Easy Ways to Protect Plumbing Over Winter
- December 13, 2024
- admin

How to Prevent Frozen Pipes in Cold Temperatures
When winter arrives in Washington, it can bring cold and snowy weather, resulting in messy commutes and making homeowners uncomfortable. However, these conditions can also pose a risk to a home’s plumbing, as the low temperatures can lead to frozen pipes and potentially massive water damage.
To prevent these issues, Longview, WA, homeowners should take precautions before the cold weather sets in. This includes insulating pipes, maintaining a comfortable indoor temperature, and disconnecting outdoor hoses.
Insulate Pipes
Before the weather gets colder, homeowners must remember to insulate their pipes to avoid burst pipes. Insulating pipes can help maintain warmth and prevent them from freezing, ensuring a continuous flow of water.
When prioritizing which pipes to insulate, homeowners should start with the most exposed ones. This includes pipes in unfinished basements, the attic, crawlspaces, the garage, or any other cold areas of the home.
By performing the simple task of pipe insulation, homeowners can ensure that their pipes remain at a consistent temperature, even when faced with freezing outdoor temperatures.

Keep the Heat at a Comfortable Temperature

While the arrival of cold weather can mean homeowners see their energy bills increase due to heavy usage of their heater, it’s essential to keep the heating system running to maintain a comfortable temperature in the house. Although costly, property owners must keep thermostats set at a consistent temperature to keep the home warm and cozy and water flowing through the pipes. This is particularly important if homeowners plan to be away from home during the winter. Despite the temptation to reduce the thermostat to save on energy costs, it’s vital to maintain a warm temperature to prevent freezing pipes.
Additionally, homeowners should open their cabinet doors on extremely cold nights to allow heat to circulate the pipes and help prevent freezing.
Disconnect Outdoor Hoses From Faucets
After a summer of entertaining outside and maintaining their landscaping, homeowners might overlook a key step when winterizing their homes: disconnecting an outdoor hose from the faucets. This is crucial in preventing frozen pipes and avoiding pipe bursts.
Before the first freeze, homeowners should remember to disconnect hoses, drain any remaining water, and turn off the water supply to outdoor faucets. Proper water removal from the lines requires professional assistance. If homeowners need help winterizing their plumbing system or have any questions, they shouldn’t hesitate to call a trusted local plumber.
About Pilot Plumbing and Drains
The trusted team at Pilot Plumbing and Drains provides quality plumbing services to the Vancouver area. With a customer-focused approach, they offer same-day services and offer straightforward pricing. Call them today for plumbing services in Longview, WA.