News

Jul 17, 2023

Contractor advises Houstonians turn off water completely and drain pipes, instead of insulating pipes

Share Many Houstonians say they've learned their lesson from last year’s freeze.

Share

Many Houstonians say they've learned their lesson from last year's freeze. This time around, they’re leaving nothing to chance.

HOUSTON - Many Houstonians say they've learned their lesson from last year's freeze. This time around, they’re leaving nothing to chance.

STAY WARM: Warming centers for Houston area residents to open Thursday

"Everything's been tough.," said Lorenzo Constantini. "Everything costs way more than it should, so you definitely don't want to go through another freeze and break pipes and do more damage control to the house."

Is your home ready for the freezing temperatures? Phil Hollibaugh with Servicemaster Restoration and Cleaning shares what to know about heating your home safely.

However, prepping a house can cost some extra money that wasn't accounted for in the holiday budget.

"Everything's going up," said Walter Nettle. "I mean, home repairs, materials, and insurance."

TIPS: Here's how you can prepare, stay safe, and save energy | Tips for protecting pets from cold & Texas' requirements for outdoor dogs

"It's been tougher than other years but we’re making it meet. Just gotta balance your checkbook and do what you have to do to make it work," said Constantini.

For the last 20 years, independent contractor Miguel Hernandez has been helping repair Houston-area homes after every hurricane, flood, and freeze.

Pipes in homes all over Texas froze and burst during the winter storm of 2021 resulting in the biggest insurance claim event in the state's history. Phil Hollibaugh with ServiceMaster Restoration and Cleaning shows how to prep your outdoor pipes to avoid a disaster.

He suggests picking up extra supplies at hardware stores now before inventory runs low by the weekend.

"Right now, I'm picking up a lot of PVC pipe, glue, you know, stuff that usually at the last moment they run out like it did last year," said Hernandez.

SUGGESTED: Experts 'confident' in the Texas power grid as many brace for Arctic blast

"Evidently, some people don't turn off the water," Hernandez continued. "They let it run a little bit but sometimes that doesn't work. It still freezes up and the pipes bust. My number one piece of advice is that a cold's coming, turn off your water completely. Drain out your pipes."

Hernandez also adds that those who don't have time to pick up any insulation for their pipes can also use an old towel, shirt or socks instead.

All the news you need to know, every day

By clicking Sign Up, I confirmthat I have read and agreeto the Privacy Policy and Terms of Service.