Winter is the worst time to discover a plumbing problem. Cold water temperatures put extra strain on hot water systems, frozen pipes can burst in frost-prone areas, and a leaking tap you ignored in summer will get worse — and cost more to fix — in the cold months. A short pre-winter check now can save you hundreds of dollars and a very cold morning without hot water.
This checklist covers the key things to inspect before June, what you can do yourself, and what's worth getting a plumber in for.
Quick checklist
- Service or inspect your hot water system
- Check the anode rod if your system is 5+ years old
- Insulate exposed pipes in frost-prone areas
- Fix any dripping taps before cold weather worsens them
- Check your tempering valve if shower temps vary by season
- Clear gutters and downpipes before winter rain
- Turn off and drain outdoor irrigation zones if frost is likely
- Check outdoor tap washers and fit insulating covers
- Know where your water mains shut-off valve is
1. Hot Water System
Your hot water system works harder in winter. Incoming mains water is colder, so the system heats from a lower baseline — effectively reducing the usable capacity of storage systems and increasing gas or electricity consumption. This is the most common reason households suddenly "run out" of hot water in June when they never had problems in summer.
Inspect for leaks, rust or corrosion
Check the base of the unit and all pipe connections for moisture, rust staining or mineral deposits. Small drips will worsen with increased winter demand. Also check the pressure relief valve — there should be no sign of constant dripping, which indicates the valve is operating when it shouldn't be.
DIY checkCheck the thermostat setting
For electric and gas storage systems, the thermostat should be set to at least 60°C to prevent legionella bacteria growth in the tank. If your system has a tempering valve (required by law on systems installed after 1998), water is then blended down to a safe 50°C at the tap. If you're unsure of your settings, this is worth a quick call to a plumber.
DIY checkService gas continuous flow systems annually
Gas continuous flow (instantaneous) hot water systems benefit from an annual service — particularly the burner, heat exchanger and flow sensor. A plumber/gas fitter can clean the unit and identify worn components before they fail mid-winter. Service cost: approximately $120–$200.
Licensed plumber/gas fitterCheck the anode rod (systems 5+ years old)
The sacrificial anode rod inside your storage tank corrodes slowly so the tank lining doesn't. When it's depleted, the tank itself starts to corrode — leading to premature failure. Checking and replacing the anode rod every 5 years is the single best thing you can do to extend the life of a storage hot water system. A plumber can inspect and replace it for $150–$300 — far cheaper than a new system.
Licensed plumberNot getting enough hot water? Before assuming your system needs replacing, check whether your household has grown or water use has increased. Also check whether the thermostat has drifted down. Many homeowners replace systems that only needed a thermostat adjustment or a new anode rod.
2. Pipe Insulation and Frost Protection
Most of coastal Australia doesn't experience pipe-freezing temperatures. But if you live in the ACT, alpine Victoria, southern Tasmania, or rural inland areas — or if your home has pipes running through an uninsulated roof space — frozen pipes are a real possibility. When water freezes it expands, and a burst pipe can cause thousands of dollars in water damage.
Insulate exposed pipes in frost-prone areas
Self-adhesive foam pipe lagging is inexpensive ($5–$15 per metre from Bunnings) and easy to fit. Focus on pipes in unheated roof spaces, under raised floors, or on exterior walls in uninsulated areas. For continuous flow hot water systems, the cold inlet pipe and condensate drain line are particularly vulnerable if exposed to the elements.
DIYKnow how to thaw a frozen pipe safely
If a pipe does freeze, never use an open flame to thaw it. Apply a hairdryer on a low setting, warm damp towels, or an electric heat tape. Start from the tap end and work towards the frozen section. If you can't locate the frozen section, or a pipe has already burst, turn off the water mains immediately and call a plumber.
DIY (minor) / plumber (burst pipe)Know where your water mains shut-off is. Every household member should know how to turn off the water mains — typically a ball valve or gate valve near the water metre at the front of the property. In a plumbing emergency, getting to this quickly can prevent serious water damage.
3. Taps and Toilets
Winter is a good time to fix dripping taps you've been ignoring. Cold weather can make worn washers and O-rings contract further, turning a minor drip into a noticeable leak. It also increases water pressure in some areas, which puts extra stress on existing weak points.
Fix dripping taps now
A tap that drips once per second wastes roughly 30 litres per day — over $10 per month on your water bill. Most tap washers or ceramic cartridges can be replaced for $5–$20 and take under an hour. If you're comfortable with basic tools, this is a straightforward DIY job. If not, a plumber can fix most taps in 30–45 minutes.
DIY or plumberCheck the tempering valve on your shower
If your shower runs noticeably hotter or cooler in winter compared to summer, your tempering valve may be worn or incorrectly set. Tempering valves are designed to compensate for changes in cold inlet temperature, but older valves lose this ability. A plumber can test and replace the valve for $200–$400 — and it's required by law in most states to prevent scalding.
Licensed plumberFix running toilets
A running toilet wastes 60–200 litres per day. The most common cause is a worn flapper in the cistern. This is a simple $5–$15 part you can replace yourself in under 30 minutes. Higher winter water bills are a good reminder to fix this before costs compound.
DIY or plumber4. Outdoor Taps and Irrigation
Outdoor plumbing is often ignored until something goes wrong, and winter is when the neglect shows. Rubber washers dry out in summer and crack in cold weather. Irrigation systems left running at summer rates will overwater in winter, promoting fungal disease in gardens and wasting water.
Check outdoor tap washers
Turn each outdoor tap on fully and check for leaks at the base of the handle (spindle packing) and at the outlet. If the tap drips when off or leaks at the spindle when on, replace the washer. In frost-prone areas, fit an insulating tap cover to outdoor taps to prevent freezing.
DIYAdjust or pause your irrigation controller
Most irrigation controllers have a seasonal adjustment setting — reduce run times to 40–60% of summer rates. Check that all sprinkler heads are functioning correctly before reducing runs, so you don't miss any blocked heads. In alpine areas, drain any above-ground supply lines before the first frost.
DIY5. Gutters and Stormwater
Gutters aren't strictly plumbing — but blocked gutters cause overflows that damage fascia boards, eaves, and foundations, and can direct water into wall cavities. Autumn leaf fall makes this a timely job before winter rains arrive.
Clear gutters and downpipes
Scoop out accumulated leaf debris and flush gutters with a hose from the high end towards the downpipe. Check that downpipes run freely to a stormwater drain or absorption area. If water pools near the house after rain, the downpipe may be blocked or the stormwater connection may be broken.
DIY or professional gutter cleanerInspect flashings and roof connections
While you're checking gutters, look for any gaps or rust at flashings around chimneys, skylights or where the roof meets walls. Water ingress here can damage internal plumbing and insulation. Minor rust spots can be treated with bitumen paint; significant gaps warrant a roofer or plumber who works on roof drainage.
DIY (minor) / tradesperson (repairs)Typical Costs for Pre-Winter Plumbing Work
Here's what you can expect to pay for the jobs that require a licensed plumber:
| Job | Typical Cost | DIY option? |
|---|---|---|
| Fix a dripping tap (washer/cartridge) | $80–$160 | Yes |
| Anode rod inspection & replacement | $150–$300 | No |
| Gas hot water system service | $120–$200 | No |
| Tempering valve replacement | $200–$400 | No |
| Fix running toilet (flapper/fill valve) | $100–$180 | Yes |
| Pipe insulation (labour + materials) | $150–$400 | Yes |
| Pressure test and full plumbing inspection | $150–$300 | No |
Bundle jobs to save on call-out fees. If you need a plumber for one job, it's worth listing everything else that needs attention at the same time. Most plumbers charge a single call-out fee regardless of how many small jobs they complete in the same visit — so batching saves money.