What to do before a Texas freeze
Four things done the day before a hard freeze save you thousands. Pipes, outside faucets, the drip, and the stuff nobody thinks about until the power goes.
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Time
- 1 hour
- Cost
- $20 in covers
- 01
Disconnect the hoses.
A hose left attached traps water in the spigot and splits the pipe inside your wall. This is the number one mistake.
- 02
Cover the outside faucets.
Foam covers are three dollars. A towel and a trash bag work in a pinch.
- 03
Open the cabinet doors.
Under kitchen and bathroom sinks, especially on exterior walls. Let the house heat get to the pipes.
- 04
Drip the faucets farthest from the meter.
A pencil-lead stream, hot and cold. Moving water is harder to freeze.
- 05
Know where your shutoff is.
Before you need it in the dark, in the rain, at 2 a.m.
If a pipe has already burst, shut the water off at the main and call a plumber. Do not go into an attic with standing water and live wiring.
Fill the bathtub. Not to drink, to flush with. If the power goes and the pumps quit, you'll be glad you did.