PNW Tips
Cold Snap Coming? Do This Before Bed
Western Washington and Oregon don't freeze hard often, which is exactly why pipes get caught off guard. When a hard freeze is forecast, let an indoor faucet drip slightly, open the cabinet doors under sinks, and cover outdoor spigots. Keep the heat at 55°F or higher, even if you're away.
Why this helps
Hard freezes are rare here, so pipes aren't used to them. A small drip and steady heat can see the home through the night, and you can sleep a little easier.
Do this
- When a hard freeze is forecast, let an indoor faucet drip slightly. It's a small effort for a cold night.
- Open the cabinet doors under the sinks. That lets the warmer room air reach the pipes.
- Cover the outdoor spigots. They're the part of the plumbing sitting out in the weather.
- Keep the heat at 55°F or higher, even if you are away. Steady warmth is what the pipes need while you're gone.
Next step
Check the forecast, and if a hard freeze is coming, run through these four steps at bedtime. Then you can rest easy!