Prep Your Pipes!
Helpful hints from 1-Tom-Plumber
1 Tom Plumber's Top Ten Tips for protecting your home through a freeze event!
Insulate Every “Naked” Pipe
Wrap exposed pipes in foam sleeves, heat tape, or even an old sweatshirt in a pinch. Focus on garages, crawl spaces, and attic runs.
Wrap exposed pipes in foam sleeves, heat tape, or even an old sweatshirt in a pinch. Focus on garages, crawl spaces, and attic runs.
If You Vacay, Keep the Water at Bay
Everybody knows to let your faucets drip, but what about when you leave for extended time to visit family and friends? A recommended route is to turn the water off at your meter and empty all the lines in the house, no water no problem!
Everybody knows to let your faucets drip, but what about when you leave for extended time to visit family and friends? A recommended route is to turn the water off at your meter and empty all the lines in the house, no water no problem!
Snuggle Your Hose Bibs
Disconnect garden hoses, drain them, and fit outdoor spigots with insulated covers (or wrap them in old socks secured with rubber bands).
Disconnect garden hoses, drain them, and fit outdoor spigots with insulated covers (or wrap them in old socks secured with rubber bands).
Seal the Sneaky Drafts
Use expanding foam or weatherstripping to block cold air leaks around pipes, vents, or where plumbing enters exterior walls.
Use expanding foam or weatherstripping to block cold air leaks around pipes, vents, or where plumbing enters exterior walls.
Turn Cabinet Doors into Heat Vents
Open under-sink cabinets on exterior walls so warm indoor air can circulate around vulnerable pipes.
Open under-sink cabinets on exterior walls so warm indoor air can circulate around vulnerable pipes.
Find Your Main Shutoff NOW
Know exactly where your home’s main water valve is located and make sure it’s working—seconds matter if a pipe bursts!
Know exactly where your home’s main water valve is located and make sure it’s working—seconds matter if a pipe bursts!
Drain & Shut Off Outdoor Lines
If you have an irrigation system or exterior plumbing, drain it and shut off the outdoor supply before the first freeze.
If you have an irrigation system or exterior plumbing, drain it and shut off the outdoor supply before the first freeze.
Warm Up the Whole House, Even Unused Rooms
Keep interior doors open for consistent heat flow—cold, closed-off areas can chill pipes unnecessarily.
Keep interior doors open for consistent heat flow—cold, closed-off areas can chill pipes unnecessarily.
Build a DIY Pipe “Cozy”
For ultra-cold nights, wrap old towels or newspapers around pipes and secure them with duct tape—low-tech, but surprisingly effective!
For ultra-cold nights, wrap old towels or newspapers around pipes and secure them with duct tape—low-tech, but surprisingly effective!
If All Else Fails, Call 1-Tom Plumber!
If the previous failsafes listed don't work, or you aren't sure how to proceed, have no fear, 1-Tom Plumber Austin is here 24/7 to assist! When the weather is at its worst 1-Tom brings their best!