How to Prepare Your Plumbing System for Winter

Winter in Spokane has a way of surprising us. One moment, you’re enjoying the crisp air; the next, your pipes are protesting the deep freeze, and suddenly, that morning shower isn’t happening. Not exactly the winter wonderland you were hoping for, right?

Frozen pipes can throw a serious wrench into your daily routine—think water damage, costly repairs, and a whole lot of inconvenience. But here’s the silver lining: with a bit of prep work, you can keep your plumbing system running smoothly all season long.

At Bulldog Rooter, we’ve weathered plenty of Spokane winters, helping folks keep their homes warm and dry. Let’s make sure you’re ready to face the cold without any unwelcome surprises.

1. Inspect Your Plumbing System

The first step in preparing your plumbing for winter is to thoroughly inspect your system. Pay close attention to pipes located in unheated areas of your home, such as basements, attics, garages, and crawl spaces. These pipes are more vulnerable to freezing because they aren’t exposed to the same warm air as the rest of your home.

It’s also important to check for any existing leaks, no matter how small they may seem. Even a tiny leak can cause major problems when temperatures drop, as the water can freeze and expand, causing the pipe to burst.

2. Insulate Exposed Pipes

Once you’ve identified the vulnerable pipes in your plumbing system, it’s time to take action to protect them from the cold. Insulating exposed pipes is one of the most effective ways to prevent freezing and the damage it can cause.

• Apply Pipe Insulation: Foam pipe insulation is a simple and affordable solution for protecting exposed pipes. This insulation comes in pre-slit tubes that easily wrap around your pipes, providing a barrier against cold air. Make sure to choose the correct size insulation for your pipes and seal any gaps or seams with duct tape for maximum protection.
• Focus on High-Risk Areas: While insulating all exposed pipes is ideal, it’s especially crucial to focus on pipes located in unheated or drafty areas of your home. These high-risk areas include basements, attics, garages, and crawl spaces. Take extra care to thoroughly insulate pipes in these spaces, as they are more susceptible to freezing temperatures.
• Consider Heat Cables for Added Protection: For pipes that are particularly prone to freezing, such as those located in extremely cold areas or against exterior walls, you may want to consider installing thermostat-controlled heat cables. These cables wrap around your pipes and provide an extra layer of protection by automatically turning on and off to maintain a safe temperature. While heat cables require a bit more installation effort, they can provide peace of mind in the coldest months.

3. Seal Gaps and Cracks

Cold air can find its way into your home through even the smallest openings, putting your pipes at risk of freezing. To prevent this, it’s crucial to identify and seal any gaps or cracks that may be allowing cold air to enter.

• Inspect for Air Leaks: Take a close look at the walls, floors, and ceilings near your pipes, especially in areas where pipes enter or exit your home. Look for any visible openings, such as gaps around windows, doors, or utility penetrations. You can also use your hand to feel for cold drafts or use a smoke pen to identify air movement.
• Use Caulk or Weatherstripping: Once you’ve identified any gaps or cracks, it’s time to seal them up. For small openings, such as those around windows or doors, use a high-quality, flexible caulk. Apply the caulk smoothly and evenly, ensuring that it adheres well to both surfaces. For larger gaps, such as those where pipes enter your home, use weatherstripping or expanding foam insulation to create a tight seal.
• Don’t Forget Exterior Walls: Pipes that run along exterior walls are particularly vulnerable to cold air infiltration. Make sure to pay extra attention to these areas when inspecting for leaks and sealing gaps. If possible, consider adding insulation to the interior side of the wall to provide an extra layer of protection for your pipes.

4. Disconnect and Drain Outdoor Fixtures

As winter approaches, it’s crucial to prepare your outdoor plumbing fixtures to prevent damage from freezing temperatures. Neglecting to properly disconnect and drain these fixtures can lead to cracked pipes, leaks, and costly repairs come springtime.

• Remove Garden Hoses: Before the first frost hits, make sure to disconnect all garden hoses from your outdoor faucets. Leaving hoses attached can trap water inside the faucet and connecting pipe, which can freeze and expand, causing cracks or breaks. Once disconnected, drain any remaining water from the hoses and store them in a dry, protected area for the winter.
• Drain Outdoor Faucets: After removing your garden hoses, it’s time to focus on the outdoor faucets themselves. Locate the shut-off valve for each exterior faucet, which is usually located inside your home near the exterior wall. Turn off the water supply to the faucet and then open the exterior faucet to allow any remaining water to drain out. Leave the faucet open for the winter to prevent any water from accumulating and freezing inside the pipe.
• Protect with Faucet Covers: For an extra layer of protection, consider installing insulated faucet covers on your outdoor faucets. These covers fit snugly over the faucet and help to prevent cold air from reaching the pipe. They are relatively inexpensive and easy to install, making them a worthwhile investment for protecting your outdoor plumbing. Make sure to choose covers that are well-insulated and securely fastened to ensure maximum effectiveness.

5. Maintain Indoor Warmth

Keeping your home warm during the winter months is not only important for your comfort but also for the protection of your plumbing system. When indoor temperatures drop too low, pipes can freeze and burst, leading to costly repairs and water damage. To prevent this, it’s essential to maintain a consistent level of warmth throughout your home, even when you’re away.

• Keep Your Home Warm: One of the most effective ways to protect your pipes from freezing is to set your thermostat to at least 55°F (13°C) at all times, including when you’re sleeping or away from home. This may result in a slightly higher heating bill, but it’s a small price to pay compared to the cost of repairing burst pipes and dealing with water damage. If you have a programmable thermostat, consider setting it to automatically lower the temperature when you’re away or asleep, but never below 55°F.
• Open Interior Doors: In addition to maintaining a consistent temperature, it’s important to allow warm air to circulate freely throughout your home. Keep doors between heated rooms open, especially those leading to bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms where pipes are more likely to be located. This helps to evenly distribute heat and prevents cold spots from forming around your pipes. If you have rooms that are rarely used or tend to be colder than others, consider keeping their doors open as well to allow warm air to flow into these spaces.
• Open Cabinet Doors: Pipes located under kitchen and bathroom sinks are particularly vulnerable to freezing, especially if they are located against exterior walls. To protect these pipes, make a habit of opening cabinet doors during cold snaps to allow warm air from your home to circulate around them. This is especially important at night when temperatures tend to drop even lower. If you have young children or curious pets, be sure to remove any harmful cleaning products or chemicals from these cabinets before leaving them open. You can also place a small space heater near the open cabinets for added protection, but be sure to follow all safety precautions and never leave it unattended.

6. Allow Faucets to Drip

When temperatures plummet to extreme lows, one simple yet effective way to protect your pipes from freezing is to allow your faucets to drip slightly. This may seem counterintuitive, as you’re intentionally letting water run, but it can make a significant difference in preventing costly damage to your plumbing system.

• Let Water Trickle: During periods of extreme cold, particularly when temperatures dip below 20°F (-6°C), let a small amount of water run from your faucets. You don’t need to turn the faucet on full force; a trickle about the width of a pencil lead is sufficient. The constant flow of water, even at a slow rate, helps to keep water moving through your pipes, making it less likely to freeze. This is especially important for faucets located on exterior walls or in unheated areas of your home, as these pipes are more susceptible to freezing.
• Preferably Use Cold Water: When letting your faucets drip, it’s best to use cold water rather than hot. While it may seem like hot water would be more effective at preventing freezing, running hot water can actually be counterproductive. Hot water cools quickly as it moves through cold pipes, and the energy required to heat the water can put unnecessary strain on your water heater. Additionally, using cold water helps to reduce your energy bill, as you’re not paying to heat water that’s simply running down the drain. If you’re concerned about your pipes freezing, focus on letting cold water trickle from your faucets, particularly those located in the most vulnerable areas of your home.

It’s important to note that while allowing your faucets to drip can help prevent freezing, it’s not a guarantee. In extremely cold temperatures, even a slow trickle of water can freeze, particularly if your pipes are not well-insulated. However, when combined with other preventive measures, such as insulating pipes and sealing air leaks, letting your faucets drip can be an effective way to protect your plumbing system during the coldest months of the year.

If you’re concerned about the cost of letting your faucets run, keep in mind that the expense of a slightly higher water bill is minimal compared to the potential cost of repairing burst pipes and dealing with water damage. You can also collect the dripping water in a bucket or container and use it for other purposes, such as watering plants or flushing toilets, to minimize waste.

7. Know When to Call the Professionals

While taking steps to prevent frozen pipes is essential, knowing when to call in professionals is just as important. Attempting to handle frozen pipes on your own can lead to further damage or even personal injury. Recognizing the warning signs and trusting Bulldog Rooter to help can save you time, money, and stress.

Signs of Frozen Pipes

Frozen pipes often show clear indicators:

• Little to no water flow when turning on a faucet.
• Visible frost or condensation on exposed pipes, particularly in unheated areas like basements or crawl spaces.
• Unusual odors from drains or faucets, caused by ice trapping odors inside the plumbing.

The Risks of DIY Solutions

Thawing frozen pipes might seem simple, but DIY methods can be risky. Using open flames or electrical devices near water can lead to fire hazards or electric shock. Even if you successfully thaw the pipe, cracks or bursts caused by freezing can lead to flooding. It’s best to leave thawing and repairs to professionals who have the right tools and expertise.

Bulldog Rooter Is Here to Help You Stay Warm and Dry

As your trusted partner in plumbing, Bulldog Rooter is dedicated to helping you prevent winter plumbing issues before they cause damage to your home. Our team of experienced professionals offers a range of services designed to keep your pipes safe and functioning properly throughout the coldest months. From thorough pipe insulation and leak repairs to 24/7 emergency assistance, we have the expertise and tools to handle all your winter plumbing needs. Don’t wait until it’s too late—contact Bulldog Rooter today at (509) 687-7001 or [email protected] to schedule your winterization service and enjoy peace of mind knowing your home is protected against the harsh Spokane winters.