We have had some cold nights headed our way. Here are some steps to take so you don't get taken by surprise.

Many homes in the South have Backflow Preventer(s) on the exterior of the home. These are known to crack or break in freezing temperatures. We recommend that they be wrapped with insulation or towels and then covered and tied off with a trash bag. The reason that you would want to cover with a trash bag after wrapping with a towel or insulation is to prevent any freezing rain or water from getting in or on the towel or insulation and then freezing to the pipes and causing the backflow to crack or break. (See photos – Photo “A” is what a backflow looks like”, Photo “B” is an insulated blanket you can purchase to put over the bell part of the backflow preventer and Photo “C” is what we recommend to keep the backflow the most protected from the freezing weather.)

Backflow Preventers are often times on Sprinkler Lines as well as Main Lines to the house. If they break it could mean no water to your home until the pipes thaw out or repairs are made if they crack or break.

We always hear Drip or Drain? Why?

We recommend dripping warm water, a small drip of water constantly going through the pipes, however, not enough to make a sink or tub fill up or over flow. The dripping keeps warmth in the pipes and will help prevent them from the freezing temperatures. Sometimes people ask if they should Drain their pipes. In the Houston metro area that is not usually necessary. That is often done further up North or if a property is going to be vacant.

How can I protect the pipes inside my home?

We recommend opening cabinet doors under sinks and keeping them open during the freezing temperatures. This will allow the natural air flow in your home to enter the cabinet area and help keep the pipes warm. (Please be mindful of open cabinets with children and pets around. You may need to remove the items under the sink while you have the doors open.) 

My house is vacant how can I protect the interior pipes?

If the walls are up and insulated we recommend keeping the inside temperature 65-degrees or warmer. We recommend opening cabinets under sinks and along exterior walls. This will allow the natural air flow in your home to enter the cabinet area and help keep the pipes warm. (Please be mindful of open cabinets with children and pets around. You may need to remove the items under the sink while you have the doors open.) 

I have a sprinkler system what do I need to do?

We recommend turning the system off and opening the valves so that as the water freezes the system is open to allow for the expansion that will occur when the water thaws.

What if my pipes freeze?

This means that you will not have water until the pipes thaw out. In some instances a break or crack could occur. In that instance water flow may not return until a repair is made.

You would most likely notice this if there was also a loss in pressure. In February 2021 many of our customers were without water for up to 24-hours or longer. This is a good time to have bottled water on hand. The pipes must naturally warm and thaw for the water to be functional again.

This process just requires warmth and patience. Many customers used a hair dryer at the main entry point of water to the home to expedite the thawing process.

Plumbing issues do not typically happen at a convenient time. It is best to be prepared ahead of time to mitigate damage. The best way to mitigate or reduce damage is to know a few things about your home:

1. How to turn the water off to the home;
2. How to turn the water off at the meter;
3. How to turn the water off at the fixture.

Learn more: How to turn the water off to the home

Most homes have a water shut off valve at the place the water enters the home. The problem with these water valves is they don’t get used often and they can rust or seize up making them inoperable and/or causing them to break when you need to use them.

Checking them often to ensure they aren’t rusting and/or that the handles are functional is a good idea. Please see the photo below for a sample of a water shut off valve to your home. (These can sometimes be found on an outside wall and/or in your garage.)

How to turn the water off at the meter

You may not always be able to find the main water shut off to the house and you might have to shut the water off at the meter. In that case you should have a Water Key handy as you will need that tool to turn the valve at the meter. Below is a photo of a water meter and a Water Key.

Water Key
You can purchase a Water Key at your local box store (Ace, Home Depot, Lowes, etc.) for somewhere between $10-30. This will come in handy should you not be able to find your water shut off valve to the home and/or should the main water shut off valve be broken.

How to turn the water off at the fixture
Often time each fixture has a water shut off that you can also try. Examples would be the shut off valve behind the toilet or ice maker or under the sink at the hot water valve and/or cold water valve. See photos for examples.

If you experience any broken pipes, damages, etc. Obsta Plumbing has crews on standby to assist.

If you need assistance, go to our website and click the Book Now button in the top right corner.

This gets you immediately on the list.

You can always call 713-253-4810 and if our scheduling department is not available to schedule you immediately leave your name, address, phone number with them and the Paul, Dorinda and the on call plumber will immediately be notified.

Have a great day,
Paul and Dorinda Obsta
713-253-4810
obstaplumbinginc.com
RMP-39473