Every year, as cold air sweeps through Maryland and Virginia, our team at G.A. Eberly Plumbing & Heating helps homeowners prepare their plumbing and heating systems for freezing temperatures. The crisp autumn leaves signal it’s time to think about protecting your home from the harsh winter ahead. This preparation, known as winterization, is one of the most important preventive measures you can take.

Winterization is the process of preparing your home to withstand freezing conditions, preventing damage that can lead to costly and disruptive repairs. For residents in the DMV, where temperatures regularly drop below freezing, this isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. From frozen pipes that burst to inefficient heating systems that fail on the coldest night, the risks are significant.

Properly winterizing your plumbing and heating systems helps prevent pipe damage, leaks, and unexpected breakdowns. It ensures your home remains a warm and safe sanctuary throughout the season. With over 115 years of trusted service and every job overseen by a Master Technician, G.A. Eberly provides the expertise and peace of mind you need. Don’t wait for the first freeze to think about your pipes.

Don’t wait for freezing weather—schedule your winterization service today.

What is Winterization and Why Is It Crucial?

In simple terms, winterization is the process of preparing your home’s plumbing, heating, and exterior systems to resist freezing temperatures and minimize heat loss. Think of it as putting a warm, protective coat on your house. Cold air is persistent; it finds its way through tiny cracks, uninsulated walls, and exposed pipes, putting your home’s most vulnerable systems at risk. Winterization combats this by sealing entry points, insulating pipes, and draining water from lines that could freeze and burst.

This process is especially critical for certain types of properties:

• Vacation or Summer Homes: Unoccupied properties are at extreme risk. Without consistent heat and water flow, pipes can freeze quickly, causing catastrophic damage that may go unnoticed for weeks or months.
• Older Properties: Homes with aging pipes, which may be made of materials like cast iron or galvanized steel, are more susceptible to cracks and bursts when exposed to freezing temperatures.
• Homes with Exposed Piping: If your home has a crawl space, unheated basement, garage, or attic with exposed pipes, these areas are prime targets for freezing. Without insulation, they have no defense against the cold.

By proactively addressing these vulnerabilities, winterization protects your investment, prevents the headache of emergency repairs, and ensures your home is ready for whatever winter throws its way.

Let us inspect your home before the next freeze.

How We Winterize Homes and Businesses

At G.A. Eberly, our winterization service is a thorough, step-by-step process designed to leave no part of your plumbing and heating systems vulnerable. Led by the expertise of our Master Technicians, we approach every home with professionalism and meticulous care. Our goal is to ensure your property is completely protected, giving you total peace of mind.

Here’s what our comprehensive winterization process includes:

• System-Wide Inspection: We start by inspecting your plumbing and heating systems for existing leaks, corrosion, weak points, or signs of wear. Identifying these issues early prevents them from escalating into major problems during a cold snap.
• Draining Exterior Systems: Outdoor faucets, hose bibs, and sprinkler systems are the first to freeze. We completely drain these lines of water and shut off their supply to prevent ice from forming, expanding, and cracking the pipes.
• Insulating Exposed Pipes: Any pipes located in unheated areas like basements, crawl spaces, attics, and garages are insulated. We use high-quality pipe sleeves and insulation to shield them from the cold air, which is the most effective way to prevent a freeze.
• Heating System and Boiler Tune-Up: Your furnace or boiler is the heart of your home in the winter. We test its performance, check for efficient operation, and ensure it’s ready to run reliably all season long. This not only prevents breakdowns but also helps lower your energy bills.
• Sealing Air Leaks: We inspect your home for drafts around doors, windows, and exterior vents where cold air can infiltrate. Sealing these gaps with caulk or weatherstripping helps maintain a consistent indoor temperature and reduces the strain on your heating system.
• Water Heater and Expansion Tank Check: We examine your water heater to ensure it is functioning correctly and check the expansion tank, which is critical for handling pressure changes in your heating system.

With every job supervised by a Master Technician, you can trust that our work meets the highest standards of quality and safety.

Get your plumbing and heating systems winter-ready—call our team today.

Protecting Your Entire Home This Winter With Warm Air

Winterizing a property is about more than just wrapping a few pipes. It’s about creating a complete shield of whole-home protection that keeps your space warm, dry, and secure. A single weak link—be it an uninsulated pipe in the attic or a small draft under a door—can compromise your home’s ability to fight off the winter cold. Our comprehensive approach ensures every component works together to maintain a stable, comfortable environment.

Proper winterization helps you:

• Maintain Consistent Warmth: By sealing air leaks and ensuring your heating system runs efficiently, we help keep warm air inside and cold air out. This creates a more comfortable living space and reduces energy waste.
• Prevent Frozen and Burst Pipes: This is the most critical benefit. A burst pipe can release hundreds of gallons of water, causing devastating structural damage, ruined possessions, and the potential for mold growth. Our process is designed to eliminate this risk.
• Protect Against Moisture Damage: Leaks from frozen pipes or ice dams can lead to water seeping into your walls, ceilings, and floors. This moisture damage is expensive to repair and can lead to harmful mold and mildew.
• Extend the Lifespan of Your Equipment: Regular maintenance and protection from extreme temperatures reduce the strain on your plumbing fixtures, piping, and heating equipment. A well-maintained system will last longer, saving you money on premature replacements.

Our commitment to quality service means we arrive with fully stocked service trucks, ready to handle any issue on the spot. We also believe in transparency, which is why we provide upfront pricing before any work begins. There are no surprises—just reliable, honest service.

Protect your home from winter damage—schedule a full winterization inspection.

How Much Does It Cost to Winterize a House?

Many homeowners worry about the cost of professional services, but winterization is one of the most valuable investments you can make in your property. The cost of preventing a problem is a small fraction of the cost of repairing the damage after a pipe bursts. Emergency repairs for water damage can easily run into thousands of dollars, not to mention the disruption to your life.

The cost to winterize a house varies based on several factors, including:

• The size of your home and the complexity of its plumbing layout.
• Whether the property is occupied or seasonal (e.g., a vacation home, which requires more extensive steps).
• The specific services required.

We offer flexible options to fit your needs and budget:

• Basic Winterization: For smaller, occupied homes, a basic service covering exterior faucets and exposed pipes can be very affordable and quick.
• Full-Service Winterization: For larger properties, older homes, or unoccupied vacation homes, we offer a comprehensive package that includes both plumbing and heating systems. We provide a customized quote after a thorough inspection.

Investing in professional winterization is investing in peace of mind. A small, upfront cost today can save you from a massive financial headache tomorrow.

Get an upfront quote with no hidden fees.

DIY Tips to Keep Your Home Warm and Safe During Winter Weather

While professional winterization offers the most complete protection, there are several steps homeowners can take to supplement our work and keep their homes safe throughout the winter.

Here are a few practical tips:

• Add Insulation: Check the insulation levels in your attic, basement, and crawl spaces. Proper insulation is one of the most effective ways to reduce heat loss and lower your energy bills.
• Use Pipe Sleeves or Heat Tape: For easily accessible exposed pipes, you can add foam pipe sleeves or heat tape for an extra layer of protection. These are available at most hardware stores.
• Seal Cracks and Gaps: Walk around your home and feel for drafts. Use caulk or weatherstripping to seal any gaps around windows, doors, and points where pipes or wires enter your home.
• Keep Indoor Temperatures Consistent: Even when you’re away for the weekend, don’t turn the heat completely off. Set your thermostat to at least 55°F to keep the ambient temperature high enough to prevent pipes from freezing.
• Open Cabinet Doors: On extremely cold nights, open the doors to cabinets under sinks on exterior walls. This allows warm air to circulate around the plumbing.
• Let Faucets Drip: If a severe cold snap is forecasted, letting a faucet fed by vulnerable pipes drip slowly can prevent freezing by keeping water moving.

These DIY measures are helpful, but they don’t replace the expertise of a professional. A trained technician can spot hidden risks and provide robust solutions that ensure complete protection and peace of mind.

Stay warm this winter—book your winterization service today.

Why DMV Homeowners Trust G.A. Eberly Plumbing and Heating

Since 1909, families and businesses across Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. have relied on us to keep their homes safe through every season. For over 115 years, our name has been synonymous with trust, quality, and reliability. As a family-owned and woman-operated company, we are deeply rooted in the communities we serve. We’re not just contractors; we’re your neighbors.

What sets G.A. Eberly apart?

• A Legacy of Experience: With over a century in the business, we’ve seen it all. Our experience is unmatched.
• Family-Owned and Woman-Operated: We combine generational knowledge with a modern commitment to customer care.
• Master Technician Supervision: Every job is overseen by a Master Plumber/Gasfitter to guarantee the highest standard of workmanship.
• Licensed, Bonded, and Insured: We provide complete peace of mind with full credentials and protection.
• Modern Tools, Old-Fashioned Values: We use the latest technology but hold true to the principles of honesty, integrity, and respect.

This blend of deep expertise and community connection is why generations of homeowners trust us with their most valuable asset.

Put 115+ years of experience to work for you.

Prepare For Cold Climates Now for a Worry-Free Winter

Winter in the DMV area is beautiful, but it can be unforgiving to an unprepared home. Professional winterization is the key to enjoying the season with confidence, knowing your property is protected from the cold. By investing in prevention, you save money, avoid stress, and ensure your home remains a comfortable haven for your family.

Don’t wait until the temperatures drop and it’s too late. The time to prepare is now. Let the experts at G.A. Eberly Plumbing & Heating give you the peace of mind you deserve.

Schedule Your Service Today.

Frequently Asked Questions

What temperature should I set my thermostat at in winter?
For energy efficiency and comfort, a thermostat setting of around 68°F is recommended when you are home. When you are away or asleep, you can lower it by a few degrees, but never set it below 55°F to prevent your pipes from freezing.

Can I winterize my plumbing myself?
While you can take several DIY steps like insulating pipes and sealing drafts, professional winterization is far more comprehensive. A trained technician can identify hidden vulnerabilities, properly drain complex systems like sprinklers, and service your heating equipment—tasks that are difficult and risky for an untrained person.

How long does professional winterization take?
The time required depends on the size and condition of your property. A basic winterization for a small, occupied home might take an hour or two. A full-service winterization for a larger or unoccupied property can take longer. We can provide a more accurate time estimate after an initial inspection.

What if my pipes are already frozen?
If you suspect a pipe is frozen (e.g., no water comes out of a faucet), do not use an open flame to thaw it. This is a serious fire hazard. Turn off the main water supply and call a professional plumber immediately. We have the tools and expertise to thaw your pipes safely and check for any damage.

Winterization Tips For Winter’s Cold Air

Use these guides and tools to protect your home, save energy, and find potential rebates this season.

• ENERGY STAR Home Winterization Guide
  This guide from the EPA offers a comprehensive checklist for sealing air leaks and improving your home’s energy efficiency for winter.
• U.S. Department of Energy – Fall & Winter Energy-Saving Tips
  Find practical advice on everything from managing your thermostat to winterizing windows and using heating equipment efficiently.
• American Red Cross – Frozen Pipe Prevention
  Learn essential steps to prevent your pipes from freezing and what to do if you suspect a frozen pipe to avoid costly water damage.
• DSIRE – Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency
  This nationwide database helps you search for energy-related rebates, tax credits, and savings programs available in your specific state and zip code.
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – Winter Weather Safety provides critical information on staying safe during winter storms, including tips on preventing carbon monoxide poisoning from heating sources.
• ENERGY STAR Rebate Finder
  Use this tool to discover rebates on ENERGY STAR certified products, including high-efficiency furnaces, boilers, and heat pumps in your area.
• U.S. Department of Energy – Heat Pump Systems
  Explore how modern heat pumps work and understand the benefits they offer for efficient heating and cooling throughout the year.