The Lubbock winter can be unpredictable, with temperatures dropping quickly into the freezing zone. While we bundle up in our warmest clothes, it’s easy to forget about the hidden network of pipes in our homes. When water freezes, it expands, and that expansion can cause pipes to burst, leading to costly and damaging leaks. Preparing your plumbing now is the best way to protect your home and avoid an emergency call to a plumber later.
Here’s a simple guide to winterizing your pipes in the South Plains.
1. Disconnect and Drain Your Outdoor Plumbing
The first and most critical step is to take care of your exterior plumbing.
- Disconnect Hoses: Remove all garden hoses from outdoor faucets and store them away for the season. Water left in a hose can freeze and expand back into the spigot, causing the pipe inside your wall to burst.
- Drain Faucets: After disconnecting the hoses, open your outdoor faucets to let any remaining water drain out. For added protection, install a “frost-free” hose bib if you don’t have one already, or cover your spigots with insulated covers.
2. Insulate Exposed Pipes
Any pipes that aren’t in a climate-controlled space are at risk. This includes pipes in your garage, basement, crawl space, or even under your kitchen and bathroom sinks near an exterior wall.
- Wrap Pipes: Purchase foam pipe insulation (often called “pipe sleeves”) from a home improvement store. It’s inexpensive and easy to install. Simply cut the insulation to size and place it over the pipe.
- Secure Insulation: Use zip ties or duct tape to ensure the insulation is tightly secured and won’t slip off. Even a small exposed section can lead to a frozen pipe.
3. Take Precautions During Extreme Cold Snaps
When temperatures are expected to drop well below freezing, a few simple steps can make a big difference.
- Open Cabinet Doors: For sinks on an exterior wall, open the cabinet doors underneath to allow warm air from your home’s heating system to circulate around the pipes.
- Keep a Faucet Dripping: On particularly cold nights, let a faucet run at a slow, continuous drip. The flowing water, even at a trickle, is much less likely to freeze than standing water. Choose a faucet farthest from your main water supply.
4. What to Do if a Pipe Freezes
If you turn on a faucet and only a trickle comes out, you likely have a frozen pipe. Do not panic.
- Locate the Frozen Section: A frozen pipe will often have a visible section covered in frost.
- Thaw Slowly: You can try to thaw it yourself with a hair dryer, a space heater (keeping it a safe distance away), or by wrapping the pipe with a warm towel. Never use an open flame or a blowtorch, as this is a major fire hazard.
- Call a Professional: If you can’t locate the frozen section or are having trouble thawing it, it’s time to call a professional. A plumber can quickly locate the blockage and thaw it safely. Ignoring a frozen pipe can lead to a catastrophic burst, causing thousands of dollars in water damage.
For reliable plumbing service and professional advice on protecting your Lubbock home this winter, trust the experts at 1213 Plumbing. We’re here to help you get prepared and stay safe all season long.