When water freezes, it expands. If you have water in your pipes and that water freezes, this can put excessive pressure on your pipes to the point where they burst or crack. This catastrophe can lead to structural issues and excessive water damage. Mold may even become a problem. That’s why it’s essential that homeowners in the Seattle, WA, area take appropriate steps to protect their pipes from freezing and avoid the need for pipe repair or, in bad cases, extensive repiping service. Let’s look at some helpful tips.
Which Pipes Are at Risk?
Any pipe that has water running through it is at risk of freezing. However, some portions of your plumbing system may be at greater risk. This includes pipes that are attached to outdoor spigots, sprinkler systems, basements, attics, and under kitchen cabinets. Also, pipes that run along exterior walls that have minimal to no insulation are at greater risk.
Protecting Your Pipes
Prior to the start of winter, there are some things you should do to prepare outdoor plumbing for freezing temperatures.
1. Drain Water
Make sure that you drain all the water out of your sprinkler system, swimming pool pipes, hoses, outdoor spigots, etc. Some systems require the use of antifreeze in the winter. However, make sure that this is recommended. Otherwise, you could do a lot of damage to your pipes.
2. Remove Items
Bring your hoses inside for the winter. This will protect their integrity. Make sure you turn the water off to your outdoor spigots to prevent freezing. Drain any leftover water and leave the valve open for the winter.
3. Increase Insulation
You can add insulation around your pipes to protect them from the cold. There are different types of plumbing insulation, including foam tubes that fit around your pipes and spray foam insulation that is installed in the tight spaces around your plumbing. You should also consider upgrading the insulation in your basement and attic to maintain better temperature control.
4. Maintain a Proper Indoor Temperature
The temperature of your home should be no lower than 55 degrees Fahrenheit. This prevents pipes from freezing and protects other items in your home. If you’re going to be away from home for an extended period, make sure you have your thermostat set to this temperature for the duration of your trip.
You can monitor the temperature of your interior using a smart thermostat paired with your smart device. These thermostats are very convenient and provide other features that can help you save energy and maintain a comfortable home environment.
5. Keep Cabinets Open
If you have cabinets or vanities that have pipes within them, keep the doors to these areas open. This will allow warm air to flow around the pipes and prevent them from freezing.
6. Leave Water Dripping
If you have certain pipes and fixtures that are prone to freezing, allow a small trickle of water to drip from your faucet when the weather is extremely cold. This slow movement of water can prevent ice from forming.
Thawing Pipes
If your preventive methods did not work and you experience a pipe freezing, there are steps you can take to slowly thaw the pipe so it doesn’t break.
Leave the faucet open. You don’t want any additional pressure to build up inside your pipes. Leave fixtures or faucets open so water can escape once it starts to melt.
You should also apply heat. You don’t want to thaw the pipe too quickly, as this can cause damage. Use a space heater, a heating pad, or a hair dryer to apply minimal heat to the area around your pipe.
Call a Professional
You should reach out to our team if you’re having trouble thawing a frozen pipe. We can help you fix this situation and prevent further damage from occurring. We have been serving the Seattle area since 1977, offering a variety of plumbing services. This includes pipe repair, unclogging drains, installing water heaters, addressing leaks, installing faucets, servicing toilets, and much more. We also offer drain and sewer repair services, hydro jet cleaning, trenchless repairs and replacements, sewer inspections, and more.
Contact Raymark Plumbing & Sewer in Seattle today to find out more or to schedule an appointment.
