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Frozen pipes? Here's what to do first
An hour of preparation the day before a hard freeze avoids the single most expensive winter claim in North Texas.
Safe to DIY
Most homeowners can handle this with basic tools by following the steps below.
Beginner About 60 min
Video: Roto-Rooter (YouTube)
What to do, in order
- Step 1: Disconnect every hose and cover the hose bibs with insulated caps.
- Step 2: Insulate pipe in the attic, the garage, and any exterior wall run.
- Step 3: Open cabinet doors under sinks on exterior walls so warm air reaches the pipe.
- Step 4: Let one far faucet run a slow steady trickle overnight.
- Step 5: Know where the main shut-off is before the freeze, not during it.
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This page also helps with
- pipes froze
- hard freeze prep
- no water after freeze