Why Freezing Weather Hits Your Pipes Hard
Winter in Houston doesn’t always stay mild. When temperatures drop below freezing, your plumbing faces real risks. Pipes can burst from expanding ice, leading to floods and costly repairs. We’ve seen it happen too many times at Top Quality Plumbing Services. Homeowners call us in a panic after a cold snap. The good news? You can avoid this with some basic prep.
Think of your pipes like veins in your home. Cold makes them brittle. Water inside freezes and pushes against the walls. A small crack turns into a big problem fast. Last winter, we fixed over 200 burst pipes in the area. Don’t wait for that headache.
Common Signs of Trouble
Watch for frost on exposed pipes. Or a drop in water pressure. These warn you to act. Your home deserves protection, especially in our unpredictable Texas weather.
Insulate Your Exposed Pipes First
Start with insulation. It’s the easiest way to shield pipes from the cold. We recommend foam sleeves or heat tape for any exposed lines. Wrap them snugly. Focus on areas like the attic, crawl spaces, and garage walls. This keeps heat in and frost out.
At Top Quality Plumbing Services, we install these during routine checks. But you can do it yourself with supplies from a hardware store. Slide the foam over the pipe. Secure it with tape. For outdoor faucets, use insulating covers. Simple steps like these save you from emergencies.
How do you know which pipes need it? Look for any not inside heated rooms. Basements and utility closets often hide them. Insulate now, and sleep better at night.
Let Faucets Drip to Keep Water Moving
Dripping faucets sound annoying, but they work. Running water won’t freeze as easily. Set a slow drip on all faucets during freezes. Do this for sinks, showers, and even the outdoor spigot if possible.
We tell our Houston customers this every winter. It prevents ice buildup in the lines. Choose hot and cold sides. The movement keeps things flowing. You’ll use a bit more water, but it’s worth avoiding a burst pipe. Turn it off once temps rise above freezing.
Which Fixtures to Prioritize
Focus on exterior walls first. Those pipes chill quickest. If you have a basement sink, drip there too. Small habits like this protect your wallet.
Disconnect and Drain Outdoor Hoses
Outdoor hoses freeze fast. Disconnect them from your house. Drain any water left inside. Store them indoors or in a shed. This stops ice from pushing back into your pipes.
We’ve pulled countless frozen hoses from Houston homes. One left attached can crack your outdoor faucet. Shut off the valve to the hose bib first. Then open the faucet to release pressure. Dry everything well. Repeat for sprinklers or garden lines too.
Forget this step? You risk a bigger issue. Hoses act like straws pulling cold into your system. Take five minutes now to handle it.
Shut Off Water to Unused Areas
Not all parts of your home need water in winter. Shut off lines to guest rooms or vacation cabins. Drain those pipes too. This limits damage if a freeze hits an isolated spot.
At Top Quality Plumbing Services, we map these for clients during inspections. Find the valves near the fixtures. Turn them clockwise to close. Open the taps to empty the lines. Air the system out. Your main water stays safe.
Business owners, do the same for storage units or empty offices. One frozen line won’t flood everything. Prep like this shows smart planning.
Locate Your Main Shut-Off Valve
Know where your main water shut-off lives. It’s your emergency brake. In a freeze, turn it off quick to stop flooding from a burst pipe.
We mark these for every Houston customer we serve. Check your basement, garage, or near the water meter. Some homes have it outside. Test it now. Turn it off and on. Label it clearly. If you rent, tell your landlord too.
Testing It Safely
Do this with a partner. Warn your household first. No water means no flushing or showers until you turn it back. Practice builds confidence for the real thing.
Seal Drafts Around Pipes and Fixtures
Cold air sneaks in through gaps. Seal them to keep your plumbing warm. Use caulk or foam around where pipes enter walls. Check windows and doors near sinks too.
Our team spots these during service calls. Drafts chill pipes faster than you think. Fill cracks with expanding foam. It hardens and blocks air. For cabinets under sinks, stuff towels in gaps overnight.
You might save on heating bills this way. Small seals make a big difference in Houston’s occasional chills.
Add Cabinet Liners or Open Doors
Kitchen and bathroom cabinets hide pipes. Line them with blankets or towels for extra warmth. Or open the doors to let room heat reach the lines.
We suggest this for older Houston homes with thin walls. Cabinets stay cold otherwise. Layer soft materials inside. It traps heat like a cozy blanket. For businesses, do it in break rooms or restrooms.
Either way works. Pick what fits your space. It takes little effort but guards against surprises.
Monitor and Maintain Garage Plumbing
Garages drop cold fast. Keep the door closed. If you have a sink or washer there, insulate those pipes extra. Heat lamps help in tight spots.
At Top Quality Plumbing Services, we service many garage setups. Freezes love unheated spaces. Run a space heater if safe. Keep it away from flammables. Check pipes daily during warnings.
Business garages face the same issue. Protect tools and stock too. Vigilance pays off here.
Steps to Take After a Freeze Warning
When forecasts call for freezes, act fast. Review your list. Insulate, drip, disconnect. Maintain indoor heat above 55 degrees.
We issue these reminders to our newsletter subscribers in Houston. Layer up your prep. Check neighbors if they’re away. Community helps.
- Double-check insulation wraps.
- Set timers for faucets if you’re out.
- Have a flashlight ready for dark spaces.
- Keep our number handy: 24/7 service waits.
What If Pipes Still Freeze?
Sometimes freezes win. Don’t panic. Shut off the main valve. Thaw slowly with warm towels or a hairdryer. Never use open flames.
Call us at Top Quality Plumbing Services if water won’t flow. We arrive fast for Houston locals. Our licensed techs fix bursts cleanly. Last season, we restored service in hours for dozens.
Prevention Beats Repair
Follow these steps, and you’ll likely skip the mess. Your peace of mind matters.
Stay Protected This Winter
Prep your plumbing now. These steps keep freezes at bay. You’ve got the tools to handle it. For any doubts, reach out to Top Quality Plumbing Services. We offer inspections and installs tailored for Houston homes and businesses.
Call us today at (713) 555-0123 or schedule online. Our 24/7 team ensures you stay dry and warm. Let’s keep your plumbing strong together.
- Insulate exposed pipes.
- Drip faucets overnight.
- Disconnect hoses early.