Plumbers In Longview, TX: How To Keep Your Pipes From Freezing

The temperatures in East Texas haven’t dipped much yet but plumbers in Longview, TX know how quickly colder weather can swoop in and cause problems.  With your home’s plumbing, the number one problem is frozen pipes.  Though our temperatures don’t drop below freezing for long, frozen pipes can cause damage that you’ll be talking about – and paying for – long after winter is over.

How cold does it have to be for pipes to freeze?

Though water freezes at 32℉, it takes a temperature of 20℉ or lower to cause your home’s pipes to freeze. The combination of a quick drop in temperature, poor insulation and a thermostat set too low can create a perfect storm of pipe damage.  In fact, an 1/8th of an inch crack in a pipe can spew 250 gallons of water a day, which can cause flooding, structural damage and mold growth.

What you should do before it gets cold.

▪ Insulate the pipes in your crawlspace and in your attic.  These exposed pipes are more susceptible to freezing.  There are many options available for this purpose including foam insulating sleeves, heat tape and thermostatically-controlled heat cables.  Closely follow all of the manufacturer’s instructions when using these item to ensure safety and that you get the maximum benefit from them.

▪ Seal leaks around your home that let cold air in.  Check around access points for electrical wiring, dryer vents and utility pipes.  Use caulk and insulation around doors and windows.

▪ Disconnect all of your garden hoses.  Water in a hose or outside tap can freeze quickly, causing ice to form, which can lead to a buildup of pressure inside your pipes.  Once you’ve disconnected your hoses, make to use an insulated faucet jacket to cover each outside faucet.

What you should do when the temperature drops.

▪ Keep your thermostat set to the same temperature day and night.  If you’re like most people, you tend to lower their thermostats at night for more comfortable sleeping.  If you don’t want to change that habit, keep a constant eye on the weather during the winter to see if freezing weather is expected.  You can keep the nighttime temperatures at daytime settings when you know a freeze is coming.

▪ Plumbers in Longview, TX will tell you that one of the most important things you can do when freezing weather is coming is to let your faucets trickle.  Though this is usually done at night, if daytime temperatures are expected to be low then it should be done in the daytime as well.

▪ Open cabinet doors to allow warm air to circulate around pipes under sinks and appliances near exterior walls.

▪ If you’re planning a trip during the winter, leave your thermostat on and set no lower than 55℉ and ask a neighbor to check your home periodically to look for running water.

What you should do if your pipes freeze.

If the worst happens and your pipes freeze or burst, call one of the best plumbers in Longview, TX, Bird Dog Plumbing, at (903) 225-2272 for help.  We even work on Saturdays at no extra charge.  Visit us online at www.birddogplumbingllc.com to find out more about us.

Plumbers Longview TX
Bird Dog Plumbing LLC
2206 Balsam St
Longview, Texas 75605
903-225-2272