Winter in North Texas is bound to bring surprises. In the Dallas-Fort Worth area, sudden cold snaps can drop local temperatures by as much as 35 degrees. When the mercury plummets, water in plumbing systems can freeze. Exposed and uninsulated pipes can crack, rupture, or sustain other damage as trapped water expands. Preparing your Dallas, TX home’s plumbing for winter can help you avoid the high costs of water damage repairs and pipe replacement.
Insulating Exposed Pipes, Hosebibs, Attics
Start your freeze prevention by insulating all exposed pipes in and outside your home. Use heat tape or insulation sleeves to cover pipes in your basement, crawlspaces, attic, and outdoor pipes in your exterior walls. Avoid covering any gas lines with heat tape. If you do have a problem with a gas line, we offer emergency gas line repair.
To prepare, you will want to disconnect and store your water hoses. Carefully drain them before putting them away. Next, turn off the water supply to outdoor faucets. You may find their shut-off valves in your basement or crawlspaces. Then, open each tap and let any residual water run out. Finally, protect your hosebibs from freezing by covering them with freeze-resistant covers.
You can also tighten your home’s envelope by adding additional attic insulation. Insulating materials with high R-values will keep cold drafts out and trap heated air from your HVAC system inside. We can help you determine what type of insulation would be best for your space and install it for you.
Tankless Water Heater Freeze Protection: Power, Draining, and Recirculation
Unlike standard tank-based water heaters, tankless water heaters don’t hold continuous stores of hot water. This makes them more prone to freezing when the outside temperature plummets. Although these units have built-in freeze protection, this protection won’t work without a reliable power source.
Power
Plumbers typically hardwire tankless water heaters into residential electrical systems. However, if yours has a plug, keep it plugged in. In the event of power outages, you can maintain a continuous power supply for your water heater by installing a whole-home standby generator. At a minimum, you can keep power to your tankless system with a small backup battery.
Draining
If you intend to leave your home for an extended period, unplug and drain your tankless water heater. Turn off the water supply using the water supply valve that’s directly above or below this unit. Then, open the cleaning ports and taps on your water heater. By code, its discharge valve should be at least six inches above your floor. Place a small basin here to catch escaping water.
Recirculation
Consider installing a recirculation loop to prevent freezing. A recirculation loop will allow for a more reliable, simultaneous supply of hot water to multiple taps. For households with high hot water demand, recirculation loops can prove much cheaper than multiple water heaters. Additionally, they offer the benefit of freeze prevention.
What to Do Before, During, & After a Hard Freeze
It’s important to know what to do before, during, and after a hard freeze. It starts with preparing your plumbing system for freezing temperatures. However, knowing how to respond to frozen and burst pipes will help you mitigate problems without causing additional damage.
Before a Hard Freeze
Tune up your home’s HVAC system and stock up on air filters. Homeowners in Dallas should maintain an indoor temperature of at least 55 degrees Fahrenheit at all times. Locate and test your home’s main water shut-off valve. In the event of frozen pipes, you may need it.
During a Hard Freeze
Open the doors to under-sink cabinets to let warm air flow into these spaces. If you have taps in spots with insufficient or uneven HVAC service, turn these taps on and let water trickle out.
After a Hard Freeze
If you have frozen pipes, open their taps to relieve pressure as they thaw. You can apply warm towels to frozen pipes to facilitate melting, but don’t use a blowtorch, hair dryer, or any other direct heat source. If you have a cracked or burst pipe, turn your home’s main water supply off and schedule emergency plumbing service.
Your Freeze-Readiness Checklist for Dallas Homes
Before the first freeze arrives, review this checklist to ensure that you’re ready:
- Remove exterior water hoses
- Open, drain, and cover hose bibs
- Insulate exposed pipes
- Beef up your attic insulation
- Prep your tankless water heater
- Locate your water shut-off valve
Cody & Sons Plumbing, Heating & Air proudly serves Dallas and the Greater North Texas area with expert pre-winter plumbing freeze prep.
Contact Cody & Sons Plumbing, Heating & Air and schedule freeze prep in Dallas today!
