When and how to drop taps in Texas during winter frost

deleciousfood | March 20, 2025 | Kitchen | No Comments

Almost half of the Texas – more than 120 counties – is under extremely cold surveillance this week like “dangerously cold wind chills” feel like temperatures below zero in the begging and the southern plains.

While temperatures plunge below the frost, not to prepare for the cold could cause significant damage to home, resulting in costly repairs.

Although the snow is unlikely for most of the state, the Texans should prepare for cloudy and cold days, with temperatures lower than that which extend from northern Texas to the border of New Mexico and begging.

In the most northern begging, temperatures will fall below zero at night, the diurnal summits remaining below freezing for at least three days.

Although you should never use a torch to defrost a pipe, there are effective methods to degenerate it safely. However, prevention is always the best approach. Here’s how to do both.

How to prevent pipes from freezing

At this time of year, it is essential to check your local weather forecast daily to remain vigilant for frost warnings. When a gel warning is issued, it is time to protect your taps.

In the southern states, many people take precautions before the first cold front, as external taps are generally unused until spring. However, if you have not yet prepared yourself – or if you should always use your valves regularly – here are some tips on how to protect them.

Adjust your thermostat

Maintain a temperature of at least 60 degrees.
Open and vanity cabinets to allow hot air to reach pipes, especially in kitchens and bathrooms, said Brycen Sperlich, owner of Prime Drain Cleaning and Plumbing in Tennessee, USA Today told USA earlier this year.

DRIP TAPS correctly

Adjust the taps on a small regular drop rather than on a stream to keep the water while preventing freezing.
DRIP The tap the furthest of the main water valve in your home.
“You don’t have to disgust them – one or two, that’s good,” Sperlich told USA Today.

Cover the exterior taps

Before the temperature decreases below 32 degrees, the external water taps attached to the houses must be opened to make the water drain. Tap lids should also be set up.

What pipes are freezing the most?

Here are the pipes that the Red Cross says most frequently in houses:

The pipes exposed to a “severe cold”, including exterior pipe bins, pool supply lines and water watering lines. (If you have pool supply lines or freelancers, don’t forget to empty them too.)
Water supply pipes in unheated interior areas, including basements, sanitary voids, attics, garages and cabinets.
Those who run against external walls which “have little or no insulation”.

What you should do if your pipe is already frozen

If you are concerned about other damage or not know how to manage the situation, it is best to call a local plumber to solve the problem safely. However, you can relieve part of the pressure by yourself.

Here is a step-by-step process described by the American Red Cross.

Turn off the main water supply valve

This prevents water from flowing into the frozen hose, reducing the risk of a burst.

Defrost the frozen pipes

Apply heat using a hair dryer, a heating cushion or hot towels wrapped around the pipe.
Avoid using open flames, such as a blowtorch because they can damage the pipe or cause fire.

Keep an open tap

Leave a tap connected to the COURSE GENED TIME. This helps flow from water as the ice melts and relieves the pressure, reducing the risk of bursting of the pipe.

How to find my main water stop valve?

The main water stop valve is generally located where the water supply enters your home, commonly in the basement, the garage or a concrete metal box near the street.

Familiarize yourself with its location before temperatures fall below frost to act quickly in case of piking