Is Your Lacey Home Ready for Winter?
Author: Your Local Plumber
August 15, 2025
A PLUMBING CHECKLIST YOU SHOULDN'T SKIP
Winter in Lacey, WA, may not bring blizzards like the Midwest, but freezing nights, heavy rains, and occasional snow still take a toll on your home’s plumbing. If you’re not prepared, you could face burst pipes, flooding, or costly repairs before spring arrives. Here’s a practical plumbing checklist to make sure your Lacey home is ready for the colder months.
1. Protect Pipes from Freezing
Even a few hours of below-freezing temperatures can cause water inside your pipes to expand and burst.
What to do:
- Insulate exposed pipes in crawl spaces, attics, garages, and along exterior walls.
- Disconnect garden hoses and shut off outdoor spigots.
- On especially cold nights, let faucets drip slightly to keep water moving.
2. Check for Leaks Before Temperature Drops
Winter leaks are worse than summer leaks because water freezes, expands, and damages pipes faster.
What to do:
- Inspect under sinks, around toilets, and behind appliances.
- Check your water heater and main water line.
- Have a plumber fix small leaks immediately—before the cold makes them worse.
3. Flush & Service Your Water Heater
Hot water demand often rises in winter, and sediment buildup can make your water heater work harder than it should.
What to do:
- Drain and flush your water heater to remove sediment.
- Check the pressure relief valve.
- Consider a professional inspection if your unit is over 6 years old.
4. Clear & Inspect Gutters & Downspouts
Heavy rain is common in a Lacey winter, and clogged gutters can lead to overflow and foundation damage.
What to do:
- Remove leaves and debris from gutters.
- Ensure downspouts direct water away from your home.
- Check for gutter leaks and repair them before the next storm.
5. Test Your Sump Pump
For homes with basements or crawl spaces, a functioning sump pump is your first line of defense against flooding during heavy winter rains.
What to do:
- Pour water into the sump pit to see if the pump kicks on.
- Clean the pump and remove any debris.
- Consider a battery backup in case of winter power outages.
6. Know Your Main Water Shut-Off Location
If a pipe bursts, knowing exactly where your shut-off valve is can save thousands in damage.
What to do:
- Locate your main shut-off valve now.
- Make sure it turns easily and isn’t stuck.
- Show everyone in your household where it is and how to use it.
7. Schedule a Winter Plumbing Check-Up
An annual plumbing inspection can catch small issues before winter weather turns them into emergencies.
What to do:
- Have a licensed plumber check your pipes, water heater, and drains.
- Ask about insulating problem areas.
- Get recommendations tailored to Lacey’s winter conditions.
Need a Winter Plumbing Inspection in Lacey?
At American Plumbing, we help homeowners get winter-ready with pipe insulation, leak repairs, water heater servicing, and more.
Call us today to schedule your inspection: (360) 438-0611
Proudly serving Lacey, WA and surrounding communities
BACK