How to Winterize Your Pipes in Columbia, Missouri
A Complete Step-by-Step Guide for Homeowners and Businesses Winter in Mid-Missouri isn’t just cold — it’s unpredictable. One week you’re dealing with rain and mild temperatures, the next you’re facing a deep freeze that puts your plumbing at risk. Every year, Columbia plumbers see thousands of dollars in damage that could have been prevented with proper winterization.
1/10/20264 min read
How to Winterize Your Pipes in Columbia, Missouri
A Complete Step-by-Step Guide for Homeowners and Businesses
Winter in Mid-Missouri isn’t just cold — it’s unpredictable. One week you’re dealing with rain and mild temperatures, the next you’re facing a deep freeze that puts your plumbing at risk. Every year, Columbia plumbers see thousands of dollars in damage that could have been prevented with proper winterization.
Frozen pipes don’t just burst — they flood walls, destroy flooring, ruin cabinets, and shut down businesses. Whether you’re a homeowner or manage a commercial property, knowing how to properly winterize your plumbing system is one of the smartest things you can do before cold weather arrives.
This guide walks you through the entire winterizing process from start to finish — the same way a professional plumber in Columbia, Missouri would do it.
Why Pipes Freeze in Columbia, MO
Many people think frozen pipes are only a problem in northern states, but plumbing Columbia MO professionals know better. Mid-Missouri sits in a climate zone that’s especially dangerous because temperatures fluctuate above and below freezing.
When water sits inside pipes and the temperature drops below 32°F, the water expands as it freezes. That expansion creates pressure inside the pipe until it cracks or bursts. The real damage happens when the ice melts and water begins flowing again — flooding homes, crawlspaces, and businesses.
The most vulnerable pipes in the Como area include:
Pipes in crawlspaces
Plumbing in exterior walls
Garage plumbing
Basement water lines
Outdoor hose bibs
Irrigation and sprinkler systems
A professional plumber COMO will always tell you: it’s not the cold that causes damage — it’s trapped water.
Step 1: Shut Off and Drain Outdoor Water Lines
Outdoor plumbing is the #1 cause of winter pipe bursts in Missouri.
What to do:
Locate your main shutoff valve for outdoor spigots
Turn it off before freezing temperatures arrive
Open all outdoor hose bibs
Let them drain completely
Leave them open for winter
Disconnect all hoses — leaving them attached traps water inside the spigot where it can freeze and crack.
If you have frost-free hose bibs, they still need to be disconnected and drained. Columbia plumbers replace thousands of cracked spigots every spring because this simple step was skipped.
Step 2: Winterize Your Irrigation System
If you have sprinklers, they must be professionally blown out with compressed air. This is not optional.
Water left in underground sprinkler lines will freeze, expand, and crack the pipes — sometimes underground where leaks go unnoticed until spring.
Most plumb supply Columbia MO stores rent compressors, but unless you know how to regulate air pressure, this job is best left to a licensed plumber.
Step 3: Insulate Exposed Pipes
Pipe insulation is one of the cheapest ways to prevent freeze damage.
Focus on:
Crawlspace piping
Basement ceilings
Garage plumbing
Pipes near exterior walls
Use foam pipe insulation or fiberglass pipe wrap. Seal all joints and ends. Even one small exposed section can freeze.
Professional plumbing Columbia MO technicians also use heat tape for especially vulnerable pipes, which automatically warms when temperatures drop.
Step 4: Seal Air Leaks Around Plumbing
Cold air, not just cold temperature, causes pipes to freeze.
Look for air gaps around:
Where pipes enter walls
Crawlspace vents
Foundation penetrations
Dryer vents
Hose bibs
Use spray foam or weatherproof caulk to seal these areas. This keeps warm indoor air around the pipes and blocks freezing drafts.
Step 5: Adjust Thermostat Settings
If you’re leaving town, never turn your heat off in winter. Set thermostats to at least 55°F.
For multi-story buildings, keep heat circulating throughout the entire structure. Many frozen pipes occur in unused rooms or vacant commercial spaces.
Experienced Columbia plumbers see this every winter — buildings left at 45 degrees may feel safe, but the plumbing inside walls freezes anyway.
Step 6: Let Faucets Drip During Extreme Cold
When temperatures drop below 15°F, allow vulnerable faucets to drip slowly.
Moving water is far less likely to freeze. This is especially important for:
Sinks on exterior walls
Long pipe runs
Bathrooms far from the water heater
A pencil-lead-sized stream is enough to keep water moving.
Step 7: Open Cabinet Doors
Open kitchen and bathroom cabinets that contain plumbing. This allows warm room air to circulate around pipes.
This simple step can prevent freezing during overnight cold snaps.
Step 8: Winterize Vacant Properties
If you own a rental, commercial building, or second home, winterization is even more critical.
Vacant properties should have:
Water turned off
Lines drained
Toilets and traps filled with antifreeze
Water heaters drained
Many plumber COMO emergency calls come from vacant buildings that were never winterized.
What About Water Heaters?
Tank and tankless water heaters need protection too.
If power goes out during winter, water heaters can freeze and rupture. Commercial buildings with large systems are especially vulnerable.
Professional plumbing Columbia MO companies often install freeze protection valves and circulation systems for this reason.
Signs Your Pipes Are Freezing
Call a plumber immediately if you notice:
Frost on pipes
Reduced water flow
Strange odors
Gurgling drains
No water from faucets
Never use an open flame to thaw pipes. Use warm air from a hair dryer or space heater instead — or call a licensed professional.
Why DIY Winterizing Often Fails
Most homeowners miss at least one vulnerable pipe.
That’s why experienced Columbia plumbers use thermal cameras, pressure testing, and system inspections to ensure nothing is overlooked.
The cost of winterizing is tiny compared to water damage repairs.
When to Call a Professional Plumber in Columbia, Missouri
If you:
Have a crawlspace
Own a business
Have older plumbing
Are leaving town
Have experienced freezing before
You should have a professional winterization done.
A licensed plumber COMO will:
Inspect all water lines
Winterize outdoor and underground systems
Identify hidden risk areas
Prevent thousands in future damage
Final Thoughts
Winter in Mid-Missouri is tough on plumbing. With the right preparation, you can protect your home, your business, and your investment.
Whether you do it yourself or work with trusted Columbia plumbers, winterizing is one of the smartest moves you can make before the first freeze hits.
If you ever need help, advice, or professional service, Highline Plumbing is proud to serve homeowners and businesses throughout Columbia, Missouri with clean, reliable, and expert-level plumbing care.