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How to Winterize a House: A Checklist for Pipes, Heat and Outdoors

Updated October 31, 2026 · General information, not plumbing or legal advice

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The short answer: Start with the pipes: disconnect and drain hoses, cover faucets, drain sprinkler lines, insulate exposed pipes and learn where the main water valve is. Then service your heat sources, seal air leaks, and clear the gutters and roof. Do it in fall, before a hard freeze.

Safety first. Never thaw a pipe with a torch or any open flame. They are a fire hazard and can release deadly carbon monoxide. Keep electrical cords away from water, and stay out of rooms where water is near outlets, panels or appliances.

Pipes and water

Disconnect and drain hoses, then cover outdoor faucets (FEMA, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension). See the faucet cover guide.
Drain pool and sprinkler supply lines following the installer's directions. Do not use antifreeze in them (Texas A&M AgriLife Extension). See how to winterize a sprinkler system.
Insulate exposed pipes in basements, crawl spaces, attics, garages and exterior walls, or use UL-listed heat tape (Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, FEMA). See the pipe insulation guide.
Keep the furnace at 55°F or higher (FEMA).
Learn where the main water valve is (FEMA, Illinois Extension).
Consider leak protection. FEMA says water-leak sensors, emergency pressure release valves and automatic water shutoffs can help save your house from massive damage due to a burst pipe.
Close foundation vents if it stays below freezing for a long time, and reopen them when it warms (NC State Extension).

Heat, fire and air

Have heat sources inspected and cleaned every year by a qualified professional, and replace furnace and heat pump filters once a month or as needed (FEMA).
Keep anything that can burn at least three feet from heat sources, and keep vents clean and unobstructed (FEMA).
Install carbon monoxide detectors (battery-powered or battery back-up) and smoke alarms. FEMA says to have CO sensors on each floor and smoke alarms inside each bedroom and on every level.
Seal air leaks. FEMA says to caulk and weather-strip doors and windowsills. Illinois Extension says to seal leaks that let cold air in where pipes are located.
Check the fireplace flue damper seal and make it as snug as possible; plug and seal the flue if the fireplace is never used (FEMA).
Check the fuel tank if you have one, and keep tracking levels through winter (FEMA).

Roof, gutters and yard

Inspect the roof for broken, curled or missing shingles and damaged flashing, and clear debris (FEMA).
Clean the gutters and make sure downspouts direct water away from the foundation (FEMA).
Insulate the attic. FEMA says a properly insulated attic can lower energy bills and help guard against ice dams.

Hire licensed pros for gas, electrical and plumbing work, and check local codes before you change anything.

Will your pipes freeze tonight?

Answer four quick questions about tonight's low, where your pipes run, insulation and heat setting. Get a risk level and a short to-do list.

Open the freeze risk checker

Protect the pipes before the next cold snap

Pipe sleeves and UL-listed heat cable are the products Red Cross and extension services point to for exposed pipes. Read the label and follow the maker's instructions.

How to choose and use them See pipe insulation and faucet covers See UL-listed heat cable

Related guides

Common questions

When should I winterize my house?

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension says to prepare while the climate is warm, before a hard freeze. We did not find a source that gives one date for every region.

What temperature should I keep the furnace at?

FEMA says to keep the furnace running at 55°F or higher to ensure the home stays above freezing temperatures.

What should I do about the sprinkler system?

Drain the sprinkler supply lines following the installer's directions, and do not put antifreeze in them (Texas A&M AgriLife Extension). See our sprinkler guide.

Do I need to winterize an empty house?

Illinois Extension says that when you are away, either have someone check the house daily to confirm the heat is on, or drain and shut off the water system.

Sources