Winter in the Pacific Northwest brings beautiful scenery, but it can also bring freezing temperatures that pose a significant threat to your home's plumbing. Frozen pipes can burst, leading to extensive water damage and costly repairs. By taking a few preventative steps, you can protect your pipes and ensure they function properly all winter long.
Why Are Frozen Pipes a Problem?
When water freezes, it expands. If water freezes inside your pipes, the pressure can cause them to crack or burst. This is especially true for pipes in unheated areas like basements, crawl spaces, attics, and garages. A single burst pipe can release hundreds of gallons of water, causing structural damage, mold growth, and ruined belongings.
1. Insulate Exposed Pipes
The most effective way to prevent frozen pipes is to insulate them. Focus on pipes in unheated or poorly insulated areas. You can use foam pipe sleeves, heat tape, or fiberglass insulation. This is a simple and inexpensive measure that provides a strong defense against freezing temperatures.
- Foam Sleeves: Easy to install and available at most hardware stores.
- Heat Tape: For areas that are extremely cold, heat tape provides an active source of warmth.
2. Seal Air Leaks
Even small drafts can cause pipes to freeze. Check for and seal any cracks or openings around pipes, as well as in your foundation and exterior walls. Use caulk or spray foam to close gaps that let in cold air. Pay close attention to areas where pipes pass through walls.
3. Disconnect and Drain Outdoor Hoses
Before the first freeze, disconnect all garden hoses from your outdoor faucets (hose bibbs). If you leave them connected, water can freeze in the hose and expand back into the faucet, causing it to break. If you have an interior shut-off valve for your outdoor faucets, close it and drain the line.
4. Keep Your Home Warm
Maintain a consistent temperature in your home, even when you're away. It might be tempting to lower the thermostat to save on heating bills, but the cost of a burst pipe is far greater. Keep your thermostat set to at least 55°F (13°C).
5. Let Faucets Drip
During a severe cold snap, letting a faucet drip can prevent pipes from freezing. The moving water, even a small trickle, is less likely to freeze. This is particularly important for faucets that are fed by pipes in unheated or exterior walls.
What to Do If a Pipe Freezes
If you turn on a faucet and only a trickle of water comes out, you may have a frozen pipe. Here's what to do:
- Keep the faucet open. As you treat the frozen pipe and the ice begins to melt, you want the water to be able to flow through.
- Apply gentle heat. You can use a hairdryer, a heating pad, or towels soaked in hot water. Never use an open flame.
- Call a professional. If you can't locate the frozen pipe or if the pipe has burst, call a licensed plumber immediately.
By taking these precautions, you can significantly reduce the risk of frozen pipes and enjoy a worry-free winter. If you have any concerns about your plumbing system's readiness for winter, don't hesitate to contact All County Plumbing for a professional inspection.