Winter Plumbing Tips: Protecting Your Pipes from Seattle's Cold and Rain
Seattle winters are famous for rain and a persistent chill, but don’t let the relatively mild average temperatures fool you. When a genuine cold snap hits the Puget Sound region, the combination of dampness and freezing temperatures can spell disaster for your home’s plumbing system.
At Jim Dandy Sewer & Plumbing, we know that many older Seattle homes have vulnerable, exposed pipes in crawl spaces, garages, and along exterior walls. A burst pipe from a sudden freeze can cause thousands of dollars in water damage.
Before the next cold front blows in, take these proactive steps to protect your pipes and keep your home safe all winter long.
Phase 1: Exterior Winterization (Do This NOW!)
Your outdoor plumbing is the most vulnerable part of your system. A small investment of time now can prevent a major headache later.
1. Disconnect and Drain Outdoor Hoses
This is the single most important outdoor step. If a garden hose is left attached to an outdoor spigot, water can be trapped in the pipe and freeze, causing a pressure buildup that can burst the pipe inside your wall.
Action: Disconnect all hoses, drain the water out of them, and store them safely in a garage or shed.
2. Cover All Exterior Faucets (Hose Bibs)
Even if you have frost-proof spigots, adding an extra layer of protection is wise, especially on walls facing the prevailing cold winds.
Action: Purchase inexpensive foam or insulated faucet covers from your local hardware store and install them over every outdoor spigot.
3. Locate and Close Your Shut-Off Valves
If your home has separate shut-off valves for exterior water lines, close them for the winter. Then, open the outside faucets to drain any remaining water from the line.
4. Seal Foundation Vents and Gaps
Pipes in crawl spaces are a prime target for freezing. Cold air sneaking through foundation vents or cracks near where pipes enter your home can cause a freeze.
Action: Seal any gaps, cracks, or holes around pipes using caulk or weatherstripping. If you have foundation vents, you can temporarily block them for the coldest months to keep the crawl space warmer (just remember to open them again in the spring!).
Phase 2: Indoor Protection During Cold Snaps
During an extreme cold warning (when temperatures are forecast to drop below freezing for several hours), follow these quick indoor steps:
1. Keep Your Thermostat Consistent
It can be tempting to lower the temperature dramatically when you leave the house or go to bed, but keeping your home consistently warm is key to protecting pipes.
Action: Set your thermostat to at least 55°F (or higher) day and night, especially if you plan to travel.
2. Open Cabinet Doors
Pipes under sinks, particularly those on exterior walls, are vulnerable because the cabinets block the circulation of warm indoor air.
Action: Open the cabinet doors under your kitchen and bathroom sinks to allow the heated air in your home to reach the plumbing. Be sure to move any harmful chemicals out of reach of pets or children.
3. Let a Faucet Drip
During deep-freeze conditions, allowing a slow, steady drip of cold water from a single faucet (preferably one furthest from your main water line) can help prevent freezing.
Action: A moving stream of water is less likely to freeze, and the slight pressure relief can prevent a burst pipe if a clog of ice does start to form.
Phase 3: Year-Round Maintenance & Preparation
These tips are smart to complete before winter arrives, but they benefit your home all year long.
Insulate Exposed Pipes
In unheated areas like basements, crawl spaces, and attics, exposed pipes should be wrapped.
Action: Use foam pipe sleeves (available at any hardware store) or professional-grade heat tape to add a layer of insulation to any exposed pipes.
Know Where Your Main Water Shut-Off Valve Is
If, despite your best efforts, a pipe does burst, knowing how to immediately shut off the water can save you from catastrophic damage.
Action: Locate your main shut-off valve (often in the basement, garage, or near the water heater), ensure it works, and teach everyone in your household where it is.
Check Your Sump Pump
Seattle’s heavy rains put your sump pump to the test. A freezing rain or sudden temperature drop can cause the discharge line to freeze, leading to basement flooding.
Action: Check your sump pump and its discharge line before winter. Ensure the discharge line is free of debris and is sloped to drain away from your home.
When to Call the Professionals
If you turn on a faucet and only get a trickle of water, you likely have a frozen pipe.
DO NOT use a blowtorch or any open flame to try and thaw a pipe. This is a fire hazard and can cause the pipe to explode.
Instead, do this:
Keep the affected faucet open.
Shut off your main water valve to prevent flooding if the pipe is already cracked.
Apply gentle, gradual heat using a hairdryer, a heating pad, or towels soaked in hot water.
If the pipe is inaccessible, or you can’t get the water flowing again safely, it’s time to call the experts. The Jim Dandy Sewer & Plumbing team is here 24/7 to handle your winter plumbing emergencies and repairs.
Stay warm and keep your pipes protected this winter, Seattle!
