In Houston, we don’t experience below-freezing temperatures often. A hard freeze may come around only once a year, if that. The impact a freeze can have on your home can be very costly so it’s essential to be prepared! Here are some tips for protecting your home during a hard freeze.
1. Insulate your outdoor pipes and faucets
During a freeze, the water in your pipes can freeze. The pressure caused during this process can cause pipes to break, which can be a costly problem. Pipe insulation materials, faucet socks, and slip-on faucet protectors are ways to keep the pipes warm. You can typically find them at Lowes, Home Depot, or your favorite neighborhood hardware store. You can also use a towel to wrap your faucets. However, keep in mind that towels hold moisture, so only use them for a day or two. Otherwise, they can cause your faucets to rust out.
2. Turn off your sprinkler system and ensure the backflow preventer is drained
After you turn off your sprinkler system, you will want to drain it to release the water still in the pipes.
3. Keep your faucet lightly dripping
Keeping your faucets lightly dripping during a hard freeze keeps the water moving, which will help keep the water from freezing and the pipes from bursting.
4. Bring your plants inside or cover them up
When there is a freeze, some plants will die. If they’re in a pot, bring them inside your home or garage. If they’re planted in a garden, you can cover them with an old sheet.
5. Turn your home’s heater on and open all under-sink cabinets
This is especially important to remember if your home is vacant. Keeping your heater on during a freeze can help protect the pipes since some of that heat will radiate through the walls and help keep them from freezing. After you’ve turned on the heater, open up the cabinet doors underneath all bathroom and kitchen sinks. This will help keep them warm during the freeze.
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