Protect Your Pipes this Winter: Tips from Plumbers in Lubbock, TX

Posted on: December 2, 2016

shutterstock_113229679

Take it from seasoned plumbers in Lubbock, TX, we know that plumbing problems almost always seem to happen at the most inconvenient times. Inconvenient times are generally during events, the holiday season, or times of the year that put a greater amount of stress on the pipes and hence, can lead to plumbing issues. Additionally, the winter is often a time when people seem to experience a significant increase in problems with their plumbing.

It is important to understand that there are specific reasons for this, and by taking a few easy precautions, one will be able to avoid many of the possible problems. You must understand, first, that plumbing problems typically have common sources like the weather, age, or large numbers of people putting excessive strain on the plumbing.

Winter Can Impact Texas Households 

We know, as plumbers in Lubbock, TX, that one of the hardest times for plumbing comes during the winter season. Temperatures can often plummet to below freezing, which in turn, can damage the pipes. While this is certainly rarer in Texas as compared to Maine, when winter temperatures plummet, water that is inside pipes can freeze, which can cause the pipes to burst. For one who is traveling, or is simply unaware of the burst pipe, the results can be extremely damaging to the home.

Many homeowners have suffered massive home flooding, damage to furniture, rugs, or even the structure of the house itself because of a pipe bursting. If the temperatures are going to be dropping significantly, it behooves one to take precautions which will protect the pipes from freezing. On the other hand, if you notice a burst pipe, call us immediately so that we can come out and repair the damaged pipe to avoid further damage to your property or possessions.

Our Repair Services

When we do come out to help fix that busted pipe, we are going to want to look at the insulation you have on the other pipes. This is particularly relevant if we, and you, know that there are freezing temperatures approaching. If you want to reduce the possibility of frozen pipes, we recommend that you wrap each of your un-insulated pipes in a blanket of foam. These foam tubes are easy to purchase at the hardware store, or you can ask us to come out and do it for you.

If you are planning on insulating your pipes yourself, without a plumber's help, you will need to cut the tube to the length you need, pull it open, and push it over and around your pipe. You can then use tape, like duct tape, to secure the foam so that it does not slip off the pipe. Also, some foam comes with self-adhesive edges.

Regardless of the season, if you have leaky pipes you want to get them repaired immediately. Especially if you have guests coming over, that will put more pressure on your system. You want to check all the faucet in your kitchen, bathroom, and utility room for drips and puddles regularly. If you discover a leaky faucet or some other plumbing issue, you should reach out to our office. As your local plumbers in Lubbock, TX, we can come out and fix the repairs. People find that if they repair their plumbing deficiencies as soon as they discover them, the cost of repairing the plumbing may be lower than if they had waited till the problem became more serious.