Although Houston winters don’t experience a season full of snow and freezing temperatures, the city can still get a few hard freezes each year. You can prepare ahead of time for this cold weather by winterizing your plumbing!
Not sure how to get started? Don’t fret! Our team at Mission Air Conditioning and Plumbing is here to share our tips to help you protect your plumbing from the cold!
Why Your Pipes Freeze During the Winter
You might be wondering how the cold can mess up your pipes in the first place. Our team is here to help break it down!
When water freezes, it expands. This creates pressure within plumbing systems when temperatures fall below 32 degrees Fahrenheit. This pressure can cause both plastic and metal pipes to burst.
A frozen pipe leak can cause more harm than you’d think. If frozen pipes crack and burst indoors, they lead to significant water damage. They will also need to be replaced when this happens.
Additionally, the resulting leaks can cause mold, mildew, and expensive repairs in cabinets, walls and floors. This will cost homeowners a substantial amount for cleanup and restoration.
Plumbing Protection Tips
To avoid the costly damage from a frozen pipe, take steps to prepare for the winter months! Below are a few steps you can take to protect your plumbing.
Add Plumbing Insulation To Your Pipes
Plumbing insulation starts with your pipes! The water lines in your attic, garage, open crawl spaces and outside your home are susceptible to freezing due to the lack of insulation. Luckily, adding this is a simple step any homeowner can do on their own.
The key to insulating your pipes is a tight fit with no air pockets to allow ice to form. There are many materials you can use to wrap your pipes and prevent freezing.
- Fiberglass pipe wrap is best for high-heat areas like near furnaces and water heaters.
- Tubular pipe sticks are easy to measure and cut to fit your exposed pipes.
- Faucet covers can protect outdoor spigots.
- Towels, rags or even newspapers provide temporary and DIY solutions when the weather turns cold.
Insulating your pipes is a tip that’s inexpensive and simple enough that you can do without a professional. However, if you have any questions about the best way to insulate your plumbing, our team is happy to answer!
Seal Cracks And Holes Around Pipes
Locate any cracks, holes and small spaces around pipes that will let cold air in. Be sure to check appliances and outdoor faucets. Seal these small spaces with caulk or other insulation to prevent winter air from entering the space around your pipes.
Allow Faucets To Drip
Now that we’ve addressed pipes and insulation, there are other steps you can take regarding your water supply. As mentioned earlier, frozen water in your pipes can expand and lead to fractures or bursting.
Since it’s much easier for stagnant water to freeze than running water, letting your faucets slowly drip will allow the water to flow and minimize pressure on the pipes. Your water bill will see an impact, but nothing compared to an expensive plumbing repair.
Shut Off The Outdoor Water Supply
Prevent the problem before it starts! If possible, drain the water and shut off the water supply to external plumbing systems. These may include garden hoses, sprinklers, irrigation systems and swimming pools. The absence of water means no freezing and no busted pipes.
Leave Cabinet Doors Open
Closed cabinet doors during winter leave the plumbing under your sink vulnerable to potential freezing due to the cold air trapped in the cabinet. Leaving the cabinet doors open will allow the heated air from the rest of your house to circulate the pipes, providing necessary warmth.
As a bonus tip, you can also try using a space heater in more vulnerable areas to prevent your pipes from freezing. Be sure to follow proper safety measures though, and don’t leave the space heater unattended.
Additionally, when leaving your cabinet doors open, let other members of your household know ahead of time that they are being left open for a purpose. That way, you can prevent someone from shutting them by mistake!
Contact The Plumbing Professionals In Houston
Even after taking these steps, it’s always a good idea to have a specialist inspect your water pipes if you suspect a problem. Our plumbing experts at Mission Air Conditioning and Plumbing can identify any potential issues and resolve them before they become major problems for your home.
Reach out to our experts in plumbing repair that the city of Houston depends on to protect your plumbing from winter weather. Give us a call, and we’ll be there to help!
