium, these seven fall plumbing tips can help you get your plumbing system ready for the colder weather.
1. Disconnect and Drain Your Garden Hoses
One of the simplest and most important fall plumbing tasks is disconnecting your garden hose from the outdoor faucet. When a hose remains connected during freezing weather, trapped water can freeze and expand. This can put pressure on the outdoor faucet and potentially damage the pipe connected to it inside your home.
What should you do?

• Disconnect all garden hoses from outdoor faucets.

• Drain any remaining water from the hoses.

• Store hoses in a sheltered area.

• Check outdoor faucets for visible leaks or damage.

Even if you have a frost free outdoor faucet, disconnecting the hose is important because a connected hose can prevent the faucet from draining properly. Taking a few minutes to complete this task can help reduce the risk of cold weather plumbing damage.
2. Prepare Your Outdoor Faucets Before Freezing Temperatures arrive. 
Outdoor faucets are particularly vulnerable to freezing temperatures because they connect to plumbing that may extend into colder areas of your home. If your home has an indoor shut off valve for an outdoor faucet, fall is a good time to check whether it needs to be closed before winter.
How do you winterize an outdoor faucet?

1. Disconnect the garden hose.

2. Locate the indoor shut-off valve, if your plumbing system has one.

3. Close the valve according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

4. Open the outdoor faucet to allow remaining water to drain, if applicable.

Some homes have frost free faucets that are designed to drain water away from the exposed section when properly installed and used. Others may require a different winterization process. If you are unsure how your outdoor faucet is configured, a licensed plumber can help determine the appropriate steps.
3. Check Exposed Pipes for Signs of Freezing Risk. 
Pipes located in unheated or poorly insulated areas can be more vulnerable to freezing during prolonged cold weather.
Common areas to inspect include:

• Unfinished basements and crawl spaces.

• Garages with plumbing connections.

• Pipes near exterior walls.

• Areas around basement windows and other cold air entry points.

Look for damaged pipe insulation, visible moisture, corrosion or signs of previous leaks. What can you do to protect exposed pipes? Make sure vulnerable pipes are properly insulated and that cold air is not entering through nearby gaps or openings. Keep garage doors closed when possible if plumbing is located in the garage. During extreme cold, maintaining adequate indoor temperatures can also help reduce the risk of frozen pipes. If you notice frost on a pipe, unusually low water flow or no water coming from a faucet during freezing weather, the pipe may be frozen. Avoid using an open flame to thaw it. If you suspect a frozen or damaged pipe, contact a qualified plumber for assistance.
4. Look for Hidden Leaks Before Winter
A small plumbing leak can go unnoticed for weeks or months, especially when it occurs beneath a sink, behind a fixture or in an area that is rarely checked. Fall is a good time to inspect accessible plumbing connections before colder weather adds another challenge.
Check these areas around your home:

• Under kitchen and bathroom sinks.

• Around toilet bases and water supply connections.

• Near washing machine hoses and connections.

• Around visible water supply pipes.

• Near the main water line where it enters the home, if accessible.

Look for damp spots, water stains, musty odours, corrosion or unexplained moisture. A sudden increase in your water bill may also indicate a leak, particularly if your household’s water use has not changed. If you suspect a hidden leak, professional [leak detection services] can help identify the source and determine what repairs may be needed.
5. Address Slow or Gurgling Drains Before Winter
A slow-draining sink or gurgling toilet may seem like a minor inconvenience, but recurring drainage problems can indicate a partial blockage or another plumbing issue. Fall is a practical time to address these warning signs rather than waiting until a backup disrupts your household.
Common signs of a drainage problem include:

• Water draining slowly from sinks, tubs or showers.

• Gurgling sounds when water drains.

• Water backing up into another fixture.

• Persistent unpleasant odours coming from a drain.

Grease, soap residue, hair and other debris can accumulate inside drainpipes and restrict water flow. Avoid relying on harsh chemical drain cleaners to resolve recurring clogs. They may not remove the underlying blockage and can create additional risks. If a drain keeps slowing down or multiple fixtures are affected, professional [drain cleaning services] can help identify and address the problem.
6. Locate Your Main Water Shut-Off Valve
If a pipe bursts or a major leak occurs, knowing how to shut off your home’s water supply can help limit water damage. The main water shut-off valve is typically located where the water supply line enters the home. Depending on the property, it may be in a basement, utility room or another accessible area.
What should you do before winter?

• Locate the main water shut-off valve.

• Make sure the area around it is accessible.

• Learn how to operate it safely.

• Make sure other household members know where it is.

If the valve is difficult to turn, leaking or appears damaged, have it inspected by a plumber rather than forcing it. Knowing where your shut-off valve is located can make a stressful plumbing emergency easier to manage.
7. Know the Warning Signs of Frozen Pipes
Even with preventative maintenance, pipes can still freeze during periods of extreme cold, particularly in vulnerable areas of a home. Recognizing the warning signs early can help you respond before a pipe becomes damaged.
Signs your pipes may be frozen include:

• Little or no water coming from a faucet.

• A sudden drop in water flow during freezing weather.

• Visible frost or ice on an exposed pipe.

• Unusual noises when you turn on a tap.

If you suspect a frozen pipe, keep the area warm if it is safe to do so, and avoid using an open flame or high-heat device to thaw the pipe. If a pipe is leaking, appears damaged or cannot be safely thawed, contact a plumber. If a pipe bursts, shut off the main water supply if you can do so safely and arrange for professional assistance. For significant water line concerns, [water line repair and replacement services] may be needed, depending on the location and extent of the damage.
Frequently Asked Questions About Fall Plumbing Maintenance

When should I prepare my plumbing for winter in Toronto?
🍁 Start your fall plumbing checklist before the first freezing temperatures arrive. Disconnect garden hoses, prepare outdoor faucets and inspect exposed pipes early in the season.

Can leaving a garden hose connected cause a pipe to freeze?
🍁 Yes. A connected hose can trap water and prevent some outdoor faucets from draining properly, increasing the risk of freezing and damage.

How do I know if my pipes are at risk of freezing?
🍁 Pipes in unheated spaces, garages, crawl spaces and exterior walls may be more vulnerable. Poor insulation and exposure to cold air can increase the risk.
What should I do if I think a pipe is frozen?
🍁 Watch for reduced or absent water flow and visible frost. Avoid open flames and contact a qualified plumber if the pipe cannot be safely thawed or appears damaged.
Who should I call for a plumbing leak before winter?
🍁 A qualified plumber can inspect the affected plumbing, identify the source of the leak and recommend the appropriate repair. If a pipe bursts, shut off the water supply if safe and seek prompt assistance.

Get Your Plumbing Ready for Winter Fall is the right time to take care of small plumbing concerns before freezing temperatures arrive. Disconnecting hoses, protecting exposed pipes, checking for leaks and addressing recurring drainage problems can help prepare your home for the colder months. If you notice a leak, recurring clog, water line issue or other plumbing concern, The Great Plumbing Co. can help you understand the problem and the repair options available. We provide upfront flat-fee pricing, so you know the cost before the work begins.

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