Tips for TX Homeowners: Prepping Your Pipes Ahead of the Arctic Blast

As much of the United States braces for the upcoming arctic blast, Texas residents are doing their part to prepare for the frigid weather ahead. With temperatures expected to be as low as 14°, it’s important that you protect your plumbing from the pitfalls of frosty weather. Fortunately, the team at First Service has put together practical tips to help you avoid costly repairs, so you can stay warm and enjoy the holiday season with peace of mind.

1. Insulate Any Vulnerable Pipes

Pipes located inside your garage, attic or basement are prone to bursting in the winter. To prevent this from happening, you can insulate your pipes. Insulation helps retain warmth and keep out the cold, lowering the likelihood that exposed pipes will burst in cold temperatures. 

For most pipes, you can use a faucet cover to protect them from the cold. However, for hard-to-reach areas, you may want to consider having a licensed plumber oversee the insulation process. 

2. Let Your Faucets Drip

When temperatures drop, the water inside your pipes can freeze. During this process, water expands and places extra pressure on your pipes. If too much pressure is applied, your pipes are likely to burst. 

While not uncommon, these can be costly to repair. To avoid this, let your faucets drip when temperatures drop. In doing so, the water is allowed to escape, releasing pressure that would otherwise build up inside your pipes. 

 3. Open Cabinet Doors

One simple yet effective way to protect your pipes from the blistering temperatures is by opening your cabinet doors. By doing this, you allow the warm air to circulate around your pipes, making them less likely to freeze and burst. 

4. Keep Your Thermostat Above 55°

When indoor temperatures drop too low, the pipes inside your walls, crawl spaces or garage are more likely to freeze. By maintaining a minimum temperature of 55 degrees, you help keep your plumbing warm enough to prevent freezing and lessen the chances of encountering a pipe burst.

5. Disconnect Your Outdoor Hoses

Homeowners should always disconnect their outdoor plumbing before winter sets in. If water is left inside your hoses during a freeze, it can swell and potentially cause a pipe burst. Doing this quick step ahead of the freeze can spare you lots of trouble later on. 

6. Shut Off Your Outdoor Faucets

Just as water expands in your outdoor hoses, it does the same thing inside your faucets. Disconnecting the outdoor faucets prevents cracks and pipe bursts. It’s especially important that this is done as the faucets themselves can be damaged from the expansion. 

7. Test Your Sump Pump

It’s very important to get your sump pump tested ahead of major temperature drops. Freezing temperatures and occasional snowfall can create extra water that puts added strain on your pump. If your sump pump is not in good condition, it may fail and allow water to back up into your basement.

8. Flush Your Water Heater

Flushing your water heater helps keep sediment from collecting near the burner. When sediment builds up, the burner has to work harder to heat your water. This can reduce efficiency and, in many cases, lead to higher energy bills. By flushing your water heater regularly, you maintain its performance, prevent corrosion and reduce the risk of expensive repairs in the future.

9. Schedule Routine Maintenance

While often overlooked, routine maintenance plays a crucial role in keeping your plumbing ready for the freezing temperatures ahead. Regular inspections and upkeep help identify worn or vulnerable pipes, leaky faucets and other potential issues before they become major problems. By staying on top of maintenance, you reduce the risk of frozen or burst pipes, costly water damage and unexpected repairs. 

Looking for Reliable Plumbers? Contact First Service Today!

If you’re looking for a team of dependable craftsmen, you’ve come to the right place! At First Service, we provide expert plumbing and HVAC services to businesses and families across Midland, TX. 

From minor repairs to extensive plumbing projects, we provide solutions that you can count on. Ready to get started? Call us today at 432-302-6420 to schedule your consultation. To learn more about our services, including emergency plumbing repairs, visit our website by clicking the link here.