Plumbing Tips for Fall Blog for Tacoma, WA & Beyond

If you are caught unprepared, the cold fall months in Tacoma can cause major problems with your plumbing system. Frozen water pipes can be inconvenient … broken water pipes can be destructive and expensive! Use these next few months of fall to get ready for the freezing temperatures by winterizing your plumbing. With just a few simple steps you can ensure that your plumbing will be in top working condition throughout the winter and you will avoid an unnecessary inconvenience or expense.

1. Pipe wrap insulation is inexpensive and can be picked up at any home improvement store. Check your crawl spaces, garage, and attic for any exposed pipes and insulate them to protect your pipes from exposure and freezing. As water freezes inside of an exposed pipe the ice will cause the pipe to expand and eventually break. A broken pipe in an attic can lead to major water damage and potential injury if the ceiling gives way.
2. Your outside sprinkler system is a perfect place for water to collect in the pipes and freeze during winter weather. Depending on the proximity of the broken pipe to your home, you could be faced with a flooded basement or garage, or serious water damage to the foundation of your home. To winterize your sprinkler system make sure to run off the main water supply to the system. This is ensure that no water is collected anywhere in the system that could potentially freeze. Also, make sure to turn of the timer and any schedules you have programmed for your sprinkler system. If the main water source is shut down but, the system is programmed to come on this could cause damage to the mechanics of your sprinkler system.
3. Every homeowner should know where the main water shutoff is to their home in case of an emergency. If during the cold winter weather you experience a broken water pipe and flooding, you will want to be able to shut off the water to your house immediately to minimize water damage. Once you have located the main water shut off, make sure that other members of your household are aware of its location and how to shut it off, in case you are not home during the flooding.

Winters in Tacoma are beautiful, but can also be damaging to your plumbing if you are not prepared. Luckily, you still have a few months to follow just a few easy steps to get your home ready for the cold weather and avoid any unexpected mishaps. If you would like advice or help on winterizing your plumbing, don’t hesitate to contact Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Tacoma!