*Please note that these are only a few suggestions and should not be considered a comprehensive list. Please contact a professional to ensure that all parts of your home are winterized properly. Leak Geeks is not responsible for damage to your home or property.
Sometimes winter temperatures in Texas look like Powerball numbers, and there’s no telling what the low temp will be from one day to the next. It’s best to be prepared for a sudden freeze by winterizing your house proactively and not get caught by surprise with a burst pipe!
Leak Geeks is your go-to team of plumbing pros here for you when something breaks and helping you with winterizing your home. Follow our tips and rest easy this winter knowing you are prepared for any emergency!
Cover All Outside Pipes
Your home’s outdoor pipes and faucets are the most vulnerable to freezing, and if there’s still water in them when a freeze hits, they could burst when the water inside expands. A faucet cover can help protect them by latching onto the spigot and sealing it. Disconnect all hoses, drain the faucet, and store the hose until spring.
Weatherseal Windows and Doors
Protecting your home from drafts can prevent warm air from escaping, makes it more comfortable, and helps reduce your heating bills. Check all your windows and exterior doors to make sure they’re properly sealed, including replacing the weather stripping if needed. Air leaks occur commonly around frame joints, vents, windows, and cracks in foundation. You can seal leaks around windows and doors with durable caulking. You can also caulk to seal cracks in your home’s walls and foundation, inside and out. Gaps in the brick or siding could allow cold air inside, so carefully walk the property to check for any cracks.
Check Your Roof and Clean Your Gutters
Heat rises, and many Texas homeowners don’t consider the condition of their roofs when protecting their homes for winter. You may wish to have the roof inspected for missing shingles or holes and have them repaired before a storm hits. While up on the roof, check air vents for debris or blockages. Don’t forget to clean your gutters and downspouts – if there is water inside, it can create a big problem when it freezes, possibly causing the entire guttering to fall off the house! Clogged gutters hold water, so if you clean them out, the water will pass through and not create problems.
Winterize Your Sprinkler System
Most residential sprinkler systems are made with PVC piping, which is flexible and less likely to break than older pipes. But, if the conditions are wrong and there’s a hard freeze, then the ground won’t provide as much insulating protection. First, cut off the water supply to the system and drain the water. Don’t forget to turn off the sprinkler timer! Check the owner’s manual for any winterization specifics for your system or contact a professional landscaper who does blowouts to ensure your system is winterized correctly.
Do You Need Help Winterizing Your Home?
Do you need help winterizing your home, or do you have questions about how to complete some of these steps? Don’t worry – Leak Geeks has you – and your home – covered! We answer your questions, and we have a superior service guarantee. Don’t forget to ask about how you can save money with our service partner program! Contact us today online or by calling (817) 330-6703 to schedule your appointment.
