How to Protect Your Pipes During Winter Months

How to Protect Your Pipes During Winter Months

North Texas nights can quickly drop below freezing during our winter months. Freezing temperatures can affect water flow, cause pipe cracks and leaks, or outright break pipes, which will require expensive repairs for repiping. Here are some tips on how to protect your pipes during the winter months:

Prevention:

Insulating your pipes to prevent freeze damage will be the best course of action when it comes to protecting your home during the winter months. Insulating pipes, especially outdoor and exposed areas where there is no temperature control, will help prolong the life of your pipes and prevent cold weather damage. Sealing or caulking cracks in your home can keep out cold air and help manage the temperature of rooms surrounding pipes. Other simple freeze prevention tips include disconnecting outdoor water hoses, closing and draining outdoor valves, and allowing small amounts of water to drip from indoor faucets so a constant flow of water circulates through the pipes.

Frozen pipes:

In the event that you have frozen pipes, check your water supply lines and make note of cold spots or line breaks. Plumbing parts that break due to freeze may require extensive and expensive replacement. A licensed DFW plumber can thoroughly investigate your pipes and make sure there aren’t any frozen or broken pipes that may be out of sight.

Thawing:

If you are attempting to thaw frozen pipes, the first step is to open the faucet of the affected pipe and allow flowing water to help melt the ice around the pipe. If the frozen pipe is outdoors or exposed, then try to heat the pipe directly with heated damp towels or heating pads. Space heaters and blow dryers can also be used to help thaw outdoor pipes. If frozen pipes are inside in your home, then turn up the heat in your home and wait to see if that helps.

Protecting your pipes during the winter months every year will add to the longevity of your home plumbing. Cathedral Plumbing experts can provide a thorough inspection of your plumbing and help make sure your pipes are protected. 

How to Pet Proof Your Plumbing

How to Pet Proof Your Plumbing

We may love our pets, but your drains definitely don’t love the excess of fur! Pet proofing your household and plumbing can keep your pet safe while preventing major plumbing damage. Pets can add an extra strain to a variety of household plumbing fixtures. Here are a few tips to help pet proof your plumbing:

Bath Time

Rinse those dirty pets off outside before coming in for bath time. The outside pre-rinse will help remove mud and matted fur that can result in a clogged drain. Once in the tub, use a stopper or strainer to catch additional fur and dirt from going down the drain. These simple steps during bath time will go a long way in preventing slow and clogged drains from muddy fur build up.

Avoid the Toilet Watering Hole

Animals are notorious for drinking out of the toilet, and it may be funny to watch, but… toilets can be home to lots of germs and bacteria, and cleaning chemicals can leave residue in the bowl. We don’t want our furry friends sick and at the vet just because they were thirsty! Make sure they have access to fresh water and prevent them from drinking the toilet water by keeping the lids closed. Another important note is to NEVER dispose of cat litter down the toilet. Cat litter can cause clogged toilets and back up the bathroom plumbing.

Pet Proofing Your Home

Both pets and household residents can benefit from proactively maintaining safety habits around the house. Take note of these preventative measures:

  • Cover exposed pipes and wires around the house so pets don’t bite or chew on them.
  • Keep harmful chemicals, such as cleaners or pesticides, out of reach of both pets and children.
  • Make sure your dog isn’t digging holes in the backyard that could damage water or sewer lines.

These tips can help assure that your pets and plumbing are safe from accidents, and prevent a curious pet from suddenly requiring veterinary attention.

If your beloved pet has caused a major plumbing issue or you need assistance with pet proofing your home, contact our professional plumbing company. We can help you and your pet remain comfortable and enjoy what really matters – your time together!

Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners
929 East 41st St Austin, TX 78751
Phone: (512) 936-5200

Robert Maner RMP-41287