Winter is coming—and while you’re stocking up on blankets, hot cocoa, and perhaps planning a holiday movie marathon, your outdoor plumbing is shivering in the cold. At Midwest Certified Insurance Agency, we’ve seen what happens when pipes get chilly… and trust us, it’s not festive.

Before temperatures dip, take a few simple steps to keep your plumbing safe, your wallet happy, and your winter stress-free.

❄️ Why Bother Winterizing?

When water freezes, it expands—kind of like how your favorite fluffy coat suddenly feels two sizes smaller after Thanksgiving.
That expansion can crack or burst pipes, causing leaks, water damage, and surprise repair bills. Winterizing your outdoor plumbing keeps things flowing and prevents unwanted claims on your homeowners policy.

🛠️ 5 Easy Ways to Show Your Plumbing Some Winter Love

1. Break Up With Your Garden Hose

It’s time to say goodbye—temporarily. Disconnect your hoses, drain them, and store them somewhere warm-ish. Leaving them out could cause both the hose and the faucet to freeze. Plus, hoses deserve a break too.

2. Shut Off the Outdoor Water

Find the valve that controls your exterior faucets and turn it off. Then turn those outdoor spigots on to drain out the extra water. Think of it as letting your pipes exhale before they settle in for winter.

3. Dress Your Faucets in Sweaters

Okay, not real sweaters… but insulated covers! Pop them on your faucets to help keep icy temperatures out. If you want to level up, look into frost-free hose bibs for long-term protection.

4. Give Exposed Pipes a Cozy Layer

Pipes along exterior walls or in chilly garages deserve insulation too. Foam sleeves or heat tape work wonders. The warmer your pipes, the happier your home.

5. Tuck Your Sprinklers In

Your sprinkler system doesn’t want to be left out in the cold. Drain it—whether manually or with compressed air—and it’ll be ready to greet you again in the spring.

🚨 Uh-Oh… Signs Your Plumbing Is Feeling Frostbitten

Keep an eye out for:

  • Weak water pressure

  • Frost forming around pipes

  • Drips, cracks, or suspicious puddles

Spot something off? Handle it before it becomes a big winter nightmare.

🏠 Where Insurance Comes In

Most homeowners policies cover water damage from burst pipes—but only if reasonable care was taken to avoid the problem (that’s the part where winterizing pays off!). A little prep now can make all the difference if something does go wrong.

☃️ Stay Toasty With Us

Winterizing might not be as exciting as decorating cookies, but it can save you from big headaches. If you’d like help reviewing your homeowners coverage or making sure you’re protected from the unexpected, the friendly folks at Midwest Certified Insurance Agency are here to help. Call or email us today!

Bundle up—and keep those pipes cozy, too!