A Wet Winter Can Still Bring a Hard Freeze: How to Protect Your University Park Plumbing

By now, you’re probably hearing about predictions connected to the weather pattern dubbed El Niño, ones that predict a warmer, wetter winter. The odds favor that outcome, but even a strong El Niño doesn’t rule out Arctic cold snaps and hard freezes. So, be safe rather than sorry and prep your University Park home for winter. 

In this post, we’ll share information about:

• how pipes can freeze in the winter 
• the unwanted consequences of this freezing phenomenon
• DIY tips to protect your plumbing
• professional solutions to protect your plumbing

If you’d like to discuss your winter plumbing in University Park, TX, reach out to our experts for a professional assessment. 

Reasons Why Pipes Freeze in the Winter

Water, unlike many other liquids, expands as it freezes. As water freezes in a plumbing pipe in your home, it needs more space than the pipe was designed to hold as the substance changes from liquid to solid. Pipes stretch to varying degrees, depending on the materials used, but eventually they can no longer accommodate the water pressure, causing them to crack or burst.

When a home isn’t well insulated, cold winds can penetrate the house and contribute to this problem. Plumbing pipes especially vulnerable to freezing include thin ones, those near exterior walls, and those in unheated areas of the home, like crawl spaces, attics, and garages.

Freezing typically occurs when temperatures drop below 32°F. However, a sudden temperature drop can quickly freeze pipes and cause a plumbing crisis. 

As ice forms inside pipes, it blocks the free flow of water. Additionally, water that stops moving freezes more quickly, building pressure in the pipes that can lead to cracking and breaking. When condensation builds up on the outside of pipes, like in moist basements, this increases the likelihood of ice forming and pipes breaking. 

How quickly problems arise in freezing conditions depends upon pipe materials. PEX tubing and other flexible materials, for example, can stretch further than steel or copper pipes. 

Consequences of Cracked or Burst Pipes

According to the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety (IBHS), pipe breaks are among the most common causes of property damage during cold weather. Here’s how the problem progresses. 

When pipes crack, melted water leaks out. Even small pools of moisture outside the pipes can lead to mold and mildew growth that can damage your home, trigger allergies and asthma, and more. 

As soon as you suspect a leak, contact Moss for leak detection. That way, we can fix small problems before they become bigger ones. 

Homes in North Texas can be especially prone to slab leaks for a couple of different reasons:

• Slab foundations are quite common in the region
• Soil in the area expands and contracts in response to moisture levels
• This shifting can cause breaks in underground pipes

When this happens, the pipes can wreak havoc. To make matters worse, it can be difficult to diagnose where the break occurred and reach it without causing significant damage to your home. Slab leak repairs can then be quite complex. 

Moss specializes in slab leak repairs in North Texas. We:

• Use acoustic equipment and thermal imaging through the concrete
• Identify precise leak spots without digging multiple holes
• Never guess where the problem exists
• Determine the best path for repair
• Save you time and reduce restoration costs. 

Repair costs for a typical above-ground leak can range from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars, depending on the leak’s extent, the pipe material, and other factors. Other costs can accrue from:

• Water damage restoration costs
• Mold and mildew mitigation 
• The need for emergency services 

Complicated leak repairs and replacements can run in the thousands of dollars. As mentioned, addressing small leaks can save you time and money. 

DIY Prep for Winter Plumbing in University Park, TX

Fortunately, plenty of steps exist to protect your plumbing and home:

• Don’t ignore strange noises in your walls, like gurgling or even water flowing
• Pay attention to sluggish drains, especially when they occur in multiple locations in your home
• Insulate pipes in attics and exterior walls, which is common in Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area construction, using foam sleeves or other specialized protection.
• Seal gaps, cracks, and crevices in your home overall to keep cold air from seeping inside. 
• Cover your hose bib, the outdoor faucet spigot you use for a garden hose.
• Also protect your irrigation backflow preventers, which keep your drinking water safe from contamination. 
• Know where your main shutoff valve is and how to turn it off if necessary
• If you have water supply lines in  your garage, keep your garage doors closed when not in use
• Make sure tankless water heaters have freeze protection and a power plan for outages

If you know that a cold snap is predicted, take these additional steps:

• Empty your kitchen and bathroom cabinets of any household cleaners with dangerous chemicals to protect children and pets
• Keep cabinet doors open to allow warm indoor air to keep your pipes warm enough not to freeze
• Let cold water slowly drip from faucets, relying on exposed pipes
• Keep your indoor air temperature consistently warm even when you’re not home

Then, reach out for professional help as needed. 

Professional Plumbing Evaluation Before Winter

Our plumbing evaluations only cost $29. During our evaluation, we’ll review:

• Main water shut-off location and accessibility
• Water pressure and system performance
• Water quality and treatment equipment
• Water heater condition and operation
• Visible plumbing fixtures and connections
• Drainage system performance
• Leak and moisture concerns
• Plumbing safety and code-related concerns
• Opportunities to improve comfort, efficiency, & reliability
• Water testing to identify potential quality concerns

From this evaluation, you’ll learn:

• How your home’s plumbing system works and where the key components are located
• The current condition of your core plumbing system
• Confirmation that your plumbing system is operating effectively as it should be

• Confirmation that your plumbing system is performing at peak efficiency
• Identification of any underlying or potential risks for unexpected and costly future repairs that could be avoided
• Education on any system improvements and comfort upgrades available

When you need drain cleaning services or plumbing repair (simple to complex), we provide prompt, professional service. 

Contact Moss Experts for Your Winter Plumbing in University Park, TX

Our professional team offers a full range of residential solutions tailored to North Texas plumbing needs. In each case, we thoroughly diagnose your system to find the root cause, not just treat surface symptoms. 

We use advanced leak detection technology and provide plumbing services ranging from simple to complex, minimizing disruption to your property. 

Connect with us today by calling 972-616-4894. We look forward to serving your family!