Preparing Your Home for Holiday Guests
Outdoor Plumbing Safety Tips for Buffalo & Western New York Homes
Welcoming family and friends into your home during the holidays means more foot traffic, more water usage, and greater responsibility for safety. especially outside. Snow, ice, and cold temperatures in Buffalo and Western New York create unique risks that can lead to plumbing damage or guest injuries if your home is not properly prepared.
At Gideon’s Plumbing, we help homeowners in Buffalo, Amherst, Orchard Park, and Hamburg get their homes guest-ready with proactive plumbing inspections and winter safety solutions. A few simple steps can protect your plumbing system while keeping your guests safe and comfortable.
Here are essential outdoor and plumbing-related safety tips to prepare your home for holiday visitors.
1. Shut Off and Protect Outdoor Water Lines
Outdoor plumbing is especially vulnerable during winter, and frozen or burst pipes can cause serious damage.
Before guests arrive:
• Shut off exterior water supply lines
• Drain outdoor faucets completely
• Install insulated faucet covers
• Disconnect and store garden hoses
These steps help prevent frozen pipes and unexpected leaks during cold snaps.
2. Clear Snow and Ice Away From Outdoor Plumbing Areas
Guests may not know where outdoor plumbing components are located, increasing the risk of damage or injury.
Make sure to:
• Clear snow from hose bibs and exposed pipes
• Shovel paths leading to outdoor spigots
• Remove ice around basement entrances
• Keep access clear to sump pump discharge lines
This protects your plumbing and reduces slip-and-fall hazards for visitors.
3. Inspect Sump Pump and Drainage Systems
Melting snow and ice can overwhelm drainage systems, especially when temperatures fluctuate.
Before hosting guests:
• Test your sump pump for proper operation
• Ensure discharge lines are free of ice and debris
• Check basement floor drains for slow drainage
• Confirm backup systems are working
A failing sump pump can quickly turn a holiday gathering into a cleanup emergency.
4. Check Outdoor Walkways for Hidden Plumbing Hazards
Outdoor plumbing components often run near walkways, steps, and entrances.
Inspect for:
• Leaks creating icy patches
• Downspouts draining too close to walkways
• Cracked pipes dripping onto steps
• Frozen discharge lines causing pooling water
Redirecting water away from walking areas improves safety and protects your foundation.
5. Prepare Your Entryway Plumbing for Heavy Use
Holiday guests mean frequent door openings and increased use of nearby plumbing.
Take time to:
• Check mudroom or entryway sinks for leaks
• Ensure nearby drains flow freely
• Verify hot water availability for guest bathrooms
• Inspect exposed pipes for insulation gaps
This helps prevent frozen pipes and keeps high-traffic areas functioning smoothly.
6. Secure Utility Areas Guests May Pass Through
Guests may use basement entrances or garage doors that pass near plumbing equipment.
Improve safety by:
• Keeping water heaters and pipes unobstructed
• Securing loose insulation
• Removing tripping hazards near plumbing lines
• Ensuring adequate lighting around mechanical areas
These steps protect both guests and plumbing equipment.
7. Schedule a Pre-Holiday Plumbing Safety Inspection
Professional inspections are one of the best ways to prepare your home for winter guests.
A Gideon’s Plumbing safety inspection includes:
• Outdoor faucet and pipe inspection
• Sump pump and drainage testing
• Leak detection around foundations
• Freeze-risk evaluation
• Water pressure and shutoff valve check
We proudly serve Buffalo, Amherst, Orchard Park, and Hamburg with excellent service and dependable plumbing solutions.
Host with Confidence This Holiday Season
Preparing your home for holiday guests goes beyond decorating and cooking. It includes ensuring your plumbing system is safe, secure, and winter-ready. Outdoor plumbing issues can lead to injuries, water damage, and emergency repairs if left unchecked.
Gideon’s Plumbing is the plumbing company Buffalo homeowners trust for winter preparation, outdoor plumbing safety, and reliable service.
Call Gideon’s Plumbing today to schedule your pre-holiday plumbing inspection and enjoy a safe, stress-free holiday season in Buffalo, Amherst, Orchard Park, and Hamburg.