.2511040532173.jpg)
The Portland-Vancouver Metro area offers beautiful winters, but those freezing temperatures bring a significant risk to one of your home's most vital systems: the plumbing. Frozen pipes can lead to everything from reduced water pressure to catastrophic bursts that result in thousands of dollars in water damage. Proactively preparing your home is the most effective way to protect your investment and maintain peace of mind during the coldest months.
At Legacy Plumbing & Excavation, we believe in prevention, and our experienced team has put together essential tips to safeguard your plumbing this winter.
Identifying Your Home's Vulnerable Spots
Before the first hard freeze hits, it’s critical to locate the areas of your home most susceptible to freezing. These are typically places where pipes are exposed to cold air or lack insulation:
Exterior Walls: Pipes running along unheated exterior walls, especially those behind kitchen or bathroom cabinets.
Crawl Spaces and Basements: Areas that lack proper heating or have vents letting in cold air.
Attics: Particularly in older homes where insulation may be thin.
Garages: Any pipes that run through or near an unheated garage.
Outdoor Spigots: Hoses and external faucets are the most obvious risks.
Essential Winter Pipe Protection Strategies
Taking simple, yet effective, steps before the temperature dips below freezing can save you a major headache and emergency plumbing call.
1. Insulate and Seal
Insulation is your first line of defense. Wrap any exposed pipes—especially those in unheated areas like basements, crawl spaces, and the garage—with foam pipe sleeves or heat tape. These materials are inexpensive and readily available at hardware stores. Additionally, use caulk or weather stripping to seal any cracks or holes in exterior walls and foundation near where water lines enter your home. Even a small draft can quickly freeze a pipe.
2. Disconnect and Drain Outdoor Hoses
This step is non-negotiable. Disconnect all garden hoses from outdoor spigots. If the hose remains connected, water trapped inside can freeze, backing up into the spigot and the connected interior pipe, causing it to burst. After disconnecting, drain the spigot itself. If your home has dedicated shut-off valves for exterior faucets (usually in the basement or utility room), close them and drain the remaining water by opening the outdoor spigot.
3. Maintain a Slow Drip During Deep Freezes
When temperatures are forecast to drop significantly below freezing, maintaining a slow, steady drip of cold water from faucets served by exposed pipes can be a lifesaver. Running water, even at a trickle, has a lower chance of freezing solid than standing water. The movement relieves pressure in the pipe, which is what prevents bursts if a blockage forms. It’s a small cost for a massive reduction in risk.
4. Keep Interior Doors Open and Heat On
During cold snaps, open cabinet doors under sinks on exterior walls. This allows warm air from the room to circulate around the pipes. Additionally, maintain a consistent and reasonable indoor temperature, even if you are away from home for a day or two. Never set your thermostat below $55^\circ$F ($13^\circ$C).
What If a Pipe Freezes?
If you turn on a faucet and only a trickle or nothing comes out, you likely have a frozen pipe. Immediately call a professional like Legacy Plumbing & Excavation at (360) 227-0692. Do not use an open flame or high-heat device to thaw a pipe, as this can easily cause a house fire or sudden rupture. Our experienced plumbers can safely locate and thaw the blockage while checking the pipe's integrity to prevent the inevitable burst that follows a hard freeze.
For long-term reliability and the assurance that your plumbing is winter-ready, trust the family-run team that knows the specific needs of the Portland-Vancouver Metro area.