Freezing Weather in the Metroplex?
Texans aren't exactly used to these freezing cold temperatures, and by the looks of the forecast, the cold weather isn't going away anytime soon
Here are some tips on how you can protect your home
Preventative temperature tips:
- Disconnect your water hoses.
- Seal openings where cold air can reach unprotected water pipes, like outside faucets. Cold winds can speed up the freezing process.
- Cover exposed pipes with foam or fiberglass insulation sleeves.
- Leave cabinet doors open under kitchen sinks and bathroom faucets to allow warmer air to circulate around pipes.
Do you suspect your pipes are frozen?
- Turn on the faucet. If there is only a drip or trickle, or no water flowing at all, the pipes may be frozen.
- Check your water supply lines. Look for very cold spots and see if you notice any breaks.
If you find that your pipes are frozen, here’s what to do next:
- Wrap the pipe in a heating pad.
- Aim a hair dryer at the pipe, keeping the air moving back and forth in sections of the frozen pipe. Never use extreme heat or open flame, such as a heat gun or blow torch to heat a pipe.
- Position a space heater to circulate warm air around the section of pipe. You may have to reposition the space heater along the frozen pipe.
- Turn up the heat in your home.
- Once the pipes have thawed, let the water drip to prevent refreezing.
- If the pipes have thawed and you discover you have a break or leak, shut the water off at the main shut-off valve and give us a call immediately.
Other safety temperature tips:
- Make sure your air filters are clean so your furnace is working to its full capacity.
- Due to an increase in running your gas furnace during this time, make sure your carbon monoxide detector is working properly.
- If you are going to be out of town during this time, please let a friend or neighbor know to check on your home for you!
We are here for you 24/7, so please let us know if you need us. Stay warm and stay safe!