Should You Do Laundry During a Winter Storm? Plumbers Warn It Can Freeze Pipes and Cause Flooding – Do This instead
Running your washer could cause major water damage to your home during a storm
With large parts of the US battling an extreme winter storm, many are rightfully staying indoors to avoid the dangerous conditions outside. But while it might seem like a good time to get chores done, using your washing machine could pose a huge risk to your home.
In fact, when temperatures drop below freezing, doing your laundry during a winter storm could cause major water damage and potential flooding due to frozen pipes, pros warn.
Should You Do Laundry During a Winter Storm?
Being stuck indoors can seem like the best time to tick off your chore list, but plumbers and appliance specialists are urging homeowners to first be aware of the risks.
'When the temperature drops below freezing, supply or drain lines can freeze mid-cycle, leading to flooding,' cautions Brooke Stafford, appliance repair expert and senior service manager at Domestic & General, and advises everyone to avoid doing laundry during winter storms.
'If pipes freeze, water expands, which can crack or even burst the pipes, leading to major water damage,' she adds.
Water damage during an icy storm will only exacerbate those home weak spots that extreme weather can already put at risk, potentially causing costly leaks and repairs, and not to mention the exhausting task of cleaning up flooding in your home mid-storm.
This appliance caution applies not just to doing laundry during extreme winter storms, but whenever the temperature is steadily below freezing.
'If your washer is in a garage, an unheated basement, or against an exterior wall, you start to risk ice forming in the pipes and hoses,' explains Ryan Osterkamp, owner of Quality Home Services. 'If that happens, your water intake valve can break and cause a flood.'
Yoni Benimetzky, co-owner of Sunshine Services, adds that, 'If you’ve already noticed signs like slow drains, low water pressure, or fixtures freezing elsewhere in the house,' then you should take extra care as the potential risk for water damage is greater.
Power outages are another major concern. 'More issues could arise if the power were to go out or the pressure were to change with a washer full of water, such as an increased risk of leaks or pump malfunctions,' Brooke explains.
'If you lose power, absolutely don’t try to run your laundry, as the aerator and pump won’t be working,' urges Caleb Caviness, general manager at AryCo.
'Do not run your laundry if the power is out, you hear gurgling sounds from the pipes, you see standing water or ice over the septic lids or drainfield, or if drains are running slower than usual. These are all potential signs of a system running worse than usual, and if that’s the case, putting any extra strain on the system should be avoided,' he adds.
What To Do Instead During a Winter Storm
It is possible to thaw frozen pipes, but only if done gently, slowly, and with caution.
If you have some time to prepare, knowing how to insulate pipes can prevent them from freezing in the first place. Heat tape, such as the Cupphus Heat Tape at Amazon, can prevent freezing and help to thaw frozen pipes.
If it's too late, and to avoid the risk of water damage, flooding, or overloading your drainage system, handwashing clothes is your safest move. While it isn't as effective as a washer, it's much less complicated or time-consuming than you might expect.
All you need is a bathtub, warm water, laundry detergent, and some spot-treating solution, if needed, like the Tide Stain Remover at Amazon. Your clothes can be gently washed and ready to dry in as little as 20 minutes.
But if your clothes need a more thorough clean and a delicate handwash won't cut it, there are steps you can take so that using your washing machine poses less of a risk.
Remember: If your pipes are already visibly frozen, do not use your washer.
'If homeowners have to wash laundry, they should do it in small loads with cold water,' Brooke recommends. 'This uses less water, which decreases the risk of pipes freezing.'
Ryan agrees, adding, 'If it's bad winter weather outside and you need to do laundry, stay home while running your washer so you can respond quickly in case something does happen. Make sure you know where your water shutoff valve is before you start your washer, just in case.'
'If draining is slow or completely stops, or if the washer is making unfamiliar sounds, stop the machine immediately, and in some cases, call a professional to check the system,' Brooke urges.
It is possible to thaw frozen pipes, but it's a dangerous and potentially costly procedure, so only do so with extreme caution. The trick is to gently warm the pipes by using a warm towel or by increasing your home's heating by two degrees every hour. Do not point a heat source at the frozen pipes. Rushing the process may cause thermal shock and lead to pipe damage.
What to Shop
When the thermostat detects the water temperature is below 41°F, the heating system will kick in to prevent frozen pipes, then shut off when it reaches 59°F to avoid high energy bills.
For longer pipes, this electric heat cable at Home Depot is six feet long, and is effective to -38°F.
If you're going to start using warm towels to thaw pipes over the winter, it's a good idea to get a separate set especially for the job, instead of your favorite towels becoming soiled and frayed over time.
As handwashing is a more gentle approach, getting some dedicated stain remover can help tackle visible stains on clothes that are more heavily soiled.
If, like me, you're a laundry pod user, stocking up on some detergent is smart if you're ever unable to use your washer.
To prepare for the next storm or bout of icy weather, pipe insulation can help prevent freezing. These are already split for easy installation.
Meet the Experts
Brooke Stafford is a seasoned appliance repair expert, spending the past eight years in the appliance service industry. As Senior Service Manager at Domestic & General US, Brooke specializes in supporting homeowners with ensuring they get the best performance and longest life from essential appliances like washers and refrigerators.
Ryan Osterkamp is the founder and co-owner of Quality Comfort Home Services, a family-owned HVAC and plumbing company based in Cincinnati, Ohio.
With extensive experience across heating, air conditioning, indoor air quality, and residential plumbing, Ryan is deeply knowledgeable in system design, installation, diagnostics, repairs, and energy-efficient upgrades.
Caleb Caviness has years of expertise in plumbing, electrical, and HVAC work.
Next, learn how to dry out your home after extreme snow, and why you should always fill up a bathtub during a storm.
