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How Do You Winterize Plumbing in a Vacant House?
How Do You Winterize Plumbing in a Vacant House?
4.8 RATING

How Do You Winterize Plumbing in a Vacant House?

During winter, days seem shorter as the cold starts to spread.

September 16, 2026
How Do You Winterize Plumbing in a Vacant House?

During winter, days seem shorter as the cold starts to spread. Before the cold sinks in, it's essential to ensure that your plumbing is properly closed up. The last thing you want is to experience plumbing damage like burst lines as you approach spring. That's why it's vital to winterize plumbing in a vacant house to mitigate plumbing problems when you move in. Mr. Rooter Plumbing has a team of experienced and skilled plumbers who can help you protect your plumbing during this chilly season. Our team of experts guarantees top-notch plumbing service, saving you from the cost and mess of dealing with repairs.

Our Customers Reviews

Chahib Chakrome

Summit, NJ

The service provided was great, nothing to say about the work of the plumber. 5 stars to him. But the company charges felt way too much for the work. We would have liked to have the same plumber take care of other things in the house, but every time he check how much extra the company will charge for the job, the price just got too much. The plumber did an amazing job he selected a beautiful faucet to replace our old one. He did his best. But the company prices have no room for negotiation.

Tiffany DeSande

Plainfield, NJ

A million stars!!!! Steve and Lucas were absolutely amazing. My parents pipes burst and within 4 hours of calling they came and fixed everything!!! Very nice guys and dealt with my panicking. I will always use them if needed in the future and you all should too!!! Thank god for people like this!!! Thank you so much guys!!!

Naomi Langer-Seltzer

New Brunswick, NJ

We got very quick service, I think the plumber actually arrived in less than an hour! After reviewing what was happening, he gave us our options and performed the option we selected. This happened in the late afternoon or early evening. It was already dark and there was a lot of snow on the ground.

Steve Smith

Mountainside, NJ

I needed immediate, same day service in the early evening at my home. I went to the internet and looked up plumbing services that offered "24-hour, 7-day a week" availability. The first 3 places I called said that they could not get to me until the following day. Then I called Mr. Rooter. They were courteous and promptly got a technician to my house within an hour and a half. The technician, Lucas Kaufmann, was exceptional. The job was not easy, but he figured the problem out and got me all fixed up within an hour's time. Moving forward, I…

Stephanie Brown

Cranford, NJ

Despite what was quite obviously a busy day (day after Thanksgiving at 10pm) TJ came out and did not leave until the job was done! There were several setbacks, which at the late hour might have prompted him to leave- but he chose to stay and continue until the job was complete! I only have one bathroom so I was really hoping he could make it work, and he really did a wonderful job! So thankful for all of his help! I highly recommend TJ!

Shaheen Dhanani

Union, NJ

This is my second time using Mr. Rooter and I have to say they are an excellent company of experienced professionals! The service techs were courteous, experienced and actually spent time trying to figure out the issue before proposing the solution. They were also patient and answered all my questions without rushing the work. I will be using them again.

Christie Murphy

Montgomery, NJ

TJ was amazing! 10/10 recommend this company. We were in an emergency state of panic with a burst pipe in the middle of a bad snowstorm. TJ came with knowledge, professionalism, kindness, and found the root of the problem within five minutes of being here. We will be using him again in the spring to fix an outdoor issue he found!

Alan Abraham

Clark, NJ

The technicians were friendly, professional and knowledgeable. The price was too high I believe, but the technicians had no control over that. The technicians took their time and did a great job. I would use them again and also recommend them.

Amy Swart

Berkeley Heights, NJ

Excellent service! Charles and Nicholas of Mr. Rooter arrived to my scheduled service a few minutes early, wore sanitary shoe coverings, and were extremely professional. They found the source of my leak quickly and fixed the issue. While they here, I requested an additional hydraulic heating inspection which they accommodated. They were very knowledgeable and provided helpful tips. I highly recommend this team and I will definitely call them for all future plumbing needs!!

JACKY Coppola

Wall Township, NJ

TJ came to my aid as the water pipe froze in my house. Although nothing could be done he gave me hints of what could be done my me which was very helpful. I found TJ very professional and caring about my situation. The best part of the very long night was the dogs adored him one wanted to accompany him to his next job. Thank you for employing such an amazing man. Plus today there is water running in the house. Thank you TJ and thank you Mr. Rooney plumbing for employing a man with helpful hints!!!!!

Tips to Winterizing Plumbing in a Vacant House

As you plan to close a house for winter, it's advisable to onboard the expert plumbers at Mr. Rooter Plumbing for quality winterizing of your plumbing. If you prefer a more hands-on approach, here are some of the tips to help you winterize plumbing in your vacant house.

  • Outdoor Spigots

The first step requires disconnecting all the fixtures and hoses before repairing leaks in your spigots as winter sets in. Although leaks during summer can quickly go undetected, they can easily become a potential hazard when frozen. If there's a leak in your plumbing, the experts at Mr. Rooter Plumbing can ensure your plumbing doesn't have any leaks before shutting off the inteal valve that leads outside. It's also essential to allow all the fixtures to drain for several hours to avoid further deterioration of your plumbing during winter.

  • Irrigation System

The next step involves tuing off the main valve to your sprinkler or irrigation system and shutting off all valves that prevent backflow. If you are not conversant with all the various valves and their location in your home, Mr. Rooter Plumbing has got you covered. Our qualified plumbers will assess your entire plumbing and irrigation system and ensure that all the valves are off so that you can quickly drain water from your irrigation lines.

  • Toilets and Water Heater

Once your main valve is closed, it's essential to flush the toilet and ensure it's entirely emptied. Since it's difficult to completely drain all the water from the bowl and lines, we recommend pouring antifreeze to deal with any standing water in your toilet.

When it comes to your water heater, things are a bit different. After tuing off the electric or gas power supply and water leading to your appliance, you should ensure that all the water is drained. The plumbers at Mr. Rooter Plumbing will connect a hose to your drain valve, ensuring that all the water is removed before full-blown winter weather.

  • Drain Water Pipes

After closing the main water supply to the house, open all the sinks to allow water to clear out of the lines. After all the water flows out, you should pour antifreeze in all drains to prevent standing water from freezing inside the pipes. For more information about winterizing your plumbing or exceptional plumbing repair service, contact the expert plumbers at Mr. Rooter Plumbing and enjoy nothing short of excellence.

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