How to Prepare Your Pipes for a Pacific Northwest Winter
The Pacific Northwest has a reputation for mild winters, and most of the time that's true. But anyone who has lived in Snohomish or King County long enough knows that a cold snap can arrive fast and hit harder than expected. When temperatures dip below freezing, unprepared pipes can freeze, crack, and burst — causing serious water damage and expensive repairs.
The good news is that a little preparation goes a long way. Pete the Pipe Protector is here with his winter pipe checklist to help you protect your home before the cold sets in.
1. Know Where Your Main Water Shut-Off Is
Before anything else, make sure every adult in your household knows where the main water shut-off valve is located and how to turn it off. If a pipe does freeze and burst, being able to shut off the water immediately can mean the difference between a minor inconvenience and a major flood. In most homes it's near the water meter, often in a utility room, crawl space, or garage.
2. Insulate Exposed Pipes
Pipes in unheated spaces are the most vulnerable during a cold snap. Check your garage, crawl space, attic, and any exterior walls for exposed pipes and wrap them with foam pipe insulation. It's inexpensive, easy to install, and can prevent a lot of heartache when temperatures drop. Pay special attention to pipes along exterior walls and in areas that don't get much heat.
3. Disconnect and Drain Outdoor Hoses
Leaving a garden hose connected to an outdoor spigot during winter is one of the most common causes of frozen pipes. The water trapped in the hose can freeze back into the pipe and cause it to crack. Before the first frost, disconnect all outdoor hoses, drain them, and store them inside. If your home has outdoor hose bibs, consider installing insulated covers for extra protection.
4. Keep Your Heat On — Even When You're Away
It's tempting to turn the heat way down when you're traveling or spending time away from home over the holidays, but a too-cold house is a recipe for frozen pipes. Keep your thermostat set to at least 55°F even when the house is empty. It costs a little more on your heating bill but far less than a burst pipe repair.
5. Open Cabinet Doors Under Sinks
On especially cold nights, open the cabinet doors under kitchen and bathroom sinks, particularly on exterior walls. This allows the warmer air in your home to circulate around the pipes and helps prevent freezing. It's a simple trick that costs nothing and can make a real difference during a hard freeze.
6. Let Faucets Drip During a Hard Freeze
If temperatures are expected to drop well below freezing overnight, let your faucets drip slightly. Moving water is much harder to freeze than standing water. Focus on faucets connected to pipes that run along exterior walls or through unheated spaces.
7. Schedule a Pre-Winter Plumbing Inspection
The best time to find a plumbing vulnerability is before it becomes an emergency. A quick inspection by a licensed plumber can identify exposed pipes, aging insulation, or other issues that could cause problems when the cold hits. Think of it as a wellness check for your home's plumbing.
Already Dealing with a Frozen or Burst Pipe?
Don't wait. Shut off your main water supply and call Skyview Plumbing right away. We serve homeowners across Snohomish and King Counties and are ready to help when plumbing emergencies strike.
Call us at (425) 480-6700 or request service online.
