Winter Plumbing Preparedness Guide

By Max Hicks
Table of Contents

wrapped hose bib with a hose bib cover and pipe insulation in preparation of winter freezing temperatures

After the winter freeze of 2021 and 2023, Texans are looking ahead to better prepare their homes in cases of extreme weather. At Reliant Plumbing, we are ready for the winter weather and the plumbing emergencies our Austin and San Antonio communities may face. We also want to help you prepare your home for the cold and supply you with the knowledge and tools to feel more confident.

broken pvc pipe laying on grass after pipe repair job

How to Prepare Your Plumbing for a Freeze

Insulating and Protecting Key Components

  • Insulate Your RPZ: The RPZ, which feeds irrigation lines, is particularly vulnerable during freezes.

  • Cover Outdoor Spigots: Use hose bib covers for additional protection where water lines meet cold air.

  • Insulate Water Heater Lines: Adding insulation to water heater lines helps prevent freezing.

Checking Water Pressure

  • Measure and record your home’s water pressure. Changes during a freeze may indicate leaks or other issues. Watch this video to learn how.

Locating Your Water Shutoff Valve

  • Find and flag your home’s main water shutoff valve to quickly stop water flow in an emergency. You may need a water key to operate it.

Winter Ready Special Services

  • What’s Included:

    • Locate and flag shutoff valve

    • Inspect and insulate water heater

    • Provide and install two hose bib covers

    • Inspect and insulate RPZ

    • Check water pressure

  • Important Notes:

    • Residential only; not available for commercial properties.

    • Does not guarantee damage prevention; exercise caution and drip faucets when temperatures drop below 32°F.

Want more tips? Reliant Plumbing spoke with KVUE News about ways to protect your home during freezing temperatures.

Frozen Pipes and Freezing Temperatures – now what?

Now the freeze is here and you want to keep your water running smoothly, what can you do? Below are a few ways you can provide warmth and circulation to your homes’ water system. 

Immediate Actions During a Freeze:

  • Keep your house warm (even if you are not home) to at least 65 degrees.
  • Expose Pipes to Warm Air: Open the cabinet doors under your sink to expose warm air to your pipes and supply lines.
  • Drip Faucets: Allow faucets to run at a slow drip. Experts advise that homeowners drip faucets at one drip per second.

Water Heater Tips in a Freeze

  • If the pipes to an outdoor water heater are frozen, will leaving the gas on cause the water heater to explode or catch fire? No! It will not explode because the water heater has a safety valve. And it is an on demand heater, it has a pilot light, so it will not be drawing gas unless hot water is actively being pulled into the system.
  • Water Heaters, such as Navien water heaters, have a freeze protection function that requires electricity. If your power goes out, and if possible, connect your water heater to an alternate electricity source to keep the freeze protection function operating.
  • In the event of extended power outages, it is recommended to drain the water heater. Freezing may occur if there is a loss of power or an interruption in the gas supply to the water heater.
    • If your water heater will not be used for an extended period of time, close the cold water supply and gas valves, then drain the water heater.
    • Do not close the gas valve, except for routine maintenance, service, or extended power outages.
    • REMEMBER: Do not attempt to operate the unit if drained or potentially frozen.

How to Thaw Frozen Plumbing Pipes

Unfortunately, when pipes have already been damaged, there is not much that even the most experienced plumbers can do until they thaw. If you suspect cold pipes within poorly insulated walls, you could attempt to minimize damage by directing space heaters at walls.

  1. Leave the water on so they will know when they are thawed.
  2. Open up cabinetry and let warm air access as much of the piping as possible.
  3. Aiming small heaters at the walls will also help.

Water pipes will not “explode.” They may expand due to the frozen water inside of the pipe, causing damages or leaks when all thaws out.

Extreme weather can be unpredictable and unforgiving to our communities, but rest assured this plumbing team is here for you. Don’t go without hot water this winter, call us to help you prepare for this winter. We offer multiple ways to fix broken pipes including advanced non-invasive leak detection and trenchless pipe repair.

Thawing Frozen Pipes:

Thawing frozen pipes requires careful steps to avoid potential damage. Here’s a summary of the recommended process:

  1. Identify Frozen Pipe: If you turn on a faucet and only a trickle comes out, it may indicate a frozen pipe. Be cautious, as a burst pipe can lead to flooding. If you suspect a burst pipe, turn off the water at the main shutoff valve.
  2. Turn on Faucet: Turn on the faucet connected to the frozen pipe. Running water through the pipe, even if it’s just a trickle, helps melt the ice plug.
  3. Apply Heat: Apply heat to the frozen section of the pipe using one of the following methods:
    • Electric heating pad wrapped around the pipe
    • Electric hair dryer
    • Portable space heater (away from flammable materials)
    • Wrapping pipes with towels soaked in hot water

    Avoid using open flames like blowtorches, kerosene or propane heaters, or charcoal stoves, as they can damage pipes or start a fire.

  4. Thaw Until Full Water Pressure is Restored: Continue applying heat until full water pressure is restored. Check other faucets in your home to ensure there are no additional frozen pipes. If one pipe freezes, others may also be affected.
  5. Call a Plumber if Necessary: If you’re unable to locate the frozen area, if it’s not accessible, or if you’re unable to thaw the pipe, it’s advisable to call a licensed plumber.

Remember to exercise caution throughout the process, especially if you suspect a burst pipe. If in doubt or if the situation seems more serious, it’s best to seek professional plumbing assistance.

Extreme weather can be unpredictable, but Reliant Plumbing is here to help. From advanced non-invasive leak detection to trenchless pipe repair, we offer solutions to keep your home running smoothly during winter. Call us today to prepare your plumbing for the cold season!

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