Winter weather in Seattle isn’t as severe as it is in other regions, but that doesn’t mean that the combination of damp, rainy conditions punctuated by occasional freezes doesn’t wreak havoc on household plumbing systems. Seattle homeowners may be at particular risk of frozen pipes because they don’t adequately prepare for extreme weather events. When left unaddressed, frozen pipes can lead to inconvenience and discomfort for your household as well as result in costly repair bills. Fortunately, you can take proactive measures to keep your plumbing system running smoothly all winter long.
Why Plumbing Pipes Freeze
Pipes freeze because the water inside of them expands as temperatures drop below freezing. This creates added pressure that has the potential to cause the pipes to burst This is more likely to occur in exposed pipes situated in areas such as crawl spaces, basements, attics, and exterior walls.
Insulate Vulnerable Pipes
The first step in protecting your plumbing pipes from plunging winter temperatures is to insulate them properly, particularly those in unheated spaces. Options include foam pipe insulation, heat tape, or pipe sleeves. If you’re not sure which pipes need insulation or which type is best for your particular situation, check with Rush Plumbing Inc for expert advice.
Seal Drafts and Leaks
Outdoor air that enters your home interior through cracks, holes, and gaps increases the risk of frozen pipes. Be sure to inspect your home for draft near plumbing fixtures, particularly in basements and crawl spaces. Use caulk or weatherstripping to seal any gaps to help minimize the cold air that reaches your pipes.
Keep Your Home Warm
Maintaining a consistently warm temperature goes a long way toward preventing frozen pipes. Although it might be tempting to turn off the thermostat for the duration of your upcoming ski weekend in the Cascades, doing so might result in retiring home to an unpleasant surprise in the form of frozen pipes. Your thermostat should be set to at least 55 degrees Fahrenheit so that your plumbing stays warm enough to prevent freezing.
Let Faucets Drip
Water that’s moving freezes at a far slower rate than water that’s standing still, so allow a slow, steady drip from your faucet to keep water moving through your plumbing. Although this may cause a slight increase in your monthly water bill, it will be substantially less than paying to have burst pipes repaired.
Drain and Disconnect Outdoor Hoses
Outdoor faucets and hoses are especially vulnerable to freezing during a Seattle cold snap. To prevent this, drain outdoor hoses before cold weather arrives and store them safely in a warm, dry place until they’re needed in spring. Consider having frost-proof spigots or insulated covers installed for extra protection.
Know the Location of Your Shut-off Valve
The last thing you need to be doing is scrambling to locate your main water shut-off valve in the event frozen or burst pipes occur. Shutting off the water is a quick and effective way to minimize damage in these situations, so familiarize yourself with the valve’s location so that you can act fast.
Prepare for Power Outages
Seattle’s location between Puget Sound and the Cascade Mountain Range means that the area sometimes experiences strong, gusty winds with the potential to knock out the power. Without a functioning heating system, your plumbing is at greater risk of freezing. A backup heat source or portable household generator is a good investment for those dealing with Pacific Northwest winters.
Thaw Frozen Pipes Safely
If you suspect that you’ve got a frozen plumbing pipe on your hands, it’s important to act fast to keep it from bursting. Turning on the faucet connected to the pipe will relief the pressure and hopefully allow water to flow over the frozen section and help it to thaw. Use a hairdryer, heating pad, or space heater to gently and gradually warm the frozen section. Avoid using anything with an open flame — this not only creates a fire hazard, but it also has the potential to damage the pipe.
Schedule a Plumbing Inspection
Scheduling a professional plumbing inspection prior to the onset of winter weather helps ensure that your home is ready for whatever the season brings your way. You should do this at least once per year.
Get More Information
Rush Plumbing Inc has been providing home and business owners in the Seattle area with full service plumbing for 30 years. We can handle sewer and drain cleaning, sump pump repair, leak detection, and emergency repair services.
Reach out to Rush Plumbing Inc today to schedule an inspection or to learn more about our services, like frozen pipe repair.
