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5 Tips for Preventing Frozen Pipes in Houston’s Cold Weather

Even though the Houston area can get hot during the summer, it can also get cold during the winter. You do not want to come home to frozen pipes, as frozen pipes will eventually burst. What are a few of the most important tips you should follow if you want to prevent your pipes from freezing?

1. Add Extra Insulation

First, you need to add some extra insulation around your pipes. That way, you can prevent them from freezing. For example, you might want to add some pipe insulation in your attic and crawl spaces. You might not think about these areas very often, but if you add extra insulation, you can reduce the chances of your pipes freezing.

2. Open Your Cabinets

You might notice that your cabinets are a bit colder than the rest of the house. Your pipes probably run behind the cabinets, so you need to get some extra heat to these areas throughout your house. One of the easiest ways to do so is to open your cabinet doors. This is particularly important if you are leaving your house for an extended amount of time.

3. Let the Water Drip

Running water is much harder to freeze. Therefore, if you keep the water churning throughout your pipes, you can reduce the chances of your pipes freezing. You don’t have to run up your water bill dramatically to accomplish this task. All you need to do is let the water drip from your faucets, and you can reduce the chances of your pipes freezing. 

4. Turn Up the Thermostat

If you are leaving for a long time, you might be tempted to turn off the heat to save money. Unfortunately, if you do this, you dramatically increase the chances of your pipes freezing because your house is going to get very cold. Therefore, try to keep the thermostat at around 55 degrees (at a minimum) when you are not home. This can reduce the chances of your pipes freezing. 

5. Seal Leaks in Your Home

Finally, you need to seal leaks throughout your house as well. For example, you might notice a draft coming from your windows, or you might notice that hot air is escaping underneath the door. By sealing the leaks throughout your house, you can reduce the amount of cold air flowing around your pipes, which can reduce the chances of them breathing. 

Call M&M Plumbing for Help With Your Plumbing System 

We are M&M Plumbing, and it would be our pleasure to help you address plumbing issues in your home or Office. Contact us today to schedule an appointment with our team.