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Plumbing Tips for a Freeze

Jennifer LaFleur • September 24, 2020

We know the weather is warm right now but don't let that fool you.

Living in Texas in the winter, we know we can get a cold snap any time. To make sure you don't get caught by surprise, here are some quick tips and troubleshooting guides to help you through any drastic weather changes.

How to protect my Backflow Preventer: Many homes in the South have Backflow Preventer(s) on the exterior of the home. These are known to crack or break in freezing temperatures. We recommend that they be wrapped with insulation or towels and then covered and tied off with a trash bag. The reason that you would want to cover with a trash bag after wrapping with a towel or insulation is to prevent any freezing rain or water from getting in or on the towel or insulation and then freezing to the pipes and causing the backflow to crack or break. (See photos – Photo “A” is what a backflow looks like”, Photo “B” is an insulated blanket you can purchase to put over the bell part of the backflow preventer and Photo “C” is what we recommend to keep the backflow the most protected from the freezing weather.) Backflow Preventers are often times on Sprinkler Lines as well as Main Lines to the house. If they break it could mean no water to your home until the pipes thaw out or repairs are made if they crack or break.

We always hear Drip or Drain? Why?

We recommend dripping warm water, a small drip of water constantly going through the pipes, however, not enough to make a sink or tub fill up or over flow. The dripping keeps warmth in the pipes and will help prevent them from the freezing temperatures. Sometimes people ask if they should Drain their pipes. In the Houston metro area that is not usually necessary. That is often done further up North or if a property is

going to be vacant. How can I protect the pipes inside my home?

We recommend opening cabinet doors under sinks and keeping them open during the

freezing temperatures. This will allow the natural air flow in your home to enter the cabinet area and help keep the pipes warm. (Please be mindful of open cabinets with children and pets around. You may need to remove the items under the sink while you have the doors open.)

My house is vacant how can I protect the interior pipes?

If the walls are up and insulated we recommend keeping the inside temperature 65-degrees or warmer. We recommend opening cabinets under sinks and along exterior walls. This will allow the natural air flow in your home to enter the cabinet area and help keep the pipes warm. (Please be mindful of open cabinets with children and pets around. You may need to remove the items under the sink while you have the doors

open.) I have a sprinkler system what do I need to do?

We recommend turning the system off and opening the valves so that as the water freezes the system is open to allow for the expansion that will occur when the water thaws.

What if my pipes freeze?

This means that you will not have water until the pipes thaw out. In some instances a break or crack could occur. In that instance water flow may not return until a repair is made. You would most likely notice this if there was also a loss in pressure. In January 2018 many of our customers were without water for up to 24-hours. This is a good time to have bottled water on hand. The pipes must naturally warm and thaw for

the water to be functional again. This process just requires warmth and patience. Many customers used a hair dryer at the main entry point of water to the home to expedite the thawing process.

Have a great day,

Paul and Dorinda Obsta

713-253-4810

obstaplumbinginc.com

RMP-39473

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