It’s that time of year again—cold weather, icy mornings, and the risk of frozen pipes. A few simple steps now can save you from costly repairs and a lot of stress later.

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Close Off Crawl Space Vents

Cover the air vents under your house to keep out cold air. Use foam vent covers or heavy cardboard,  or depending on the vent’s exposure to rain, even wadded up newspapers can work. Secure them with zip ties, duct tape, or rocks so they stay in place through winter. Tip: Keeping cold air out helps warmer air from your home stay under the house and around your pipes.

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Insulate Vulnerable Pipes

Use foam pipe insulation on any pipes in unheated areas—like crawl spaces, garages, or outdoor buildings. It’s inexpensive and available at most hardware stores.

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Disconnect and Drain Hoses

Remove all garden hoses, drain them completely, and store them indoors until spring. This prevents leftover water from freezing and damaging both the hose and faucet.

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Winterize Your Sprinkler System

Drain your sprinkler system and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for winterizing. If you’re unsure how, a local irrigation service can do this quickly.

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Protect Outdoor Faucets

Cover all outdoor faucets (also called hose bibbs or spigots). Foam faucet covers are easy to install and provide excellent protection. Emergency Tip: No cover? Wrap the faucet heavily with some old towels, then cover it with a waterproof plastic bag and secure it with tape until you can buy a proper cover.

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Open Cabinet Doors During Cold Spells

If temperatures drop abnormally below freezing, open the cabinet doors under your sinks—especially those on exterior walls. This lets warm air circulate around the pipes.

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What NOT to Do

Do NOT use a space heater in your crawl space. It’s a major fire hazard. Frozen pipes are bad—but a house fire is worse.

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When Temperatures Drop Below Zero

If the temperature drops abnormally low, even the best preparation may not be enough. In extreme cold, pipes can still freeze. But these steps will greatly reduce your risk and make any damage less severe. If you suspect a frozen pipe or notice low water pressure, turn off the main water supply and call a licensed plumber immediately.

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Need Help?

Petersen Plumbing has generations of experience preventing and repairing winter pipe problems. Call us at 541-343-9339 — we’re here to help all winter long.

Enjoy a Safe, Cozy Winter

A little preparation now keeps your home safe, your pipes warm, and your winter worry-free.

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More Winter Tips from Petersen Plumbing

• Winter Tips – Prepare your pipes before the freezing weather hits!
• Don’t Let Winter Chew on Your Pipes! – Protect your plumbing and keep critters out.
• Cover Your Outdoor Faucets – Before the first freeze!

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