Preparing Your Home for Freezing Weather in Houston, Texas

January 12, 2024

As a cold front approaches the Houston region, temperatures are expected to plummet, bringing freezing weather to the area. Although the freezing temperatures are not expected to be prolonged it is still important to prepare your home and protect your plumbing system from potential damage. In this post, the We Do Repipes Team will share expert tips on preventing frozen pipes and offer important preparations to stay safe during the upcoming freezing temperatures.

Preventing Frozen Pipes:

Frozen pipes can lead to costly repairs and water damage. Here's how you can protect your plumbing system:

1. Understand Pipe Freezing:

Water expands when it freezes, exerting immense pressure on pipes. Pay attention to pipes that are exposed to severe cold, such as outdoor hose bibs, swimming pool supply lines, and water sprinkler lines. Also, check water supply pipes in unheated areas like basements, crawl spaces, attics, garages, and kitchen cabinets.

2. Prepare Before Cold Weather Strikes:

- Winterize your pool and water sprinkler supply lines according to the manufacturer's instructions.

- Remove, drain, and store outdoor hoses. Close inside valves supplying outdoor hose bibs and open the outside valves to allow water to drain completely.

- Insulate attics, basements, and crawl spaces to maintain higher temperatures in these areas.

- Identify other areas where water supply lines are located in unheated spaces, such as the garage, kitchen, and bathroom cabinets. Insulate both hot and cold water pipes in these areas.

- Consider installing specific products like "pipe sleeves" or UL-listed "heat tape" on exposed water pipes. Even using newspapers to provide insulation can be effective in areas with infrequent freezing temperatures.

3. Additional Tips to Prevent Frozen Pipes:

- Keep garage doors closed if there are water supply lines in the garage.

- Open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to allow warm air circulation around the plumbing. Ensure harmful cleaners and chemicals are stored out of reach of children.

- Let cold water drip from faucets served by exposed pipes during extremely cold weather. Running water, even at a trickle, helps prevent pipes from freezing.

- Maintain a consistent temperature throughout the day and night by keeping the thermostat set at the same level. This may increase heating costs temporarily but can prevent costly repairs if pipes freeze and burst.

- If you're away during cold weather, leave the heat on in your home, set to a minimum of 55°F.

Thawing Frozen Pipes:

If you suspect a frozen pipe, follow these steps to thaw it safely:

1. Keep the faucet open to allow water to flow as the frozen area begins to melt.

2. Apply heat to the frozen pipe using an electric heating pad, hair dryer, or portable space heater. Never use open flame devices like blowtorches, kerosene or propane heaters, or charcoal stoves.

3. Continue applying heat until water pressure is fully restored. If you can't locate the frozen area, it's inaccessible, or you're unable to thaw the pipe, call a licensed plumber.

4. Check all other faucets in your home for additional frozen pipes. If one pipe freezes, others may be affected too.

Preparing Your Home for Freezing Temperatures:

In addition to protecting your plumbing system, other essential preparations can help you weather the freezing temperatures:

1. Inspect your chimney to ensure it's in good condition and functioning properly.

2. Caulk and weatherstrip doors and windows to prevent cold air drafts.

3. Insulate exposed pipes to reduce the risk of freezing.

4. Insulate your attic to retain heat and prevent ice dams.

5. Clean out gutters to avoid ice buildup and potential damage.

6. Install and test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors, ensuring they have battery backups.

7. Gather necessary supplies, including flashlights, extra batteries, non-perishable food, extra prescription medicine, baby items, first-aid supplies, emergency heat sources (properly ventilated), fire extinguishers, and extra pet food.

Staying Warm During Power Outages:

If power outages occur during freezing weather, prioritize safety and warmth:

1. Wear layers of loose-fitting, warm clothing, and use blankets and hats.

2. Close blinds or curtains to retain heat and close off rooms to conserve warmth.

3. Place towels or rags in cracks under doors to prevent drafts.

4. Follow portable generator safety guidelines and keep them outdoors, at least 20 feet away from doors, windows, and garages to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.

5. Check on neighbors and vulnerable individuals to ensure their safety.

Essential Items During Power Outages:

Prepare for power outages by having the following items readily available:

- Flashlights and extra batteries

- Non-perishable food and water

- Extra prescription medicine

- Baby items (diapers, formula)

- First-aid supplies

- Emergency heat sources (e.g., fireplace, wood stove, properly ventilated space heater)

- Fire extinguisher and working smoke alarms

- Extra pet food and warm shelter for pets

Conclusion:

Taking preventive measures to protect your plumbing system and preparing your home for freezing temperatures is essential in the Houston area. By following these expert tips from the We Do Repipes Team, you can minimize the risk of frozen pipes and ensure the safety and comfort of your home during extreme cold weather. Stay prepared, stay safe, and stay warm!