With several inches of snow expected for North Texas, it’s vital to prepare your home before the freezing temperatures hit.
Freezing pipes are the top concern during colder months, and without proper preparation, damage is inevitable. However, protecting pipes is just one of the important steps homeowners should take before a cold front hits.
Check Your Coverage
Ask your insurance agent whether your homeowners’ or renters' policy includes protection for unexpected water damage. This coverage specifically addresses damages resulting from burst pipes, unlike flood insurance which does not provide coverage for damages caused by frozen pipes.
Protect Your Pipes
A frozen pipe is no fun, but with precautions, you may be able to prevent any damage. “One of the most important things, of course, is to heat the home,” Tucker Means from Allen-based O’Bryan Plumbing Services told Local Profile.
Means also explained that opening cabinets under sinks lets the home’s heat warm the pipes and allows a steady drip from both cold and hot taps. Add insulation to outside faucets and water pipes, or in your attics and crawl spaces to further protect pipes from freezing.
Texans should also adhere to the guidelines provided by their local government, which might include restrictions on water usage.
Check Your Chimney
If you plan on using your fireplace to stay warm, it is important to follow safety guidelines. Schedule an annual professional cleaning and inspection for your chimney and fireplace. Also, ensure a safe environment by keeping flammable items at least 3 feet away from your fireplace.
Protecting Plants
Monitoring your local weather forecast is crucial, and you should be prepared to safeguard delicate plants in such conditions.
- Insulate: Use mulch or hay to insulate plants that can’t be brought indoors, protecting roots and keeping them warm.
- Bring Pots Indoors: Move potted plants inside to prevent frost damage, maintaining their usual light levels. Small plants can stay indoors at night.
- Water Before The Freeze: Water plants before a freeze to prevent freezing, especially during dry, cold spells in North Texas.
- Cover Plants: For extra protection, cover plants with blankets, towels, or burlap on cold nights to keep them warm.
What Happens If Your Pipes Freeze
In the event of frozen pipes, shut off the water at the shutoff valve to prevent any thawed pipes from causing leaks into your house.
“If they do freeze you can try and heat the home and see if they'll thaw out, but generally speaking, we just have to wait until it's thought out, because it could be from frozen and we not have a break, or it could be frozen and there could be a break,” Means said.
Either way, it’s a good idea to call a plumber to check on your pipes before any other damage occurs.
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