Anyone who has lived in Texas for more than a minute knows the weather can change in the blink of an eye. Winter temperatures can fluxuate from 80° to 28° overnight. Normally the coldest months are January through March, so there’s still time to winterize your house if you haven’t already done so. Here are some tips from Master Plumber Jeff Key of Key Plumbing Services on how to prepare for the cold weather.
Prepare hoses and sprinkler systems
Unhook your hoses, ensure the water is not dripping, and then cover with an insulated bib cover. For best results, use bib covers with Styrofoam insulation and a hard plastic exterior. Sprinkler systems should be turned off and the valve adjusted to relieve the water pressure. For instructions on how to do this, call your local landscape company or give Key Plumbing Services a call. We are here to help you.
Insulate your tankless water heater
Many people have recently updated their homes, and if you have added a tankless water heater outside, make sure it is prepared for the cold weather. The brass fittings or pipes attached to the water heater may not be insulated, and only a few have an external circulation pump that circulates the water when the temperature hits freezing. If your heater does not have a circulation pump for cold weather, contact your plumber to have your unit properly insulated. If your heater has an expansion tank, make sure it is insulated as well so it doesn’t rupture.
Check galvanized pipes
If your house was built before 1970, you may have galvanized pipes under your home. This type of pipe often cracks and deteriorates over time, causing rust in your lines and leaks under your house. Trees and shrubs grow around these pipes as well and result in fractures and holes. When cold weather hits, these pipes are susceptible to breaking. If you are concerned about your galvanized pipes or don’t know what type of pipes you have in your home, call your local plumber to have them inspected. Repairing or replacing damaged pipes will not only save you stress over water damage, it should also save money on your water bill.
Prepare additional amenities
If your home includes amenities such as a pool or hot tub, outbuildings like a workshop, barn, or detached garage, or any other upgrades that require plumbing, make sure you pay attention to where the water and sewer lines are. Most homes have their pipes under the house or in the concrete, but when home upgrades are complete, those pipes are often left exposed on the outside of the house and should be tended to as well.
Consider pets and livestock
Pay attention to how the water has been run to kennels, barns, and pastures. Troughs may need a heater to prevent the water from freezing.
Keep one faucet running
During freezing weather, keep one faucet running with a constant trickle, not just a drip. If you need help with any of these steps, or if you have a plumbing concern or would like a plumbing diagnostic and video inspection, contact Jeff or Judy at Key Plumbing Services.
254-780-5920 • www.KeyPlumbingServices.com • Facebook /keyplumbingtx