As temperatures drop in Tacoma, homeowners face a silent winter threat: frozen pipes. Without proper preparation, this common winter hazard can lead to burst pipes, water damage, and thousands in repair costs. The good news? With the right preventative measures, you can avoid these disasters altogether.
🚨 Why Frozen Pipes Are a Big Problem in Tacoma
Even though Tacoma winters are milder than in Eastern Washington, freezing nights are still frequent enough to put your pipes at risk — especially in older homes or poorly insulated areas.
Pipes can freeze when temperatures dip below 20°F, but Tacoma plumbing systems may freeze earlier due to damp conditions and wind chill effects.
🔍 At-Risk Pipes in Your Home
Homeowners should pay special attention to:
- Exposed outdoor pipes (garden hoses, sprinkler lines)
- Unheated interior spaces (crawlspaces, basements, garages)
- Pipes along exterior walls, especially those with little insulation
🛠️ How to Prevent Frozen Pipes in Tacoma
1. Insulate Your Pipes
Use foam pipe insulation (available at Home Depot or Lowe’s) to cover exposed sections. For extreme cold, consider heat tape or heat cables.
2. Let Faucets Drip
Allow a slow trickle from faucets connected to exposed pipes overnight. Flowing water prevents freezing and relieves pressure buildup.
3. Seal Gaps and Drafts
Check for gaps around windows, pipes, and walls — especially in basements and crawlspaces. Use caulk or spray foam to seal them up and keep warm air in.
4. Open Cabinet Doors
On especially cold nights, open bathroom and kitchen cabinet doors to let warm air circulate around the pipes.
5. Shut Off Outdoor Water Lines
Disconnect hoses, drain outdoor faucets, and shut off irrigation systems before the first deep freeze.
💡 Pro Tip: Know How to Shut Off Your Water
If a pipe bursts, time is critical. Locate and label your main water shutoff valve before winter hits. Every minute counts when a pipe is leaking gallons of water.
Need help locating your shutoff or preparing your home? Call Einstein Pros of Tacoma for a quick winterization inspection.
🚿 What to Do If Pipes Freeze
If you turn on a faucet and only a trickle comes out:
- Leave the faucet open.
- Use a space heater or hair dryer to apply gentle heat to the frozen section.
- Never use open flame, like a blowtorch — this is a serious fire hazard.
If you suspect a pipe has already burst, turn off your water immediately and contact a licensed plumber.
🔧 Tacoma’s Trusted Winter Plumbing Experts
At Einstein Pros Tacoma, we specialize in winter plumbing preparation, pipe insulation, and emergency pipe repair. With years of experience serving the South Puget Sound, we understand the unique challenges local homes face in cold weather.
📞 Schedule a winterization service today and protect your home from costly winter plumbing disasters.
🏠 Bonus Resource: Tacoma Utilities and Weather
- City of Tacoma Winter Weather Updates
- Tacoma Public Utilities – Water Emergency Info
- National Weather Service: Tacoma Forecast
Stay warm. Stay safe. Stay leak-free. Trust your pipes to Einstein Pros — Tacoma’s reliable plumbing experts.