When winter storms hit Texas, pipes can freeze and burst, causing expensive water damage. Fortunately, you can stay ahead of the cold by taking a few simple precautions. Here’s what to do before the temperature drops:
- Wrap outdoor and indoor pipes in unheated areas (such as around a clothes washer in your garage).
- Detach your water hoses and wrap outdoor faucets.
- Drain and turn off your lawn sprinkler system.
- Open the cabinets under sinks to let warm air circulate around the pipes.
- Let faucets drip (hot and cold) or run water indoors before bedtime.
If your pipes do freeze, turn off the water at the shutoff valve. That way, if a pipe bursts, water won’t keep flowing once things start to thaw.
Taking these steps now can help you avoid a messy—and costly—situation later. Stay warm and safe this winter!
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For more videos: Texas Department of Insurance (TDI)