Houston may not be known for its frigid winters, but occasional freezes can wreak havoc on our plumbing systems. Burst pipes can cause significant damage, from minor inconveniences like water leaks to major flooding and structural issues.
During a recent interview on Houston City Beat, Lisbet Newton spoke with experts from Repipe Specialists of Texas about simple steps homeowners can take to prevent this from happening. Chris Archer and Colin Cantu share two tips about using hand warmers and share a simple strategy to keep your pool and outdoor spa safe during Houston's freezing temps. Listen to the video for more information and make notes of the easy tips below:
- Let faucets drip: A slow, steady trickle of water helps prevent pipes from freezing solid. This constant flow of water keeps the pipes moving, making it less likely for ice to form.
- Open cabinet doors: This allows warmer air to circulate around pipes located under sinks, helping to maintain a slightly warmer temperature and reducing the risk of freezing.
- Insulate exposed pipes: Wrap pipes in unheated areas like garages or crawl spaces with pipe insulation or even towels. This provides an extra layer of protection against the cold.
- Disconnect hoses: Remove garden hoses from outdoor faucets and turn off the water supply to those faucets. Hoses can retain water, which can freeze and expand, causing damage to the faucet and potentially the internal pipe.
- Keep garage doors closed: This helps maintain a warmer temperature within the garage, protecting pipes located there.
- Locate your water main shutoff: Know where the main water shutoff valve is located in your home. In the event of a severe freeze or if you will be away from home for an extended period, you can shut off the water supply to your entire house as a precaution.
By implementing these simple precautions, Houston homeowners can significantly reduce the risk of burst pipes during a freeze and avoid costly repairs.