Phone answered 24/7 · Bellingham, WA and nearby communities

Call 24/7: (360) 685-7801
Whatcom Creek Water Damage HelpBellingham, WA · Answered 24/7

How Do You Winterize Pipes to Prevent Freezing and Bursting?

Last updated October 26, 2026

Call Now (360) 685-7801

The short answer

Drain Outdoor Lines

Start with outdoor spigots and irrigation lines. Disconnect hoses, then open the outdoor valve to let remaining water drain. Close the valve and cover it with an insulated spigot cover. This step removes water that would otherwise freeze and expand. Doing this before the first freeze keeps the outdoor plumbing safe all winter.

If you have underground irrigation, blow out the lines with an air compressor or hire a local water damage pro to do it. Leftover water in sprinkler pipes can crack them silently over winter. Check the system for leaks before you finish. This task works well on a dry day when temperatures are still above freezing.

  • Disconnect garden hoses before the first freeze
  • Drain outdoor spigots and close their valves
  • Install insulated covers on outdoor faucets
  • Blow out irrigation lines with a compressor

Insulate Exposed Pipes

Pipes in unheated spaces like garages, crawl spaces, and attics need insulation. Wrap them with foam pipe sleeves or fiberglass insulation. Pay extra attention to elbows and joints, where freezing often starts. Use pipe tape to secure the insulation so it stays in place through the season.

In a mild coastal climate with wet winters and dry summers, freezing is rare but still possible. Check pipes near exterior walls and under sinks. Insulating these areas helps maintain a steadier temperature. Even in such regions, a sudden cold snap can catch you off guard, so preparing ahead of time is wise.

  • Use foam sleeves on straight pipe runs
  • Wrap elbows and joints with extra tape
  • Insulate pipes in garages and attics
  • Cover pipes under sinks on exterior walls

Seal Air Leaks

Cold air sneaks in through gaps around pipes, vents, and electrical wiring. Use caulk or spray foam to seal these openings. This keeps chill air away from your pipes and reduces the chance of freezing. Check both the interior and exterior sides of walls for any visible gaps.

Check the foundation for cracks and holes. An unsealed gap can drop the temperature around a pipe quickly. Sealing those spots is a simple weekend task that helps all winter. Look around door frames, window sills, and where utility lines enter the house as well.

Keep a Drip During Freezes

When temperatures stay below freezing overnight, let a faucet drip slowly. Moving water is less likely to freeze. Open cabinet doors under sinks so warm room air reaches the pipes. This is especially important for pipes that run along exterior walls.

A thin stream is enough, about the size of a pencil lead. This modest use of water can prevent a costly burst. Collect the drip in a bucket to reuse for plants or cleaning. Keep the drip going until outdoor temperatures rise above freezing.

Know Your Shutoff Valve

Find the main water shutoff valve before a freeze happens. It is often near the water meter or where the main line enters your home. Label it clearly so anyone can find it in an emergency. Practice turning it off and on so you are comfortable with the action.

Keep your shutoff valve location written down and shared with household members. If a pipe does burst, turning off the water quickly limits damage. This also helps a local water damage pro assess the situation faster. Knowing where the valve is before an emergency saves precious time.

Water damage does not wait

Phones are answered 24/7 for Bellingham and nearby communities.

Call Now (360) 685-7801

Frequently asked questions

At what temperature should you drip faucets?

Drip faucets when the temperature drops below 20 degrees Fahrenheit, especially overnight. Also drip when wind chill is severe, as wind increases freezing risk. If a pipe is in an unheated area, start dripping at 25 degrees. Keep the drip going until outdoor temperatures rise.

How can a homeowner thaw a frozen pipe safely?

Leave the faucet open so water can flow as ice melts. Apply heat with a hair dryer, heating pad, or warm towels. Never use an open flame or torch. Start from the faucet end and work back. If the pipe bursts, shut off the main valve immediately.

What should a homeowner do if a pipe bursts?

Turn off the main water valve right away to stop the flow. Then call a local water damage pro to handle cleanup and drying. They can also dry out soaked walls and floors to prevent mold. Document the damage with photos before cleanup begins. Your insurance company will need details. Policies vary, and your insurer decides what is covered.

Call Now (360) 685-7801