Frozen pipes can be a serious issue in Tacoma, Washington. With freezing temperatures, Tacoma homes may experience frozen pipes if not adequately prepared. Frozen pipes in Tacoma can cost homeowners thousands if they burst. That’s why it’s essential to prevent your pipes from freezing during winter.
As temperatures plummet, it’s increasingly important to protect your plumbing system. Burst pipes are a common cause of property damage during the winter season and can be costly to repair. Luckily, this guide will share how to prevent frozen pipes in Tacoma. Keep reading for pipe insulation tips and other prevention steps.
Why Tacoma Homes Are at Risk for Frozen Pipes
Tacoma, Washington, gets occasional winter freezing temperatures, which can put your pipes at risk of bursting. Plumbing winter prep in Tacoma is important to ensuring your home plumbing system remains intact even during freezing temperatures.
The Climate Prediction Center, a part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), revealed that the 2025-2026 winter season may bring below-normal temperatures to the Evergreen State. According to the outlook, much of Washington has a 33-40% chance of seeing colder-than-usual conditions.
This outlook should prompt Tacoma homeowners to learn how to prevent frozen pipes. Next, we’re going to share signs your pipes may be freezing so you can fix the problem before it’s too late.
Signs Your Pipes May Be Freezing
If temperatures dip below 32° Fahrenheit for several hours, your pipes could freeze. Pipes located in unheated areas, such as crawl spaces, attics, or garages, are especially vulnerable to freezing.
Here are a handful of signs your pipes may be frozen.
1. Cracking or bulging pipes
If you notice a crack or a bulge in a water pipe, it’s a clear sign that a frozen pipe has burst. This is especially true if water is slowly leaking out of the crack or bulge. Contact a plumbing professional if you notice a cracked pipe for prompt repair.
2. Frosty pipes
Frost or condensation on your pipes is another major sign that they are below the freezing point. If you notice that frost has accumulated on the outside of an exposed pipe, you can try thawing the section at home.
3. Foul odors
If you notice a foul odor when using your faucet or drain, it could be a sign of frozen pipes. Ice blocks the drainage of food waste, causing foul odors to rise back up the pipe. There could be other reasons for foul odors coming from your pipes, but during winter, frozen pipes are often to blame.
4. Water damage
Signs of water damage, such as puddles or rings of water on walls or ceilings, dampness, musty odors, or bubbling paint or wallpaper, can all indicate a burst pipe. If you suspect a burst pipe is causing water damage in your home, call a professional repair service immediately.
5. Little to no running water
This is often one of the first signs that homeowners notice when pipes freeze. If you turn on your faucet or shower and very little or no water comes out, the pipe is likely frozen. A slow trickle of water can indicate that ice has blocked the flow.
6. Strange noises
Whistling, gurgling, or banging noises can indicate that ice is moving through your pipes. Strange sounds coming from your pipes indicate a problem that should be looked at by a professional. Call an emergency plumbing service in Tacoma to address frozen pipes.
Simple Prevention Steps for Homeowners
Now that you know the signs of frozen pipes, let’s explore what steps you can take to prevent them. Here are some simple tips for avoiding frozen pipes at home.
Insulate exposed pipes
It is inexpensive to insulate pipes with foam from your local home improvement store. Pipe insulation is wrapped around water pipes to prevent heat loss and freezing. Pipe insulation typically comes in foam, rubber, or fiberglass materials, which you can find at the hardware store. It comes in various thicknesses to help create a barrier between the pipe and the air.
Keep garage doors closed
Keeping garage doors closed helps keep cold air away from your pipes, especially if there are water supply lines in your garage.
Open kitchen and bathroom cabinets
You’ve probably heard homeowners talk about opening cabinets when temperatures drop below freezing before. This method circulates warm air around the plumbing to prevent freezing. This is particularly important if sinks are on an exterior wall of your home.
Let water drip
Letting cold water drip from a faucet supplied by exposed pipes helps prevent freezing. Running water through the pipes helps prevent them from freezing, even if the flow is minimal.
Leave the heat on
If you’re leaving your home for extended periods during winter, be sure to set your thermostat to at least 55° Fahrenheit. Keeping the heat on prevents your home’s temperature from dropping too much and reduces the risk to your plumbing system.
Having heating issues? Contact Mercurio’s Heating & Air Conditioning for heating services to prevent pipe freezing.
How to Safely Thaw Frozen Pipes
If you have noticed frozen pipes that you can access, there are a couple of ways to thaw them safely. The process is straightforward and can be done at home.
- Shut off the main water supply: First, locate and turn off your main water valve to prevent flooding.
- Open the faucet: Open the faucet served by the frozen pipe to relieve pressure.
- Locate the frozen pipe section: Look for frost, condensation, or a bulge in the pipe.
- Apply gentle heat: Use a hair dryer, hot towels, a heating pad, or a space heater to warm the frozen section. Do not use anything with an open flame.
- Check back: Be patient because it often takes 30 minutes or more to fully restore water pressure.
When to Call a Professional Plumber
There are several instances when calling a professional plumbing service in Tacoma is recommended for frozen pipes. You should call a professional plumber if:
- You cannot locate or access the frozen section: If the frozen pipes are inaccessible, call a professional to thaw them safely.
- Your thawing attempt fails: If you try thawing the frozen section of a pipe and are unsuccessful, consider calling a plumber for specialized thawing.
- A pipe has burst: If you know a pipe has burst, call a plumber immediately to prevent further damage.
- You see visible damage: Call a plumber immediately if you notice cracks or bulges in your pipe.
- You have no water flow: The freeze may be deep within your plumbing system if multiple pipes are dry.
Protect Your Home with Mercurio’s Plumbing Services in Tacoma
During the winter season in Washington, frozen pipes are a serious concern for homeowners. If you suspect frozen pipes and aren’t sure if you can thaw them, call Mercurio’s for professional plumbing services. Our skilled plumbers are experts in thawing frozen pipes and restoring your plumbing system's effectiveness.
Don’t wait for a burst pipe. Call Mercurio’s for fast, reliable plumbing services to protect your Tacoma home this winter.
