As we face some of the coldest temperatures we’ve seen since 1983, Central Texans will not only have to prepare themselves for the upcoming cold, but also their homes.
“If it does get as cold as they’re saying... we are probably going to be pretty busy,” said Jeff Tesar, owner of O&J Superior Plumber.
Excessive temperature changes, like extreme cold, can cause major problems to your home’s plumbing.
With freezing temperatures and increased usage due to individuals staying indoors, a home’s plumbing system can work overtime during the winter months.
“So you definitely want to be looking for the signs," Tesar explained. "If you don’t have any water going to a certain fixture, or you hear something underneath the house, there’s a good chance something froze.”
When temperatures dip below freezing, exposed pipes in basements, garages, or underneath the house are at risk of freezing and bursting, which could lead to thousands of dollars worth of repairs.
“Put these little things [outdoor faucet cover] outside for your hoses. If you have any exposed pipes, you can insulate them. If you don’t have insulation, you can even take a towel and wrap around them with some tape to stop the wind from hitting it. If a sink tends to freeze, I have actually seen people turn the water on just a little bit, like a drip,” Tesar said.
Your water heater also works overtime during the winter months to provide hot water for showers, washing machines, and dish washers. You can wrap an insulation blanket around your water heater if it is in an exposed area, like a garage.
O&J Superior Plumbing and many other plumbing companies around the area offer emergency, around the clock services if a pipe were to burst. The key to remember is to not wait and call as soon as possible.
If you have a plumbing emergency or need plumbing assistance, you can contact O&J Superior Plumbing at (254) 404-2242 or at ojsuperiorplumbing.mylelab.com.
