A winter storm is approaching Houston, and a hard freeze is expected. To prevent potential plumbing issues and protect the property, please take the following precautions:
Indoor Preparations
Maintain Indoor Temperature
• Keep your thermostat set to at least 55°F (13°C), even when you’re away.
• Open cabinet doors under sinks to allow warm air to circulate around the pipes.
Faucets and Water Usage
• Let faucets drip slowly, especially those on exterior walls.
• Run water through all faucets periodically during the freeze.
Outdoor Preparations
Disconnect Hoses and Protect Faucets
• Remove all garden hoses from outdoor faucets.
• Insulate outdoor faucets with faucet covers or towels.
Irrigation System
• Drain your irrigation system and protect the backflow device.
Additional Measures
Insulation
• Add extra insulation to pipes in unheated areas like attics, crawl spaces, and garages.
• Seal any leaks or cracks that allow cold air near pipes using caulk or insulation.
🚨 In Case of Frozen Pipes
• If a pipe freezes, keep the faucet open and apply heat using an electric heating pad, hair dryer, or portable space heater (keeping it away from flammable materials).
• If you can’t thaw a pipe or if you discover a burst pipe, shut off the main water valve and call a licensed plumber immediately.
By following these steps, we can minimize the risk of frozen and burst pipes during this winter storm. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact me.
Stay safe and warm!
Enely Ferrer
Enely Ferrer is the Real Estate expert in the Spring, Klein, and Tomball area. She is REALTOR® and enjoys helping clients improve their living by matching properties with their desired lifestyle. When not helping clients, you can find her enjoying yoga, reading a book, visiting local restaurants, and all things North Houston to share with the community.
