Winter Storm Cora will soon impact parts of Texas, bringing freezing temperatures, snow and ice to parts of the state. With portions of North Texas now under a winter storm watch, Texans are preparing for unusual winter conditions.
As the Lone Star State braces for temperatures to dip below freezing, it’s crucial to take precautions. Failing to prepare for the cold can cause major damage to homes, leading to headaches for homeowners and thousands of dollars in repairs.
Here’s a guide to protect your home from freezing temperatures and keep your pipes from bursting.
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At what temperature do pipes freeze?
Water in pipes begins to solidify into ice once temperatures dip below freezing, at 32℉ (0℃).
How to prevent pipes from freezing
As Winter Storm Cora travels across Texas, freeze warnings are likely Wednesday through Friday. While it’s always essential to check your local weather forecast during winter, it will be extremely important to do so daily through the end of this week. When a freeze warning is issued, it’s time to protect your faucets.
In Southern states, many people take precautions ahead of the first cold front since outdoor faucets are typically unused until spring. However, if you haven’t yet prepared—or if you still need to use your faucets regularly—here’s some advice on how to protect them.
Adjust your thermostat
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Maintain a temperature of at least 60 degrees.
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Open cupboards and vanities to allow warm air to reach pipes, especially in kitchens and bathrooms, Brycen Sperlich, owner of Prime Drain Cleaning and Plumbing in Tennessee, told USA TODAY earlier this year.
Drip faucets correctly
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Set faucets to a small, steady drip rather than a stream to conserve water while preventing freezing.
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Drip the faucet farthest from your home’s main water valve.
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“You don’t have to drip them all—one or two is fine,” Sperlich told USA TODAY.
Cover outdoor spigots
Before the temperature drops below 32 degrees, outdoor water spigots attached to homes should be opened to allow to drain water out. Faucet covers should also be put on.
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Which pipes freeze the most?
Here are the pipes The Red Cross says freeze most frequently in homes:
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Pipes exposed to “severe cold,” including outdoor hose bibs, swimming pool supply lines, and water sprinkler lines. (If you have swimming pool or sprinkler supply lines, don’t forget to drain them too.)
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Water supply pipes in unheated interior areas, including basements, crawl spaces, attics, garages, and cabinets.
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Those running against exterior walls that “have little or no insulation.”
What you should do if your pipe is already frozen
If you’re concerned about further damage or unsure how to handle the situation, it’s best to call a local plumber to safely resolve the issue. However, you can relieve some of the pressure on your own.
Here’s a step-by-step process outlined by the American Red Cross:
Turn off main water supply valve
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This prevents water from flowing into the frozen pipe, reducing the risk of a burst.
Thaw the frozen pipes
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Apply heat using a hair dryer, heating pad or warm towels wrapped around the pipe.
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Avoid using open flames, such as a blowtorch, as they can damage the pipe or cause a fire.
Keep a faucet open
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Allow a faucet connected to the frozen pipe to run. This helps water flow as the ice melts and relieves pressure, reducing the risk of the pipe bursting.
How do I find my main water shut-off valve?
The main water shut-off valve is usually located where the water supply enters your home—commonly in the basement, garage or a concrete metal box near the street.
Familiarize yourself with its location before temperatures drop below freezing to act quickly in case of a burst pipe.
This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: At what temperature do pipes freeze? When to drip faucets in Texas