Tips To Wrap Pipes In Cold Houston Weather The Next Few Days

HOUSTON, TX — Temperatures in Houston don't often get below freezing, but they'll get there this weekend according to just about every forecast. As all meteorologists say, protect the three P's — pets, plants and pipes.

The first two are easy. Bring the pets and plants inside. But what about those pipes? Here's why and how we need to protect the pipes.

WHY PROTECT PIPES?

Frigid winter weather can cause plumbing pipes to freeze and possibly burst, causing flooding and costly water damage to your home. Taking preventive measures before winter sets in can reduce and eliminate the risk of frozen pipes and other cold-weather threats.

Some pipes are more prone to freezing than others, like those in attics or other unheated areas, those located in exterior walls or those located outside in the elements.

HOW TO PROTECT PIPES?

According to statefarm.com, here are some tips to protect your pipes:

• Heat tape or thermostatically controlled heat cables can be used to wrap pipes. Be sure to use products approved by an independent testing organization, such as Underwriters Laboratories Inc., and only for the use intended (exterior or interior). Closely follow all manufacturers' installation and operation instructions.
• Seal leaks that allow cold air inside near where pipes are located. Look for air leaks around electrical wiring, dryer vents, and pipes, and use caulk or insulation to keep the cold out. With severe cold, even a tiny opening can let in enough cold air to cause a pipe to freeze.
• Before winter hits, disconnect garden hoses and, if possible, use an indoor valve to shut off and drain water from pipes leading to outside faucets. This reduces the chance of freezing in the short span of pipe just inside the house.

Also, pipe wrap insulation can be purchased at any hardware store or large box stores like Target or Wal-Mart. These can be very inexpensive, anywhere from $3 per 6-foot roll. For those with lots of outdoor plumbing, the cost could run upwards of $150-200.

Today, overcast throughout the day.

Sunday, December 31

Mostly cloudy throughout the day. High 50, low 40.
Chance of precipitation: 45%. Wind 10 mph from the NNE

Monday, January 1

Mostly cloudy throughout the day. High 38, low 28.
Chance of precipitation: 7%. Wind 12 mph from the NNE

Tuesday, January 2

Mostly cloudy throughout the day. High 39, low 26.
Chance of precipitation: 0%. Wind 8 mph from the NNE

Wednesday, January 3

Clear throughout the day. High 43, low 23.
Chance of precipitation: 0%. Wind 6 mph from the NNW
Data provided by darksky.net.

If your pipes do burst, here are steps to take next.

Image: Ice coats leaking pipes along an alley in Cleveland, in 2015. (AP Photo/Mark Duncan)