How to Prepare Your Seattle Pipes for Winter

Though winters in Seattle are more temperate than some other areas, a snow storms and freezing temperatures are not uncommon. At Bob Oates Plumbing, Sewer, & Rooter, we want to help residents in Seattle and the surrounding areas prepare for the winter months. Freezing temperatures can cause increased pressure in your pipes and lead to leaks or other damage. Our simple tips for winterizing your pipes will help you preserve your plumbing and save money.

Simple Ways to “Winterize” Your Pipes

There are many affordable and easy ways to get your pipes ready for winter. Some of your options include:

1. Open your cabinets for part of the day to keep warm air circulating through areas that are normally closed off. You will be surprised how much your cabinets will block out heat from your furnace.
2. Insulate your pipes, particularly ones located in the attic, garage, or crawlspace. There are many methods for insulating your pipes, including foam sleeves, heat tape, and more. Consider insulating your garage door, too, and keep it closed throughout the winter months. Also disconnect hoses outside and turn off the water leading to spigots or other outside water sources.
3. Plan ahead for travel. It’s tempting to shut off your heater completely while you are out of town, but leaving it set to at least 55 degrees will alleviate the potential for damage. You can also turn off the water and then run your faucets to flush out the pipes and prevent ice from forming.

Preparing for Winter in Seattle

The first step to protecting your pipes from the ice and snow is to be organized in your approach. Take inventory of the fixtures in your home and create a list of any areas that need special attention, like outdoor faucets or fixtures in your garage where temperatures can be much lower than inside your home. Then as you make your preparations each year, you can check off tasks to make sure you aren’t forgetting any important steps.

These simple tips can keep water from freezing and, consequently, expanding in your pipes to cause leaks or other problems. Our team at Bob Oates Plumbing, Sewer & Rooter can help you protect your pipes from winter weather as well as provide you with repair services if your pipes are experiencing problems.