How to Prepare Your East Texas Home’s Plumbing for Winter
Winterization Steps That Prevent Frozen Pipe Disasters
Winter in East Texas may be milder than northern states, but don’t let that fool you. When freezing temperatures hit Tyler, Whitehouse, and Longview, they can devastate unprepared plumbing systems. The devastating February 2021 freeze proved this dramatically when temperatures plummeted to -6°F in Tyler and -5°F in Longview, leaving pipes frozen for over 200 hours. Thousands of East Texas families faced burst pipes, water damage, and restoration challenges. At East Texas Leak Locators, we’ve helped local homeowners recover from winter plumbing disasters for over 30 years. The good news? Most frozen pipe damage is completely preventable with proper preparation. Whether you’re a longtime resident or new to the area, understanding how to winterize your plumbing protects your home and your family when East Texas temperatures drop.
Why East Texas Winters Threaten Your Plumbing
East Texas experiences an average of 20-30 freezing days annually, with temperatures occasionally dropping into the teens or lower during cold snaps. While these freezes may be brief compared to northern climates, they’re long enough to cause serious damage to unprepared plumbing systems.
How frozen pipes cause catastrophic damage: When water freezes, it expands by approximately 9%, creating immense pressure inside pipes. This pressure builds until pipes crack or burst, unleashing hundreds of gallons of water per hour into your home. Frozen pipe damage represents one of the most costly homeowner insurance claims nationwide, affecting thousands of families during cold snaps.
Which pipes are most vulnerable:
- Pipes in unheated attics (the most common location for burst pipes)
- Plumbing along exterior walls, especially north-facing walls
- Pipes in crawl spaces, basements, and garages
- Outdoor faucets and sprinkler system lines
- Water heaters in uninsulated spaces
Protect Your Pipes Before Temperatures Drop
The time to winterize your plumbing is before the first freeze warning, not after. These preventive measures cost significantly less than emergency repairs and water damage restoration.
Insulate vulnerable pipes:
- Wrap exposed pipes in unheated areas with foam pipe insulation
- Use heat tape or thermostatically controlled heat cables on pipes in extremely cold areas
- Seal air leaks in crawl spaces, attics, and basements that allow cold air near pipes
- Insulate gaps around pipes where they enter your home through exterior walls
Prepare outdoor plumbing:
- Disconnect and drain all garden hoses before the first freeze
- Shut off water supply to outdoor faucets from inside your home
- Install insulated faucet covers on all exterior spigots
- Drain sprinkler systems completely or have them professionally winterized
- Know the location of your main water shutoff valve in case of emergency
Maintain proper heating:
- Keep your thermostat at 55°F or higher, even when away from home
- Open cabinet doors under sinks to allow warm air to circulate around pipes
- Let faucets connected to vulnerable pipes drip slightly when temperatures drop below 28°F for extended periods
- Never turn off heat completely when leaving home during winter months
When Freezing Weather Arrives
Even with preparation, extreme cold snaps require additional vigilance. Monitor weather forecasts and take these extra precautions when freezing temperatures are predicted.
Active freeze protection:
- Allow both hot and cold water to drip from faucets connected to exposed pipes
- Keep interior doors open to promote air circulation throughout your home
- Run ceiling fans on low in reverse to push warm air down
- Check on vulnerable areas (attics, crawl spaces) during prolonged freezes
- Know the warning signs of frozen pipes: no water flow, frost on visible pipes, strange odors from drains
If pipes freeze:
- Keep faucets open to relieve pressure as ice melts
- Never use open flames or high heat sources to thaw pipes
- Apply gentle heat with a hair dryer, starting nearest the faucet
- Call East Texas Leak Locators immediately at (903) 581-2610 for professional help
Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late
Winter plumbing disasters are preventable with proper preparation. Don’t let your East Texas home become another frozen pipe casualty. Contact East Texas Leak Locators today for professional plumbing winterization services throughout Tyler, Whitehouse, Longview, and surrounding communities. Our experienced team can identify vulnerable areas in your plumbing system, recommend appropriate protection, and ensure your home is ready before temperatures drop. With over 30 years serving East Texas families, we know exactly what local homes need to stay safe through winter.
Ready to protect your plumbing this winter? Call East Texas Leak Locators today for a professional winterization assessment. Our team will help you prepare for freezing temperatures and give you peace of mind before the next cold snap arrives.