Protecting Your Home from Frozen Pipes: Drip or Stream Faucets During Freeze Warnings in Texas?

As winter grips Texas with plunging temperatures brought on by polar vortexes, homeowners are left wondering how best to safeguard their homes. Freezing weather can wreak havoc on plumbing, potentially leading to burst pipes, costly repairs, and unwanted stress. With the right preparation, you can prevent winter damage and keep your home safe.

Here’s what you need to know to protect your pipes and avoid freezing disasters this winter.

Why Pipes Freeze and How to Prevent It

In the Southern states, winter cold snaps can catch homeowners off guard. Outdoor faucets, typically unused during winter, are particularly vulnerable. But indoor pipes aren’t immune, especially those in uninsulated areas. When temperatures dip below freezing, water inside the pipes can freeze and expand, increasing the risk of bursting.

To prevent this, it’s crucial to stay ahead of freeze warnings and implement preventative measures.

1. Monitor Weather Alerts Regularly Check your local weather forecast daily. If freeze warnings are issued, take immediate action to protect your plumbing. A proactive approach can save you from dealing with expensive repairs later.

2. Adjust Your Thermostat

• Keep your home heated to at least 60 degrees Fahrenheit, even if you’re away.
• Open cabinet doors and vanities in kitchens and bathrooms. This allows warm air to circulate around the pipes, reducing the risk of freezing.
• Brycen Sperlich, owner of Prime Drain Cleaning and Plumbing in Tennessee, emphasizes that maintaining a consistent temperature is key.

3. Drip Faucets Strategically

• Set your faucets to a slow, steady drip rather than a full stream. This keeps water moving through the pipes, reducing the likelihood of freezing.
• Focus on the faucet farthest from your home’s main water valve. Dripping one or two faucets is typically sufficient.
• According to Sperlich, “You don’t need to drip all of them—just one or two will do the trick.”

4. Protect Outdoor Faucets

• Before temperatures drop below 32 degrees, drain outdoor spigots by opening them to let any remaining water out.
• Install faucet covers to provide additional insulation.

Pipes Most at Risk of Freezing The Red Cross identifies several types of pipes most vulnerable to freezing:

• Outdoor lines: Hose bibs, swimming pool supply lines, and sprinkler systems are at high risk.
• Unheated interior pipes: Pipes in basements, crawl spaces, attics, garages, and cabinets are particularly susceptible.
• Exterior wall pipes: Pipes running along poorly insulated walls often freeze first.

What to Do If Pipes Freeze If you suspect your pipes are frozen, acting quickly can prevent further damage. However, if you feel uncertain, contacting a plumber is the safest option.

Follow these steps to minimize risk and damage:

1. Shut Off the Main Water Supply

• This stops water from flowing into frozen pipes, preventing further expansion and reducing the risk of bursting.

2. Thaw Frozen Pipes Carefully

• Use a hairdryer, heating pad, or warm towels to apply heat directly to the frozen pipe.
• Avoid open flames like blowtorches, which can damage pipes or cause fires.

3. Keep Faucets Open

• Allow the affected faucet to run as you thaw the pipe. Running water helps ice melt faster and relieves pressure, decreasing the chance of bursting.

Finding the Main Water Shut-Off Valve Knowing where your main water shut-off valve is located is essential before freezing weather strikes. It is typically found in one of the following places:

• Basement or garage
• Near the water heater
• Outside in a concrete or metal box near the street

Familiarize yourself with this location to act quickly in case of emergency.

Final Thoughts Taking simple preventative steps during freeze warnings can protect your home from extensive water damage. By staying prepared, you can face Texas winters with confidence and avoid costly plumbing issues.

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