Preparing Your Home for Freezing Weather
January 3, 2025
As a cold front moves into the Houston area, freezing temperatures are expected to impact the region. While these conditions may not last long, it’s essential to prepare your home and protect your plumbing system to prevent potential damage. The We Do Repipes Team is here with expert advice to help you safeguard your home and stay comfortable during the freeze.
Preventing Frozen Pipes
Frozen pipes can cause expensive repairs and water damage. Here’s how to protect your plumbing:
1. Understand Pipe Freezing
When water freezes, it expands, creating significant pressure that can burst pipes. Pay special attention to:
Outdoor hose bibs, swimming pool supply lines, and sprinkler systems.
Unheated areas like basements, crawl spaces, attics, garages, and kitchen cabinets.
2. Prepare Before the Freeze
Winterize pools and sprinkler systems following the manufacturer’s instructions.
Disconnect, drain, and store outdoor hoses. Close indoor valves supplying outdoor hose bibs, and open the outside valves to drain water completely.
Insulate attics, basements, and crawl spaces to maintain warmer temperatures.
Identify and insulate water supply lines in unheated areas like garages and kitchen or bathroom cabinets.
Use products like pipe sleeves, UL-listed heat tape, or even newspapers to insulate exposed pipes.
3. Additional Tips to Prevent Freezing
Keep garage doors closed if water supply lines are inside.
Open cabinet doors under sinks to let warm air circulate around pipes (keep hazardous materials out of reach of children).
Let cold water drip from faucets served by exposed pipes during extreme cold.
Maintain a consistent thermostat setting day and night to reduce freezing risk.
If you’ll be away, keep your home’s heat set to at least 55°F.
Find and Know How to Shut Off Your Water Valve
Before an emergency strikes, locate your home’s main water shutoff valve and ensure you know how to operate it. In case of a burst pipe, shutting off the water quickly can prevent severe damage.
Thawing Frozen Pipes
If you suspect a frozen pipe, act quickly and safely:
Open the faucet to allow water to flow once the pipe begins to thaw.
Apply heat to the frozen area using a heating pad, hair dryer, or portable heater. Avoid open flames like blowtorches.
Continue heating until water pressure is restored.
Check other faucets for additional frozen pipes, and call a licensed plumber if necessary.
Preparing Your Home for Freezing Temperatures
Protect more than just your pipes:
Inspect your chimney to ensure it’s safe and functional.
Caulk and weatherstrip doors and windows to reduce drafts.
Clean gutters to prevent ice buildup and potential damage.
Test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors, ensuring they have fresh batteries.
Gather emergency supplies, including flashlights, batteries, food, water, prescription medications, and first-aid supplies.
Staying Warm During Power Outages
If the power goes out during freezing weather, prioritize safety:
Wear warm layers and use blankets.
Close blinds, curtains, and unused rooms to conserve heat.
Seal cracks under doors with towels to block drafts.
Operate portable generators safely—outdoors, 20 feet from doors and windows.
Check on neighbors and vulnerable individuals.
Essential Items to Have on Hand
Prepare for emergencies by stocking up on:
Flashlights and batteries
Non-perishable food and water
Prescription medications
Baby supplies (diapers, formula)
Fire extinguishers and space heaters (properly ventilated)
Warm shelter and food for pets
Conclusion
Taking steps to winterize your home and protect your plumbing system can save you from costly repairs and discomfort. By following these expert tips from the We Do Repipes Team, you can minimize risks and ensure your home is ready for the freeze.
📞 Schedule a Repipe Consultation Today: 832-819-8337
Stay safe, stay warm, and prepare for freezing weather!
We Do Repipes Team
January 3, 2025