Texas is in for another round of bitterly cold weather. Last week portions of North Central and East Texas experienced a short-lived round of winter weather, including sleet, freezing rain, and snow.

Another blast of bitter Arctic weather will invade Texas, sending many Texans into hibernation even more! At this time, there is a slight chance of snow Monday evening into Tuesday morning. Hopefully, this system will remain dry and not cause any issues on East Texas roadways.

Before the bitter, bone-chilling, and sub-freezing temperatures arrive you'll want to make some preparations around your home to protect it from potentially costly repair bills.

Temperatures in East Texas are expected to fall into the lower 20s through at least Wednesday next week.

You'll want to make sure you've taken these steps to protect your pipes and plumbing from freezing conditions:

  • Insulate Exposed Pipes

Check all exposed pipes in unheated areas of your home, like crawl spaces, attics, garages, and outdoor walls. Wrap those exposed pipes with foam insulation.

  • Disconnect and Drain Outdoor Hoses

Leaving a water hose connected increases the risk of frozen pipes. Once disconnected be sure to cover that exposed faucet with an insulated faucet cover.

  • Let Faucets Drip

With freezing temperatures forecasted, you should allow your indoor faucets that are located on or near exterior walls to drip overnight. Dripping/moving water is less likely to freeze, and this small trickle can prevent pressure buildup that leads to pipe bursts.

  • Keep the Heat On

Keep the heat on in your home, even if you're away. Set your thermostat to at least 55 to help prevent your pipes from freezing and open any cabinet doors under sinks to allow warmer air to circulate around plumbing.

When it comes to insulating those exposed pipes, you can use these things as a temporary fix until you can get to the hardware store to get the proper insulating material for those outdoor pipes:

  • Styrofoam cups
  • pool noodles
  • bath towels

Just make sure the materials you use are protected from the elements by covering them with a plastic bucket or trash bag.

In extreme cases, you can turn off your water and drain your system of any remaining water to prevent damage.

A little preparation and prevention can save East Texans a lot of money on costly plumbing repairs in the event of a busted and frozen pipe.

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