It is important to get your home ready before temperatures drop. When icy conditions arrive, pipes can burst, you may find your heating system needed a service and now it is too late, your gutters can come crashing down.
Christian Lopez, is a plumber with John Moore Services, in the video above he walks us through how we can best be ready and avoid some of the pitfalls when the temperature falls.
And with temperatures dropping in the next week, and the risk of frozen pipes, drafty windows, and other winter-related issues increases. John Moore Services experts have compiled the following essential tips for winterizing homes to help Houstonians navigate the colder months seamlessly:
- Insulate Windows and Doors: Seal any gaps or cracks around windows and doors. This not only keeps the warmth in but also prevents cold drafts from entering.
- Protect Pipes from Freezing: Use pipe insulation sleeves to safeguard exposed pipes and the attic and consider letting faucets drip during extremely cold nights to prevent freezing.
- Service Your Heating System: Schedule a professional inspection and maintenance for your heating system. This ensures it’s in top-notch condition, providing reliable warmth throughout the season.
- Clean Gutters and Downspouts: Prevent ice dams by clearing out debris from gutters and downspouts. This simple step helps maintain proper drainage, avoiding potential water damage to your home.
- Check Roof Cracks: Inspect your roof for any missing or damaged shingles. A well-maintained roof is crucial in keeping your home warm and dry during winter storms.
- Prepare Emergency Kits: Be ready for unexpected power outages or winter storms by assembling emergency kits with essential items like flashlights, batteries, blankets, and non-perishable food items.
- Generators: If you have a generator service and test it
In the video below, John Moore Services plumber Christian Lopez teaches Houston Life’s Melanie Camp how to wrap a pipe to help prevent it bursting when the temperatures drop to freezing.
Plus, as insulation products sell out, Christian offers an alternative - just a few simple products you’ll likely have at home - that should stop your pipes from freezing if you use them correctly.
Watch the video here: