Winter Plumbing Tips for Snohomish County Homes
As Snohomish County’s fresh autumnal air gives way to the chilly embrace of winter, we think of warm evenings by the fire and festive cheer. However, for homeowners, winter also brings a crucial reminder: the potential for plumbing emergencies. Freezing temperatures, unexpected snowfalls, and icy conditions can put immense strain on your home’s water pipes and systems.
When a pipe bursts in the midst of a chilly night, it can rapidly become a nightmare, inflicting water damage worth thousands of dollars, upsetting your daily routine, and causing a great deal of worry. The good news? With a little planning, many of these winter plumbing problems can be completely avoided.
This thorough list of winter plumbing advice is intended especially for Snohomish County homeowners and will help you safeguard both your house and your peace of mind this season.
1. Protect Your Exposed Pipes
- Insulate Exposed Pipes: Check your crawl spaces, unfinished basements, garages, and even under sinks in exterior walls. Wrap any exposed water pipes with pipe insulation, foam, or even old towels or blankets.
- Open Cabinet Doors: On extremely cold nights, open the cabinet doors under sinks located on exterior walls. This allows warmer air from your home to circulate around the pipes, preventing them from freezing.
- Seal Drafts: Check for and seal any cracks or holes in exterior walls, especially where pipes enter the house. Use caulk or expanding foam to block cold air.
- Maintain Indoor Temperature: Even if you are away from home, keep your thermostat set to at least 55°F (13°C). This can prevent pipes from freezing, especially those near exterior walls.
2. Safeguard Your Outdoor Plumbing
- Disconnect Garden Hoses: Before temperatures consistently drop below freezing, disconnect all garden hoses from outdoor spigots. Drain the hoses and store them inside. Leaving them connected can trap water in the faucet, leading to a burst pipe inside your wall.
- Drain Outdoor Spigots: Use an internal shut-off valve to cut off the water supply to your outside spigots if you don’t have frost-free hose bibs. After that, let any leftover water drain out by opening the external spigot.
- Winterize Irrigation Systems: If you have a sprinkler system, it’s essential to have it professionally drained before the first hard freeze. This removes all water from the lines, preventing damage.
3. Mind Your Water Heater
- Check for Leaks: Periodically inspect your water heater for any signs of leaks or rust.
- Drain a Few Gallons Annually: Consider draining a few gallons from the bottom of your water heater to flush out sediment. This improves efficiency and can prevent issues before winter weather.
- Insulate Older Heaters: If you have an older water heater, add an insulating blanket around it to retain heat and reduce energy consumption.
4. Address Drainage and Sump Pump Health
- Clear Gutters and Downspouts: Make sure your downspouts divert water at least six feet from your foundation and that your gutters are clear of leaves and other debris. Clogged gutters can cause ice dams, which push water back into your walls and beneath your roof.
- Test Your Sump Pump: Make sure your sump pump is operating correctly by testing it before any significant rain or snowmelt occurs. To start the fire, fill the pit with a pail of water. Make sure there is no ice or debris in the discharge line.
- Backup Power: Consider a battery backup for your sump pump in case of power outages during storms.
5. Know Your Emergency Plan
- Locate Your Main Water Shut-Off Valve: Know where your main water shut-off valve is, which is usually near your water meter or at the main water line entering your home. If a pipe bursts, shutting off the main supply immediately can minimize damage.
- If a Pipe Freezes: If you suspect a pipe is frozen, you can try to thaw it slowly using a hairdryer, heating pad, or towels soaked in hot water. Never use a blowtorch or open flame and keep the faucet open.
- If a Pipe Bursts: Shut off the main water supply immediately and open faucets to drain remaining water from the lines. After that call a professional plumber.
Adopt Preventive Winter Plumbing
Taking these steps now can save you a significant amount of money, stress, and inconvenience
later. Snohomish County winters can be beautiful, but you need to be vigilant about your plumbing system. Our expert advice, winterization services, and rapid emergency response ensures your pipes stay flowing, and your family stays warm and dry all season long.