5 Winter Plumbing Tips to Protect Your Home This December
5 Winter Plumbing Tips to Protect Your Home This December
As temperatures drop in Georgia, your plumbing system faces extra stress — from frozen pipes to overworked water heaters. Taking a few preventive steps now can help you avoid expensive repairs this winter. Here are five essential December plumbing tips to keep your home running smoothly.
1. Insulate Exposed Pipes Before the Cold Hits
Pipes in unheated areas — crawl spaces, garages, basements, and outdoor walls — are the first to freeze. Add foam insulation or heat tape to reduce the risk of bursting.
If you discover a frozen or leaking pipe, our team can help quickly. Learn more about our General Plumbing Repairs
.
2. Flush Your Water Heater for Better Performance
Your water heater works harder in winter. Sediment buildup can lower efficiency and increase the chance of failure.
If your water heater is struggling to keep up, visit our Water Heater Repair & Replacement
page to see how we can help.
3. Let Faucets Drip During Freezing Nights
A slow drip relieves pressure in your pipes and helps prevent freezing. This small step can save you from a costly burst pipe emergency.
Need immediate help? Call us for Emergency Plumbing Service
4. Check Outdoor Faucets & Disconnect Hoses
Leaving hoses attached can trap water in the faucet and cause freezing inside the pipe. Disconnect hoses and use insulated covers to protect the connection.
If a faucet isn’t shutting off properly or is leaking, our Leak Detection & Repair
service is available year-round.
5. Avoid Holiday Drain Clogs
Between cooking, guests, and extra showers, December puts a heavy load on drains.
Avoid grease in the kitchen sink, use a screen in the shower, and remind guests to avoid flushing anything other than toilet paper.
Already dealing with slow or clogged drains? See our Drain Cleaning Services
.
🎄 Final Thoughts
Winter plumbing issues can escalate quickly, especially when holiday schedules get busy. If you run into any trouble — from frozen pipes to water heater failures — Buffington’s Plumbing is here to help.
Family-owned. Local. Reliable. Serving Brooks, Griffin, Fayetteville, Peachtree City, Newnan & Zebulon.




