7 Tips to Keep Pipes From Freezing

Texas weather can keep us on our toes, but don’t let the unpredicted winter weather surprise your plumbing system. Take precautions to prevent your pipes from freezing, bursting, and causing water damage when the temperatures start to drop. Use these easy tips from you trusted plumbers at KMP to prevent your pipes from freezing.

  1. Allow faucets to drip on cold nights.  This will keep water moving through the water lines.
  2. Keep doors open so warm air can circulate throughout the entire house. Also, open cabinet doors if you have plumbing on an exterior wall and open your attic doors if you have plumbing in your attic.
  3. Keep your garage door closed if you have water supply lines in the garage.
  4. Keep the thermostat no lower than 55 degrees. Even if you are out of town.
  5. Seal and insulate exterior openings. Basement doors, windows and crawlspace can be sealed with caulk and weather stripping to prevent air leaks.
  6. Insulate hose bibs and exterior pipes. Protect hose bibs with a store-bought faucet cover. You can also use a towel, large rubber band, and garbage bag to insulate and waterproof hose bibs. If there’s any exposed plumbing attached to the hose bibs, protect them with pipe insulation.
  7. Disconnect and drain garden hoses. Store them in the garage or shed over the winter.

We can’t predict the weather (especially in Texas), but we can protect your plumbing system. KMP is your resource for expert advice on how to prevent pipes from freezing. For help preventing, identifying, or thawing frozen pipes, call KMP today at 817-453-8028.