While snowstorms aren’t common in Texas, cold winter nights where temperatures dip below freezing are. As winter approaches, it’s important not just to check on your heating system but to prepare your plumbing for freezing temperatures. In certain conditions, your pipes can freeze and cause expensive, dangerous damage.

Read below to learn more about how to prepare your pipes for winter temperatures so you can save money and avoid time-consuming, labor-intensive cleanup projects this winter.

Tip: Get a heating system inspection and checkup.

While you need to prepare your plumbing system independently of your heating system, getting your heating system checked out before winter starts can keep you (and your plumbing) warm throughout the season. Plumbers and HVAC professionals tend to be busy the first time that temperatures plummet, so a checkup now can save you time and money.

Tip: Are you leaving town? Turn off your water valve before you do!

A temperature dip combined with a power outage while you’re away can quickly turn into an expensive disaster. So, we recommend turning off the main shutoff valve completely, not just shutting off the water to specific appliances. Once you shut off the main valve, turn on your faucets to drain the pipes. This will prevent water from freezing in your pipes.

Tip: Know the location of your main water shutoff valve.

Even if you’re not leaving town, you should know where your main water shutoff valve is. That way, you’ll know where to go if your pipes leak or break. Shutting off the water should be the first thing you do when disaster strikes. Shutoff valves aren’t in the same place for every home, but you may find yours near the foundation on the side of your house or on the ground near your property line.

Tip: Keep your heater on.

You may be tempted to turn your heat off when you leave for work or for a trip, but you should never turn your heat fully off. We recommend setting a constant temperature of at least 60 degrees to keep your pipes from freezing.

Tip: Let your faucets run – just a little.

Turning your faucets on to just a trickle can keep your pipes from freezing. While this may feel like a waste of water, you’ll be using far less water this way than if your pipes freeze and burst.

Tip: Insulate, insulate, insulate!

It’s obvious that your home should be well-insulated, but you need to focus on more than just the main living space. Be sure to use caulk and weatherstripping to get rid of air leaks. Keep your garage closed and close any foundation vents.

Exposed pipes are vulnerable to freezing, so it pays to insulate them as well. Fiberglass or polyethylene insulation sleeves around the pipes and heat tape that is compatible with insulation can keep pipes warmer and prevent pipe freezes and bursts. (Please follow the manufacturer’s instructions for safety.)

Tip: Think about outdoor plumbing.

You’ve protected your pipes and indoor faucets. Now it’s time to think about your outdoor plumbing. Purchasing insulated covers for your outdoor faucets can keep them from freezing. An expert plumber can find your outdoor faucets and insulate them, if needed.

Tip: Disconnect your hose and blow out your sprinkler.

Cold temperatures can affect anything that uses water. Before the cold sets in, be sure to disconnect your hose and blow out your sprinkler to get all the water out. You can even store hoses and sprinklers in a shed or garage during the winter to protect them.

Call the Team at RedFin Plumbing Co.

Whether you want to schedule a heating and plumbing inspection before winter starts or would like help to insulate your pipes, the team at RedFin Plumbing Co. is here to provide the plumbing services you need. We proudly serve the Greater Houston area and would be happy to help you winterize your plumbing! Give us a call today to get started.