After the winter freeze of 2021 and 2023, Texans are looking ahead to better prepare their homes in cases of extreme weather. At Reliant Plumbing we are ready for the winter weather and the plumbing emergencies our Austin communities may face. We also want to help you prepare your home for the cold and supply you with the knowledge and tools to feel more confident.
Plumbing Risks in a Freeze
Frozen pipes
- When your pipes freeze, it can cause your fixtures to run only cold water, or no water at all.
Busted pipes
- Frozen pipes can cause stress on the pipe material causing them to burst. A burst pipe will cause flooding in your home and could result in massive damages.
Frozen water heater
- In extreme conditions, your water heater can freeze, or even burst. These situations can result in cold water, flooding, or other plumbing issues.
Tips to Prepare Your Home
Be sure that your RPZ is insulated.
- The RPZ feeds to the irrigation line, causing it to have the highest number of failures during the 2021 freeze.
Cover all outdoor spigots with hose bib covers.
- This provides an added layer of protection to your water lines where they meet the cold. Master Plumber Jason Oliphant spoke to KVUE News about ways to protect your home during freezing temperatures.
Insulate water lines that go to the water heater.
- A layer of insulation can make the difference for a water heater that could be exposed to the extreme cold.
Check water pressure at home.
- Be sure your water pressure is at a normal level for your area and record your results. If you start losing pressure during the freeze, this could be a sign of a leak or other plumbing issue. Watch this video on how to check your water pressure at home.
Locate and flag your homeowner’s water shutoff outside.
- The homeowner’s water shutoff valve is usually located outside of the home. In case of emergency, you may need to shut off your water to stop flooding or other issues before your plumber arrives. You may need a water key to turn the water off.
What to Do in a Freeze
Now the freeze is here and you want to keep your water running smoothly, what can you do? Below are a few ways you can provide warmth and circulation to your homes’ water system.
- Keep your house warm (even if you are not home) to at least 65 degrees.
- Open the cabinet doors under your sink to expose warm air to your pipes and supply lines.
- Turn on faucets to a slow drip.
- Check out these tips by Navien for your water heater
Extreme weather can be unpredictable and unforgiving to our communities, but rest assured this plumbing team is here for you. Don’t go without hot water this winter, call us to help you prepare for this winter. We offer multiple ways to fix broken pipes including trenchless pipe repair.
