Pacific Northwest winters aren’t as extreme as those in other regions, particularly in communities such as Eugene, OR that lie west of the Cascade Mountain Range. However, Eugene nonetheless experiences freezing temperatures somewhat regularly during the months between November and March. Homeowners are sometimes caught off-guard when this occurs, leading to frozen pipes and other plumbing dilemmas. Pipes that become frozen are at risk of bursting because water expands as it grows colder and turns to ice, which can cause considerable inconvenience and expense. At Pacific Plumbing & Rooter Inc, we believe that being proactive is the key to preventing frozen plumbing pipes. Here’s what you can do to safeguard your pipes during Eugene’s chilly winter months.
1. Insulate Your Pipes
Proper insulation is a homeowner’s first line of defense against frozen pipes. Exposed pipes in areas such as basements, crawl spaces, garages, and attics are particularly vulnerable to freezing. Foam insulation and heat tape are both good options for insulating exposed pipes. For an added layer of protection, consider using insulated covers on your exterior water spigots and valves.
2. Seal Exterior Cracks and Gaps
Even the smallest cracks and gaps in your home’s exterior can let in cold air. Inspect walls, doors, and windows for any openings and seal them thoroughly with caulk and/or weatherstripping. Pay special attention to any air leaks that exist in areas where plumbing or wiring comes through flooring, walls, and ceilings. Sealing potential air leaks will improve the overall energy efficiency of your home.
3. Keep Cabinet Doors Open
When Eugene temperatures get below freezing, open cabinet doors in bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms to help keep warm air circulating around the pipes. Pay particular attention to pipes located against exterior walls. Monitor the weather forecast closely because although the Eugene daytime temperatures are typically above freezing, they often drop drastically after the sun goes down. Few things are more frustrating than turning on the water tap in the morning only to discover that your pipes have frozen during the night.
4. Maintain a Steady Indoor Temperature
Maintaining a consistent temperature during winter is an important strategy when it comes to keeping household plumbing from freezing. Although it may be tempting to turn your thermostat off when traveling out of the area for several days, doing so means that you run the risk of returning home to frozen pipes. Your indoor thermostat should be set to at least 55 degrees Fahrenheit even when you don’t plan on being home. Keep in mind that outdoor temperatures in Eugene can change quickly, so you could leave home when it’s relatively warm and return to freezing conditions.
5. Leave a Trickle of Water Running
Moving water freezes more slowly than still water, so open your taps slightly to help prevent your pipes from freezing. Additionally, the constant dripping action helps relieve pressure that builds up in the pipes as temperatures fall. This is particularly important for pipes situated along exterior walls. Check to see if the drains are free and clear before going to sleep or leaving home before you leave a dripping faucet unattended.
6. Disconnect Outdoor Hoses
Although it can be tempting to leave outdoor garden hoses connected during winter, so they’ll be available once spring gardening season starts, disconnect and drain them and store them in a safe place until you need them again. Leaving outdoor hoses intact can lead to water freezing inside of them and creating pressure that backs up into your pipes.
7. Install Frost-Proof Faucets
Eugene has a lot of older homes, and if you live in one of them, your outdoor faucets may be outdated. In a newer construction, outdoor spigots already come with frost protection. Fortunately, you don’t have to move to a new home to enjoy frost-free faucets — this is an easy upgrade that involves replacing your current outdoor spigots with their modern frost-free counterparts. These faucets are designed to extend the valve into the wall of the home, where the interior warmth will provide extra protection against freezing outdoor temperatures.
8. Use Smart Technology
Smart home devices such as thermostats and water monitors can alert you to potential issues before they escalate. For instance, smart water monitors can alert homeowners to unusual pressure changes that may indicate that water in the pipe is beginning to freeze. Smart thermostats can maintain consistent temperatures in your home interior.
9. Keep Garage Doors Closed
Keeping your garage doors closed helps trap heat inside, minimizing the risk of freezing for any water supply lines in the walls. Adding an extra layer of insulation to your garage door and walls may be a good idea if your garage is particularly cold. For instance, if your garage is shaded by Eugene’s trademark big trees, its interior may be several degrees colder than it would be otherwise.
10. Schedule a Professional Inspection
A professional inspection before the onset of winter can identify potential vulnerabilities that may lead to freezing pipes during seasonal cold snaps. At Pacific Plumbing & Rooter Inc, we perform a thorough assessment of your pipes, insulation, and fixtures to ensure that everything is good to go for the duration of a Eugene winter.
What to Do if Your Pipes Burst
If winter weather sneaks up on you and gets the best of your plumbing pipes, it’s essential to mitigate the damage by acting quickly. Here’s what you need to know:
Know the Location of Your Main Shut-Off Valve
The most important thing is to shut the water off as soon as you can. This is not the time to scramble to find the main shutoff valve. Familiarizing yourself and other family members with its location will help you act quickly in the event of frozen pipes or any other plumbing emergency. If you’re unsure of the location of the main valve, our team can help identify and locate it for you.
How to Thaw Frozen Pipes
After you’ve safely shut off your water supply, open the tap connected to the pipe to relieve any interior pressure that may have built up. Working from the faucet to the frozen section, use a handheld hair dryer, heating pad, or space heater to apply gentle heat. Avoid using blow torches or anything else with an open flame that poses a fire risk and may damage the pipes. If you’re not sure where the frozen section of pipe is or can’t effectively thaw it, contact a plumber for assistance.
Contact Pacific Plumbing & Rooter Inc for More Information
Pacific Plumbing & Rooter Inc has over 40 years of combined experience in the plumbing field in serving residents of Eugene and surrounding Western Oregon communities. We specialize in all aspects of residential and commercial plumbing. If you have a plumbing emergency outside of normal business hours, we offer 24/7 emergency service. We can help whether you need a burst pipe fixed, a new water heater installed, or a stubborn clog cleared.
Contact Pacific Plumbing & Rooter Inc in Eugene to learn more about our plumbing services, schedule an appointment, or request a quote.
