Washington winters may not always bring extreme temperatures, but even a short cold snap can put your home’s plumbing at risk. Frozen pipes can lead to reduced water flow, cracked plumbing, and serious water damage when the ice begins to thaw.
Taking a few preventative steps before freezing temperatures arrive can help protect your home and avoid an unexpected water damage restoration project.
Why Do Pipes Freeze?
When temperatures drop, water inside exposed or poorly insulated pipes can freeze and expand. This creates pressure inside the pipe, which can cause it to crack or burst.
Pipes in unheated areas are especially vulnerable, including:
- Crawlspaces and basements
- Garages and exterior walls
- Attics and utility rooms
- Outdoor faucets and hose connections
Even homes in areas of Washington with relatively mild winters can experience frozen pipes during periods of unusually cold weather.
5 Ways to Prevent Frozen Pipes
1. Insulate Exposed Pipes
Add pipe insulation to plumbing in crawlspaces, garages, basements, and other cold areas. Pay special attention to pipes near exterior walls or areas with drafts.
2. Disconnect Outdoor Hoses
Before freezing weather arrives, disconnect garden hoses and shut off outdoor water supplies if your home has an interior shutoff valve. Drain remaining water from the outdoor faucet when possible.
3. Keep Your Home Warm
Maintain a consistent indoor temperature during cold weather, even when you’re away. Avoid turning your heat off completely while traveling during the winter.
4. Protect Pipes in Cabinets
Open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors during especially cold weather to allow warm air to circulate around plumbing, particularly when pipes are located along exterior walls.
5. Seal Drafts and Cold Air Leaks
Check around foundation vents, windows, doors, and plumbing openings for drafts. Sealing gaps can help keep cold air away from vulnerable pipes.
What to Do If You Think a Pipe Is Frozen
If you turn on a faucet and only a small amount of water comes out, a pipe may be frozen.
- Keep the faucet open slightly to relieve pressure as the ice melts.
- If you can safely locate the frozen section, gently warm the pipe using a hair dryer or warm towels.
- Never use an open flame or torch to thaw plumbing.
- If you cannot locate the frozen section or suspect a pipe has burst, shut off your home’s main water supply and contact a licensed plumber.
If a pipe has already burst, avoid entering areas with standing water near electrical equipment.
What Happens If a Frozen Pipe Bursts?
A burst pipe can release a significant amount of water into your home, sometimes causing damage before you even notice the problem.
Water can spread into flooring, drywall, insulation, cabinets, and crawlspaces. If moisture is not properly removed, it can also create conditions that encourage mold growth.
Professional water damage restoration may involve water extraction, moisture detection, structural drying, and repairs to affected materials.
Protect Your Washington Home This Winter
Preventing frozen pipes is much easier than dealing with the damage afterward. A little preparation before freezing temperatures arrive can help protect your plumbing, reduce the risk of flooding, and keep your home in better condition throughout the winter.
If a frozen or burst pipe causes water damage, Pacific Restore can help. Our team provides professional water damage restoration and moisture-related services to help homeowners address damage and begin the recovery process.
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