Frozen Pipes: How to Prevent Them and What to Do on Freeze Day

When do pipes freeze in Bellevue?

The NOAA station at Seattle Sand Point averages 25.0 freezing days per year, and its normal first freeze date is November 23 (1991–2020 normals). Pipes are at risk on any night the temperature stays at or below freezing.

Bellevue’s winters are generally mild, but cold snaps can freeze pipes, especially those in exterior walls, crawl spaces, garages and attics (City of Bellevue, Snow and Ice).

Which pipes are most at risk?

The City identifies exposed outdoor faucets and pipes in unheated attics, garages and crawl spaces as especially vulnerable (City of Bellevue, Snow and Ice).

• Outdoor hose bibs and irrigation lines.
• Pipes on exterior walls, especially on the north side of the house.
• Pipes in crawl spaces, garages and unheated attics.
• Supply lines under sinks on outside walls.

What should I do before winter?

Protect exposed pipes before the first freeze. The City advises protecting exposed pipes, and calling a plumber if a pipe breaks (City of Bellevue, Prevent Frozen Pipes).

1. Find your main shutoff now. Know where it is before a pipe bursts, so you can close it fast.
2. Cover outside faucets. Use an insulated cover on each hose bib, and disconnect garden hoses.
3. Insulate exposed pipes. Wrap pipes in unheated spaces, such as crawl spaces, garages and attics.
4. Let warm air reach the pipes. Open the cabinet doors under sinks on outside walls, so warm air reaches the pipes.
5. Keep the heat on. Set the thermostat to the same temperature day and night, even when you’re away.

What do I do on freeze day?

Check the pipes that are most at risk. If a pipe has frozen, act before it thaws.

1. Open the faucet on the frozen line. Melting water needs somewhere to go.
2. Warm the pipe gently, for example with a hair dryer or heating pad. Never use an open flame.
3. Know where the main is. If the pipe bursts, close the main right away.
4. Call a plumber if a pipe breaks or if you can’t get it to thaw.

What if a pipe bursts?

Shut off the main water valve or meter first, then take photos and call. For a meter or street leak, call Bellevue Utilities at 425-452-7840 (City of Bellevue, Water Leaks).

Tell the company where the pipe broke and which rooms are wet. Our burst pipe page covers the first steps.

Leaving town during freezing weather?

A pipe can burst in an empty house and run for days. Before you leave:

1. Turn off the main water valve.
2. Drain the pipes and the water heater, if you know how.
3. Keep the heat on, set to a steady temperature.
4. Ask a neighbor to check the house.

Who fixes a frozen or broken pipe?

Only L&I-certified plumbers can legally perform plumbing work on someone else’s property (Washington L&I). Pipe repairs and alterations can require a City of Bellevue plumbing permit (City of Bellevue, Plumbing Permits).

You are responsible for protecting water pipes from freezing and for repairing broken pipes on your property (City of Bellevue, Prevent Frozen Pipes).

Will insurance cover frozen-pipe damage?

Homeowner insurance often covers sudden, accidental water damage, such as a burst pipe in cold weather. Coverage for gradual leaks can differ (Washington Office of the Insurance Commissioner).

Keep the broken pipe, photos and receipts. Our Washington water damage insurance guide explains the claim steps.

Pipe burst? Call (425) 307-0286

Shut off the main, take photos, then call. We connect you with an independent local restoration company. Ask the company for an arrival time and what to do until then.

Call (425) 307-0286