Winter in Bellingham, WA demands extensive home preparation to ensure peace of mind and safety. The cold weather is harsh on everything, especially your plumbing system. Our team at Marr’s Heating and Air Conditioning is happy to share some practical strategies to help you identify vulnerabilities and protect your pipes from freezing temperatures in Whatcom County.
Common Cold Weather Plumbing Issues
To effectively safeguard your plumbing system, you need to understand exactly what you are protecting it from. There are common issues many homeowners encounter.
Freezing and Bursting Pipes
When temperatures drop below the freezing point and ice forms, this can lead to expansion inside your pipes. This exerts pressure on the inside of pipe walls. This pressure can cause cracks to form or pipes to burst.
You may not notice an issue right away. Once the ice thaws, your frozen pipes will leak through the cracks and gaps that formed. In some cases, these leaks can go unnoticed for weeks or months, quietly wreaking havoc in your home.
Clogged and Backed-Up Drains
Increased indoor activities during the winter season can put a tremendous amount of stress on your plumbing system, especially during the holidays. Kitchen sinks often encounter more food waste, grease, and soap residue, while bathroom drains face heavier use from guests and family members.
Cold temperatures can cause fats and oils to solidify more quickly in your pipes, causing clogs and backups. In fact, even the wastewater in your septic tank can freeze if there is an issue with your tank setup.
Water Heater Issues
Cold weather brings about increased demand for hot water. Your water heater is likely to experience a higher rate of wear and tear as it works harder to meet household needs.
Also, the water coming into your home is colder. This means your water heater must use more energy to heat water to your desired temperature. As a result, you may notice a slight spike in your energy bills.
Older and poorly maintained hot water heaters may struggle to keep up in the winter months. Others may even completely fail. Watch out for unusual noises and inconsistent or insufficient hot water during peak hours.
Experiencing Basement Flooding
As temperatures fluctuate, water can freeze and thaw repeatedly. Melting ice can make its way indoors. If your home’s drainage system or foundation isn’t intact, water can end up in your basement. Pooling water can compromise your home’s structural integrity and lead to mold growth. It also poses a serious electrical hazard if it reaches outlets, appliances, or wiring.
How to Prevent Frozen Pipes
Prevent pipe bursts by insulating vulnerable plumbing lines. This includes pipes in unheated areas like crawl spaces, basements, attics, and exterior walls. Insulation helps retain heat in water so ice doesn’t form.
Another strategy is to keep faucets slightly open during extreme cold. When water is constantly moving, it’s much less likely to freeze. However, this method can be wasteful and should be used intermittently. In most cases, properly insulating your pipes and maintaining a consistent indoor temperature is sufficient to prevent pipes from freezing.
Be sure to disconnect and drain outdoor hoses before the start of winter. Hoses left attached to outdoor faucets can trap water inside, which may freeze and expand. You can end up with damage and cracks in both the hose and the fixture.
What to Do If a Pipe Bursts
If you have a pipe burst in your home, call a licensed plumber immediately for assistance. Pooling water can encourage mold and mildew growth, weaken your property’s structural integrity, and pose electrical and fire hazards if it reaches wiring or appliances.
While waiting for professional help, shut off the main water supply to stop the flow. Turn off electricity in affected areas. Then, drain faucets to relieve pressure and reduce further leakage. Lastly, if there’s any standing water, dry it out using towels or a wet/dry vacuum.
Schedule a Plumbing Inspection Before Winter
Call Marr’s Heating and Air Conditioning for expert winter plumbing in Bellingham. Since 1965, we’ve been providing exceptional care to homeowners by helping them prepare for cold weather, prevent costly damage, and maintain safe and efficient plumbing systems. Contact us at the first sign of trouble. We are available 24/7. Our licensed plumbers will promptly arrive at your residence, inspect your system, and accurately diagnose the root cause of the problem.
Call Marr’s Heating and Air Conditioning today for winter plumbing preparation in Bellingham.
