How to Prep Your Plumbing for a Spokane Winter
Spokane winters bring freeze-thaw swings that put enormous stress on exposed piping. Here is the winterization checklist our crew uses on every home and light commercial property we service.
1. Audit every exposed line
Walk the exterior and crawlspace before the first hard freeze. Note hose bibs, irrigation manifolds, garage sinks, and any PEX or copper lines that pass through unheated walls. These are the first places frost will strike.
2. Disconnect and drain hose bibs
- Disconnect garden hoses and splitter manifolds.
- Shut off interior isolation valves if available.
- Open the exterior spigot to drain trapped water and leave it cracked open all season.
3. Insulate crawlspace and garage plumbing
Wrap exposed PEX or copper with closed-cell insulation. For garages, add heat tape with built-in thermostats to vulnerable runs and plug them into GFCI-protected outlets.
4. Protect well and irrigation equipment
Drain pump housings, install insulated covers over pressure tanks, and blow out irrigation lines with low-pressure compressed air. Replace worn gaskets on valve boxes to keep snow melt out.
5. Monitor interior humidity
Dry indoor air shrinks framing and can loosen fixture seals. Keep interior humidity between 35–45% to minimize movement around tub/shower penetrations and prevent leaks.
Need help winterizing a larger property or multi-unit building? Request service and Mitch’s crew will build a custom freeze-prep plan.