360-499-6604 During the winter in Tumwater, Washington, when temperatures dip below 32°F, pipes are at risk of freezing. Frozen pipes can cause plumbing emergencies in Tumwater, so it’s essential to be aware of preventative measures.
This guide will share the science behind frozen pipes and prevention tips for homeowners. Keep your home safe with these winter plumbing tips from G & G Heating.
Why Pipes Freeze in Tumwater Homes
Wondering why pipes freeze in Tumwater? When temperatures drop below 32°F (the freezing point) for several hours, pipes can freeze. Water in pipes will freeze, putting pressure on the pipe walls.
Water’s unique properties cause it to expand when frozen. No matter the container’s strength, when water freezes and expands, it exerts tremendous pressure on the container. This means that oftentimes, frozen pipes will crack or burst.
A burst pipe can cause structural damage, electrical hazards, and even mold or mildew. If you have a frozen pipe that bursts and you don’t notice, after temperatures rise, you’ll have a serious issue on your hands. This is one of the reasons it’s so important to prevent frozen pipes with pipe insulation in Tumwater.
Areas Most at Risk for Frozen Pipes
The areas most at risk of frozen pipes include unheated spaces such as basements, attics, garages, and crawl spaces. Other vulnerable areas include under sinks, especially those on exterior walls, and outdoor plumbing, such as hose bibs and sprinkler lines.
Washington state is generally at risk of frozen pipes, but especially this winter. According to the Climate Prediction Center, a part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Washington may see below-normal temperatures during the 2025-2026 winter season. The outlook indicates that much of Washington has a 33-40% chance of experiencing colder conditions than in years past.
Simple Prevention Tips for Homeowners
Prevent pipes from freezing using these prevention tips for Tumwater homes. If you know that freezing temperatures are coming, be prepared to protect your pipes. Taking these extra precautions can save you thousands in damage and repairs.
Insulate pipes
Insulating pipes helps prevent cold air from reaching the pipe walls and water inside. It’s pretty simple to insulate pipes at home using foam, rubber, or fiberglass from the local home improvement store. Wrap the material around exposed pipes to prevent freezing. Secure the chosen material around the pipes using zip ties or duct tape.
Close garage doors
Keep the garage door closed whenever possible, especially if there are water supply lines in your garage. This prevents cold air from reaching your pipes.
Open kitchen and bathroom cabinets
Leaving the kitchen and bathroom cabinets open during freezing temperatures helps circulate warm air around your plumbing. This method is specifically crucial if your sinks are located on an exterior wall of your home. Remove any harmful cleaners and household chemicals under sinks if you have small children or pets.
Keep the heat on
If you are leaving your home for an extended period, be sure to keep your heat running even when you aren’t home. It’s recommended to set your thermostat to at least 55°F when you’re away during winter. Reduce the risk of frozen pipes by keeping the heat on during cold seasons.
Let water drip
Letting water trickle out of your faucet is another protective measure you can take. Let cold water drip from faucets served by exposed pipes to help prevent freezing. Even when the flow is minimal, the movement helps protect your plumbing system.
Insulate vulnerable areas
Add insulation to basements, attics, and crawl spaces, if you can. By adding extra insulation, you can maintain higher temperatures in these often unheated areas.
Store hoses properly
For outdoor hoses, be sure to drain them entirely using the hose bibs. Then, keep the outdoor valve open to allow any remaining water to expand without bursting the pipe.
What to Do If Your Pipes Freeze
If your pipes freeze, there are a couple of options:
- Thaw the pipes yourself
- Call a plumbing service
Both of these are great options for homeowners. If you can locate and access the frozen section of your pipes, you can attempt to thaw it at home. If you cannot locate or access the frozen pipes or your thawing attempt fails, call a professional plumber.
For the first option, you can follow these DIY pipe thawing steps:
- Shut off the main water supply: First, turn off the main water valve to prevent any flooding.
- Open the faucet: Next, open the faucet or faucets served by the exposed pipe to relieve pressure.
- Locate the frozen section of the pipe: Identify the frozen section’s location by looking for a bulge or frost on the pipe.
- Apply safe heat: Then, use a hair dryer, hot towels, a heating pad, or a space heater to warm the affected section of pipe. Never use anything with an open flame to warm the pipe.
- Check back: It can take up to several hours to thaw a frozen pipe, depending on how frozen it is. Check back every 30 minutes to see if water pressure has returned.
When to Call a Professional Plumber
If you suspect you have frozen pipes, it’s a great time to call a skilled plumber. Sometimes, frozen pipes are more than you can handle on your own. A professional plumber has specialized tools to thaw pipes and make any necessary repairs.
Call a professional plumber if:
- You cannot access the frozen pipes
- Your pipe thawing attempts fail
- You have no water flow
- You find visible damage
- A pipe bursts
In all these instances, the best option is to call a professional in Tumwater, such as G & G Heating, to protect your property from damage.
Contact G & G Heating for Professional Plumbing Services
Frozen or burst pipes can be a huge headache for homeowners in the Tumwater service area. Get heating support for frozen pipe prevention with G & G Heating. Protect your home before temperatures drop. Contact G & G Heating for plumbing services that keep your pipes safe this winter.
