Winter in Omaha is no joke. And while you’re bundling up in flannel and sipping hot cocoa, your pipes are quietly plotting revenge if you’re not careful. At Big Birge Plumbing Co., we’ve seen it all — frozen disasters, busted pipes, and water heater meltdowns that could’ve been avoided.
So let’s break down the 5 winter plumbing mistakes Omaha homeowners always regret, and what you can do to dodge ‘em.
❄️ 1. Forgetting to Disconnect the Garden Hose
Why it’s a problem: Leaving a hose attached can cause water to back up into the pipe, freeze, and crack the faucet or the pipe inside your wall.
How to avoid it: Before the first deep freeze, disconnect your garden hose, drain it, and store it away. If you don’t have a frost-free hose bib, consider upgrading before winter hits. And for extra protection, a simple faucet cover like this one can help keep things insulated and freeze-free.
💨 2. Not Insulating Exposed Pipes
Why it’s a problem: Pipes in unheated areas (garages, basements, crawlspaces) freeze quickly when temps drop. And frozen pipes = 💸.
How to avoid it: Use foam insulation sleeves or heat tape. It’s cheap insurance compared to the cost of pipe replacement and water damage cleanup. Use foam pipe insulation like this one on Amazon.
🚿 3. Setting the Water Heater Too Low
Why it’s a problem: Cold weather can reduce your water heater’s efficiency. If it’s set too low, you’ll run out of hot water fast — especially during holiday guest overload.
How to avoid it: Set your water heater to 120°F. Not too hot to scald, but warm enough to survive January showers without a frostbite finale. Use a water thermometer to check your setting without guessing. Here’s a digital one we love.
🧊 4. Skipping Outdoor Faucet Shut-Off
Why it’s a problem: Water left in outdoor spigots can freeze and expand, cracking pipes inside your home’s walls. (Surprise indoor water feature, anyone?)
How to avoid it: Before temperatures drop, shut off the valve inside your home that controls the outdoor faucet, then open the spigot to drain any leftover water. This prevents trapped water from freezing and cracking your pipes. If your setup is outdated or tough to access, consider upgrading to a frost-proof sillcock that’s built to handle harsh Midwest winters.- Make sure to verify it’s proper size and function for what you need or call a local plumber for help.
🏚️ 5. Ignoring the Warning Signs
Why it’s a problem: Dripping faucets, slow drains, or strange sounds are whispers from your plumbing system… and winter will turn them into screams.
How to avoid it: Don’t put off minor repairs. Schedule a quick check-up before winter digs in. Preventative care is cheaper than emergency calls (and we say that lovingly). Install a smart leak detector and get alerts before damage starts.
🔧 Final Thoughts: Don’t Let Winter Wreck Your Plumbing
Whether you’re a DIY champ or a “call the pros” type, a few simple steps can keep your pipes safe and your home dry this winter. And if you’re not sure where to start — we’ve got your back.
👷♂️ Big Birge Plumbing Co.
👉 www.bigbirgeplumbing.com
🛠️ Serving Omaha with honest plumbing at a fair price.
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