Winter in Seattle can be a picturesque season, with its snow-covered landscapes and crisp air. But for homeowners, it also brings the risk of frozen pipes—a problem that can quickly turn from a minor inconvenience into a full-blown emergency. Imagine waking up on a chilly morning to discover that your water pipe has burst, flooding your basement or kitchen.
Unfortunately, I’ve seen this scenario play out more times than I care to remember. It’s not just the cost of repairs that stings—though that’s bad enough—but the disruption to daily life, especially when you have to go without running water. One winter, I had a client in the Greater Seattle area who thought they were prepared. They’d insulated some pipes and left the heat on, but they missed one crucial detail: a small crack in their basement window, which allowed cold air to seep in. That tiny oversight caused a pipe to freeze and burst, leading to extensive water damage and a hefty repair bill.
This kind of situation is more common than you might think, and it all comes down to a simple truth: when water freezes, it expands. That expansion puts tremendous pressure on pipes, whether they’re made of metal or plastic, leading them to crack or burst. It’s not just the outdoor spigots and sprinkler lines that are at risk—pipes in unheated areas of your home, like basements, attics, or garages, can also fall victim to the cold. Therefore, it is crucial to take preventive measures to avoid frozen pipes and protect your home.
Why Pipe Freezing is a Problem
Frozen pipes aren’t just an inconvenience; they can significantly damage your home. When water freezes, it expands, putting immense pressure on the pipes—pressure that can cause them to crack or burst. I’ve seen everything from tiny cracks that leak slowly to full-blown ruptures that release hundreds of gallons of water in minutes.
Outdoor spigots, swimming pool supply lines, and water sprinkler lines are particularly vulnerable, but don’t overlook the indoor lines in unheated areas like basements, crawl spaces, and attics. Whether your pipes are plastic or copper, once temperatures drop below 32°F, they’re at risk. And trust me, it doesn’t take much—a tiny crack can wreak havoc, leading to water damage, mold growth, and extensive repairs.
How to protect pipes from freezing
- To learn how to avoid freezing pipes this winter, begin by thoroughly inspecting your home for any cracks or openings that might allow cold air to seep in. Focus on areas around piping, especially in both interior and exterior walls, as well as around sill plates. Sealing any gaps you find with caulk or insulation will help keep the cold air out and your lines protected.
- After the gardening season ends, be sure to disconnect, drain, and store your garden hoses. Draining water from hoses and lines is crucial to avoid frozen pipes and potential damage. Also, close the shut-off valves that supply water to outdoor hose bibs and open the faucets outside to drain any remaining water. For extra protection, consider using faucet covers.
- If you have a sprinkler system, make sure to drain the water from the supply lines following the manufacturer’s directions. Winterizing outdoor water supply lines is essential to prevent freezing. And for an added layer of protection, think about installing freeze-proof faucets or frost-proof spigots.
- Indoor water lines in unheated areas, like garages or basements, should be insulated to keep them from freezing. Insulation can be applied using foam pipe sleeves or heat tape. You might also want to install a hot water recirculating pump, which monitors your plumbing system’s water temperature and circulates warm water through the lines when temperatures drop.
Why do frozen pipes sometimes burst?
You might be wondering why some frozen pipes burst while others don’t. The answer lies in the pressure that builds up between the ice blockage and the faucet. When water freezes inside a pipe, it expands and creates a blockage. Water pressure begins to build behind that blockage, and if it has nowhere to go, it can cause the pipe to burst. This is why even a small amount of insulation or heat can make a big difference in preventing your pipes from freezing in winter.
How to prevent Frozen Pipes
In addition to the steps mentioned earlier, there are a few more strategies you can use to prevent your pipes from freezing. The risks associated with pipe freezes include the expansion of water in the lines that can lead to breakage and costly repairs, making it crucial to take preventive measures:
- Insulate Pipes in Unheated Areas: Ensure lines in unheated areas, such as attics, basements, crawl spaces, or garages, are well-insulated. Foam insulation or heat tape can provide a buffer against the cold.
- Keep Water Running: During extremely cold weather, leave a couple of faucets running at a trickle, especially in the coldest areas of your house. Letting faucets drip maintains water flow and relieves pressure in exposed lines, reducing the risk of ruptures caused by freezing water.
- Open Cabinet Doors: In your kitchen and bathrooms, open cabinet doors to allow warm air to circulate around the lines, especially those located on exterior walls. Leaving kitchen and bathroom cabinets open helps maintain consistent heat distribution throughout the home.
- Maintaining a Safe Temperature: Keeping your home at a consistent temperature day and night is key to stopping your pipes from freezing. Set your thermostat to at least 55°F (13°C) during the cold months, and avoid turning off the heat completely, even if you’re away. This helps ensure that the lines inside your home stay warm enough and avoid frozen pipes.
- Freeze-proof faucets or frost-proof spigots: Installing these, especially for outdoor water sources, is a smart move to stop water pipes from freezing.
- Hot Water Recirculating Pump: This can be a valuable investment that helps prevent freezing pipes by maintaining consistent water temperature throughout the plumbing system.
How to Thaw Frozen Pipes
If you suspect that a pipe has frozen, it’s important to act quickly but safely. Use a hair dryer, heating pad, or space heater to gently warm the pipe, starting at the faucet and working your way back toward the frozen section. Be careful not to use an open flame, as this can cause more damage to the pipe and create a fire hazard. Additionally, keep heat sources away from flammable materials when thawing frozen pipes to avoid hazardous situations. Keep the affected faucet open to help melt the ice and relieve the pressure inside the pipe.
If you’re not comfortable thawing the pipe yourself or if the pipe has burst, it’s best to call a professional plumber who knows how to thaw frozen pipes. A burst pipe can cause significant water damage in a short amount of time, so it’s important to shut off your main water valve and get help as quickly as possible.
Great Reasons to Choose Frozen Pipe Repair Services by Ben’s Plumbing
When it comes to protecting your home from the harsh effects of winter, taking preventive measures against frozen pipes is essential. But sometimes, despite your best efforts, you may find yourself facing a plumbing issue that’s beyond your control. That’s when it’s time to call in the professionals.
At Ben’s Plumbing, we’ve been serving the Greater Seattle and Eastside communities for over 25 years. Our extensive experience means we’ve seen it all, and we know how to fix it. Plus, you can rest easy knowing that we don’t pay our service technicians on commission, so you’ll never be pressured into buying something you don’t need. We’re here to be your long-term plumbing partner, ensuring your home stays safe, warm, and dry through every season.
So, if you’re dealing with a frozen pipe or any other plumbing concern, don’t hesitate to reach out. Let us take care of the problem so you can focus on what matters most—enjoying the comfort of your home.
