Preparing for Winter Weather

The National Weather Service has advised that subfreezing temperatures are likely beginning Sunday night and into Monday morning following the passage of a strong cold front. Freeze Warnings and possible Hard Freeze Warnings can be expected.

If you experience any issues with pipe bursts or very low water pressure, please contact the District’s operator, Regional Water Corporation, at (281) 897-9100.

Steps for Winterizing your Home

  • Insulate pipes with insulation sleeves, wrapping or using slip-on foam pipe insulation. Do not leave any gaps without insulation as cold air can affect the pipe in these spaces.
  • Winterize your sprinkler system by turning the water off to your system and draining your backflow preventer.
  • Maintain a safe heating source inside your home to protect pipes against cold.
  • Open cabinets underneath faucets.
  • Disconnect hoses and insulate outdoor faucets with covers or blankets.
  • House shut off valve:  know where your shut off valve is located in case of an emergency. The valve is usually located on the side of the house near the garage. With some homes, the valve is inside the garage wall.
  • If traveling for the holiday weekend, it is recommended that you turn the water off at the house shut off valve and drain all your plumbing.

 

Avoiding Winter Weather Catastrophes

Winter is just around the corner for those of us in Southeast Texas. As we move into December, January and February, we’ll see more nights with colder temperatures for longer periods of time. Now is the time to be winterizing your home. Below are some tips to help make it through the freezing temperatures.

When water freezes it expands. This can be bad news for water systems as the expansion can cause pipes and valves to burst. The best way to protect against bursting pipes in your irrigation system is to drain the system to relieve any pressure. The underground piping for your sprinkler system is protected by the ground itself as it acts as an insulator. The most susceptible parts of your irrigation system are the backflow preventers and shutoff valves that are usually located above ground in that U-shaped piping. Wrapping the pipes, valves, and backflow preventer with insulation after closing the main irrigation valve and draining the system is the easiest way to avoid costly repairs.

Exposed pipes in your home should also be insulated to protect them from freezing. Don’t forget those exposed pipes in your attic that may be susceptible. Outside water faucets and garden hoses can also hold water that may freeze and expand. Make sure garden hoses are disconnected from water sources and drained. Exposed water faucets should also be insulated.  These pre-freezing tips can help you avoid headaches and expensive repairs down the road.