With cooler fall temperatures, comes the reminder that when winter arrives in Texas, it can be sudden. This can leave us homeowners unprepared for the troubles associated with extreme cold days and especially nights. It only takes a few simple preparations now to prevent costly repairs throughout the winter months.
Winter Preparation Tips
- Disconnect any water hoses around your home. Water hoses can freeze if left connected. When they freeze, it expands and causes faucets and connecting pipes inside your home to break.
- Are your outside faucets dripping or leaking? Make sure today! It is important to make the necessary repairs or to call a plumber before freezing temperatures arrive. When pipes freeze, water pressure builds and causes cracks in plastic, copper or steel pipes. A tiny crack can release enough water to cause serious damage or flooding.
- If your home is equipped with interior shut-off valves leading to outside faucets, close them and drain water from outside lines.
- Insulate pipes in unheated areas, such as garages or crawl spaces.
- Apply heat tape or thermostat-controlled heat cables around pipes that are exposed and prone to freezing.
- Seal leaks around doors and windows to reduce cold air penetration.
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