How to Prevent Frozen Pipes During Winter Months

Winter in Olympia and Puget Sound can bring freezing temperatures that put your home’s plumbing at risk.

Frozen pipes aren’t just a hassle—they can lead to:

• Costly repairs
• Water damage
• Major disruptions to your daily routine

When water inside pipes freezes, it expands. This creates pressure that can crack or even burst pipes, leading to serious plumbing issues.

Knowing how to prevent frozen pipes, recognize warning signs, and take quick action can help you avoid a disaster.

In this guide, we’ll cover:

• How to protect your pipes before temperatures drop
• What to do if your pipes freeze
• When to call a professional for help

Why Do Pipes Freeze?

Pipes freeze when temperatures drop low enough for the water inside them to turn into ice. As the water freezes, it expands, creating pressure inside the pipe that can lead to cracks or bursts. Some pipes are more susceptible to freezing than others, including those located in:

• Unheated spaces like basements, attics, and garages
• Exterior walls with insufficient insulation
• Outdoor plumbing, such as garden hose connections and sprinkler systems

Sudden temperature drops increase the risk of frozen pipes, especially if your home is not adequately insulated. The best way to protect your plumbing system is to take preventive measures before winter.

Signs of Frozen Pipes

If a pipe in your home is frozen, early detection is crucial to prevent it from bursting. Watch for these common warning signs:

• No water from faucets: If you turn on a faucet and only a trickle comes out—or nothing at all—it could indicate a frozen pipe.
• Frost or ice on exposed pipes: Pipes that are visible in unheated areas may show signs of frost or ice buildup.
• Unusual odors from drains or faucets: A blocked pipe caused by ice can cause strange smells in your plumbing.
• Banging or clanking noises: When water is trying to move through a frozen pipe, it may create loud sounds, signaling a blockage.

If you notice these signs, acting quickly is essential to prevent further damage.

How to Prevent Frozen Pipes

Preventing frozen pipes requires a combination of insulation, heating, and proactive maintenance. Follow these tips to protect your plumbing system:

1. Insulate Exposed Pipes

• Use foam pipe insulation or heat tape on pipes in unheated areas.
• Pay special attention to pipes in crawl spaces, garages, and exterior walls.

2. Seal Gaps and Cracks

• Check for gaps around windows, doors, and foundation walls where cold air can enter.
• Use caulk or weatherstripping to seal leaks and keep warm air inside your home.

3. Keep Your Home Warm

• Maintain a consistent indoor temperature, even when you’re not home.
• Set your thermostat to at least 55°F (13°C) to prevent freezing.

4. Let Faucets Drip

• Allowing a slow trickle of water to flow through the pipes can relieve pressure and help prevent freezing.

5. Open Cabinet Doors

• Keep cabinet doors under sinks open to allow warm air to circulate around pipes.

6. Disconnect and Drain Outdoor Hoses

• Remove hoses from outdoor faucets and drain any remaining water to prevent freezing and pipe damage.

By implementing these strategies, homeowners in Olympia and Puget Sound can reduce their risk of frozen pipes during winter.

What to Do If Your Pipes Freeze

If you suspect that a pipe has frozen, take these steps immediately:

1. Turn Off the Main Water Supply

• This prevents potential flooding if the pipe bursts.

2. Open Faucets

• Turning on faucets can help relieve pressure and allow water to flow once the pipe thaws.

3. Thaw the Pipe Safely

• Warm the pipe with a hairdryer, heating pad, or space heater.
• Do not use open flames, as this can pose a fire hazard.

4. Call a Professional

• If you cannot locate the frozen pipe or are unable to thaw it, contact a licensed plumber for assistance.
• If a pipe has burst, turn off your water supply and seek pipe replacement services.

Preparing Your Plumbing for Vacation

If you plan to be away from home during the winter, take extra precautions to prevent frozen pipes:

• Set your thermostat to at least 55°F (13°C).
• Shut off the main water supply and drain your pipes if you’ll be gone for an extended period.
• Ask a trusted neighbor or friend to check on your home in case of emergencies.

Proper preparation can help you avoid returning home to a plumbing disaster.

When to Call a Professional

While some frozen pipe situations can be handled with DIY methods, there are times when professional help is necessary. Call a licensed plumber if:

• You cannot locate the frozen section of the pipe.
• Your attempts to thaw the pipe are unsuccessful.
• A pipe has burst, leading to water damage.
• You notice persistent issues with freezing each winter.

Regular plumbing maintenance can help identify potential risks and prevent costly repairs in the future.

Preventative Measures for Long-Term Protection

To reduce the risk of frozen pipes in future winters, consider these additional protective measures:

• Schedule annual plumbing inspections to check for vulnerabilities.
• Upgrade to frost-proof outdoor faucets.
• Reroute pipes in high-risk areas to better-insulated spaces.

These preventative measures can help safeguard your home’s plumbing system for years.

Conclusion

Preventing frozen pipes is essential for protecting your home from water damage and expensive repairs. By insulating pipes, maintaining a consistent indoor temperature, and taking proactive steps, Olympia and Puget Sound homeowners can keep their plumbing safe throughout the winter.

If you need professional assistance, contact Black Hills today to schedule a plumbing inspection and ensure your pipes are ready.