Snow Day Plumbing Tips for Buffalo and Western New York Homes
Gideon’s Plumbing Helps You Keep Your Home Safe, Warm, and Leak-Free During Heavy Snowfall
Snow days in Buffalo are more than a weather event; they’re part of life in Western New York. When a major snowstorm hits, most families hunker down inside, turn up the heat, and try to stay cozy. But while you’re settling in, your plumbing system is working overtime to protect itself against freezing temperatures, heavy snowloads, and sudden pressure drops.
At Gideon’s Plumbing, we help homeowners in Buffalo, Amherst, Orchard Park, and Hamburg stay safe during snowstorms by preparing their plumbing for winter’s harshest conditions. A few proactive steps can help you avoid frozen pipes, leaks, and emergency repairs while the snow piles up outside.
Here are the top plumbing tips to follow when you’re stuck at home on a snow day.
1. Keep a Steady Indoor Temperature
Avoid lowering the heat, even during the day, when temperatures drop and snow is accumulating. Fluctuations in indoor heat can cause vulnerable pipes to freeze.
During a snow day, keep your thermostat:
• At a consistent temperature
• No lower than 65°F
• Set to “heat” instead of “auto cycle”
A stable indoor climate helps protect pipes behind walls and under floors from freezing.
2. Let Water Drip From Key Faucets
If the weather outside is extremely cold and the snowpack is high, pipes along exterior walls can freeze quickly.
Letting faucets drip is a simple but effective snow day tactic:
• Choose one hot and one cold faucet
• Let water run at a slow, steady trickle
• Especially do this in kitchens and bathrooms along outside walls
Movement helps prevent pressure buildup – the main cause of burst pipes.
3. Open Cabinet Doors Under Sinks
Warm air needs to circulate around pipes during a snowstorm.
Open cabinet doors under:
• Kitchen sinks
• Bathroom sinks
• Laundry room sinks
This lets warm air reach cold spots and helps prevent freezing.
4. Check Your Furnace and Vents
Your heating system is your first line of defense against frozen pipes. On a snow day, take a moment to make sure everything is functioning properly.
Do this safely:
• Ensure air vents aren’t blocked
• Check furnace filters
• Clear snow from exterior furnace exhaust pipes
• Listen for unusual furnace noises
If your heat fails during a snowstorm, your pipes are at immediate risk. Gideon’s Plumbing offers emergency winterization services to help protect your home.
5. Clear Snow Away From Outdoor Plumbing
Heavy snow can block airflow to plumbing-related areas and cause freezing or pressure problems.
Carefully clear snow from:
• Around your sump pump discharge line
• Around outdoor faucets
• Along the foundation where pipes enter the home
• Around the main water shut-off area (if outside)
This allows trapped water to escape properly and helps prevent ice blockages.
6. Inspect Your Sump Pump During a Thaw
Buffalo snowstorms often turn into rapid thaws. When snow melts quickly, your home depends on the sump pump to prevent flooding.
On a snow day, or right after, check that your sump pump:
• Has a clean pit
• Has power
• Activates when water rises
• Has a functioning backup system
If anything seems off, call Gideon’s Plumbing for reliable sump pump repairs.
7. Know How to Turn Off Your Water Fast
If a pipe freezes or bursts during a snowstorm, you need to act quickly.
Locate your main shut-off valve:
• In the basement
• Near the water meter
• Where the main line enters your home
Turn it off immediately if you hear rushing water, see pooling, or suspect a burst pipe. This prevents thousands of dollars in water damage while you wait for professional repairs.
8. Schedule a Winter Plumbing Check Before the Next Storm
A snow day is a perfect reminder to prepare for the next big freeze. Gideon’s Plumbing offers winter inspections that help identify weak spots before they become emergencies.
Our winter plumbing inspections include:
• Pipe insulation checks
• Leak detection
• Sump pump testing
• Outdoor faucet checks
• Water heater performance
• Frozen pipe risk assessment
• Winterization recommendations
We proudly serve Buffalo, Amherst, Orchard Park, and Hamburg with excellent service and dependable winter plumbing expertise.
Stay Safe and Warm During Buffalo Snowstorms
Snow days should be cozy not stressful. With a few simple precautions, you can protect your home from winter plumbing disasters and enjoy the day with peace of mind.
If you ever suspect a frozen pipe, hear unusual noises, or experience low water flow during a storm, Gideon’s Plumbing is here to help.
Call Gideon’s Plumbing for expert winter plumbing service. We are trusted by homeowners throughout Buffalo and Western New York.