In Houston, we’re more accustomed to warm weather than freezing temperatures, which are a rare occurrence in our region. However, this rarity doesn’t lessen the importance of being prepared for those occasional cold snaps. While it’s tempting to underestimate the impact of a freeze in a city where they are infrequent, it’s important to remember that they can have significant consequences for our homes and daily lives. The drop in temperatures brings challenges beyond just needing extra layers of clothing or bedding. One major concern for households during these rare cold spells is the risk of water pipes freezing, which can lead to serious damage to your home’s plumbing system.
Thankfully, there are effective strategies to combat these issues and keep your home safe and comfortable during these colder months. Taking preventive measures, such as insulating pipes and ensuring your heating system is functioning properly, can prevent the freezing of water in pipes and save you from the inconvenience and costly repairs that can result from frozen plumbing. Here are some steps that you can take to prevent house water from freezing:
This might seem simple, but it’s very effective. Opening the cupboard doors under your sinks allows warmer air from your home to circulate the plumbing. This is particularly important for pipes that run along exterior walls, which are more susceptible to freezing.
Keeping a slight trickle of water flowing through the pipes helps prevent them from freezing. Water movement, even minimal, makes it much harder for the water to freeze inside the pipes. It’s a small step that can prevent a big problem.
If you’re leaving your home during cold weather, it’s important to keep the heating on. This maintains a safe temperature inside your house, ensuring that the pipes, which are hidden in walls and cabinets, stay warm enough to prevent freezing.
Water left in garden hoses can freeze and expand, causing the hose to burst or damage the outdoor spigot or your home’s internal plumbing. Disconnecting them prevents this risk and also helps prolong the life of your hoses.
Insulating outdoor spigots with specially designed covers, insulation, or heat tape can greatly reduce the chance of these exposed elements freezing. This is a simple, low-cost method that can prevent a common freezing point in home plumbing systems.
If you have water supply lines running through your garage, keeping the garage door closed as much as possible during cold spells can help maintain a higher temperature in the space, reducing the risk of freezing.
Being familiar with the location of your water meter is essential, especially in an emergency where you might need to shut off the water quickly. Keeping the area around the meter clear of clutter also ensures easy access for maintenance or in case of an emergency.
By preparing for these infrequent but potentially impactful cold weather events, you can ensure that your family remains comfortable and your home stays protected from the harsh effects of a sudden freeze.
If you have any problems with your plumbing during the cold months that are beyond you, it’s important to call a professional plumber immediately. At Vossler Plumbing Company, we have the experience and expertise to handle all of your winter plumbing needs. We offer a wide range of services, including pipe repair, drain cleaning, leak detection, and more.
We are available 24/7 for emergency plumbing repairs. So, if you have any plumbing problems this winter, don’t hesitate to give us a call at 346-712-0050 to make a request.
Whatever you’re experiencing, we have the technical expertise to help. Click below to share your information along with any specific details or photos, and we’ll be in touch with you as soon as possible with an estimate.