When a snowstorm hits Renton, WA, it’s not just your roof or roads you should be worried about—your plumbing system is at serious risk, too. Frozen pipes, burst lines, and lack of hot water are common issues Renton homeowners face when temperatures drop below freezing.
Good news? You can prevent thousands of dollars in damage by taking a few simple preventative steps.
In this guide, the experts at Einstein Pros Renton walk you through the must-do plumbing preparations before a winter storm strikes.
🧊 1. Insulate Your Pipes — Especially in Unheated Areas
The number one cause of burst pipes in the winter is freezing. Pipes in unheated places like garages, basements, attics, and crawlspaces are especially vulnerable.
What You Can Do:
- Wrap pipes with foam pipe insulation (available at hardware stores)
- Use heat tape or thermostatically controlled heat cables
- Seal cracks and gaps near pipes to block cold air
💡 According to Pipe Insulation Guide, pipe insulation can also reduce energy loss by 25-45%.
🚱 2. Know Where Your Main Water Shutoff Valve Is
If a pipe bursts during a snowstorm, you’ll need to act fast. Shutting off the main water supply immediately can prevent catastrophic water damage to your home.
Tip:
- Locate your main valve and test it to ensure it works
- Teach all adult household members where it is and how to use it
💨 3. Leave Faucets Dripping (Yes, Really!)
It might sound counterintuitive, but letting your indoor faucets drip slightly during freezing weather keeps water moving in your pipes—making them less likely to freeze.
Focus on:
- Exposed pipes under sinks
- Pipes on exterior walls
- Faucets at the farthest distance from your water meter
🧠 According to the American Red Cross, moving water is less likely to freeze, even at low temperatures.
🔥 4. Keep the Heat On — Even If You Leave Home
Many homeowners turn the heat way down when traveling for the holidays. But in Renton’s coldest months, that’s a mistake.
Set your thermostat to at least 55°F while away to protect your pipes, especially in vulnerable areas like:
- Kitchen and bathroom cabinets
- Crawlspaces and basements
- Behind washing machines or water heaters
🧰 5. Drain and Disconnect Outdoor Plumbing Fixtures
Your outdoor faucets and garden hoses are the first to freeze. If you haven’t already winterized them, do it before snow arrives.
Steps:
- Disconnect garden hoses
- Drain water from outdoor spigots
- Install insulated faucet covers
📌 The City of Renton recommends winterizing outdoor plumbing before the first frost to protect both residential and rental properties.
🌨️ Bonus: Install a Sump Pump Backup (For Melting Snow Floods)
When snow eventually melts, it can overload your sump pump—especially in Renton homes with basement drainage systems. Installing a battery-powered sump pump backup helps prevent flooding when the power goes out or the main pump fails.
✅ Final Thoughts: Prevent Costly Damage Before It Happens
Preparing your plumbing before a Renton snowstorm is an investment in peace of mind. Don’t wait until you’re dealing with a flooded basement, frozen bathroom pipes, or a broken water heater in 20-degree weather.
If you want a professional to help inspect, insulate, or prep your plumbing for the season, schedule your winter check-up with the local experts at:
👉 Einstein Pros Renton Plumbing Services
We’re licensed, insured, and trusted by homeowners across Renton for fast, smart, and affordable plumbing solutions—before and after the storm.