02/14/2021
Here are some tips for your home during the upcoming hard freezes. Compliments of TJ Thompson Befor you buy Home Inspector.
HOUSE/YARD
1. Remember the 4 P's: Pipes, Plants, Pets and People. Anytime it gets close to or drops below freezing, all four of these need to be protected.
For your pipes: Wrap them in an insulated foam (available for a couple of dollars from your local hardware store). If you don't have or can't afford, this, a blanket, sheet, etc... should work. Don't forget about covering your exterior hose bibs as well. I’ve heard you can use a diaper for this in a pinch but I’ve never personally tried.
If you have a sprinkler system, don't forget to drain the lines or protect those pipes as well. There are plenty of YouTube tutorials for this.
If you have a pool, check with you pool company but generally it’s a good idea to keep the pump running.
For plants: Either cover them or bring them inside. Remember if what you're covering your plants with gets wet on the first night, you'll want to replace it with a dry covering the next night.
For your pets: Bring them inside. Most pets aren't made for this type of weather. Keep them warm.
For people: Check on your neighbors, especially if they are elderly. Dress warmly and don’t try to be the “show off” proving how tough you can be in the cold. There are too many viruses out and about just waiting to prey on a weak immune system. Be smart, stay warm. Keep your family warm as well.
2. Make sure the batteries in your smoke detectors/carbon monoxide detectors are working.
You may be thinking "What does this have to do with cold weather"? Gas fired appliances (which many furnaces, cooktops and fireplaces are here in Texas), could possibly give off carbon monoxide fumes if they malfunction/fail in some way (or if they are not vented or installed properly.
Having a Carbon Monoxide (CO) detector is now a standard feature in new houses, but it wasn't up until about 2015. It is recommended to have a combination smoke/CO detector on each floor of your home at a minimum.
To learn more about CO, check out this link:
https://www.gassaferegister.co.uk/.../carbon-monoxide.../
3. Make sure the pipes you have in the attic are protected/insulated. Most houses in South Texas have water lines in the attic. Yes, there is some insulation up there but make sure there is enough to cover the pipes. If pipe foam isn’t available, you can use old blankets, sweatshirts, etc…
4. Keeping a slow drip coming out of multiple interior faucets may help prevent freezing. I know this should be obvious, but if you do this, ensure your drain stopper is NOT closed. It may also help to keep cabinet doors that block water lines (bathrooms, kitchens,etc…) open at night.
5. If you're planning on using your fireplace and it hasn't been operated in a while (or ever), please have it inspected by a professional prior to utilizing it and, of course, make sure the damper is open if you do use it. I’ve inspected many homes where the top of the chimney had a cap on it. Just because you have a fireplace on the inside of the home, that does not mean you have a fully functional fireplace. Make sure trees are not too close to the chimney as sparks could cause a fire. Be smart and be careful.
6. If you are going to use a space heater, follow the directions from the manufacturer.
7. If your pipes do freeze, don't panic. Call a licensed plumber to assist.
8. If your pipes freeze and break, you'll have to shut off the water to your home. Familiarize yourself with where the water shut off valve is. Sometimes it's in the garage, sometimes it's outside. It all depends on your house. Call a licensed plumber for repairs.
CAR/DRIVING
1. When starting your car, turn your lights on first. This will “wake up” the battery and not be as much of a “shock” to the system by just turning the key to start it.
2. Give yourself extra time in the morning. Chances are, you'll probably have a layer of frost or ice on your vehicle in the morning if you park outside. Allow the car time to warm up before you drive so the oil and antifreeze (coolant) have time to work through the system.
3. Don't try to chisel away or pour hot water on your windows to remove the ice. You'll only risk damaging the window. If you're “ice scraper savvy”, good for you! Use it like you know you should. If you're not, just allow your vehicle to warm up and let the ice/snow melt. You can also use a credit card to scrape ice in a pinch.
4. Remove technology type items (phones, computers, etc..) from your car each night. Most electronics were not meant to be stored in colder conditions.
5. Drive defensively, especially the night of and morning after a freeze. Black ice is no joke and you can lose control in a hurry (this is the voice of experience talking here).
6. Keep your gas tank at least half full.
7. Ensure your engine fluids are topped off as appropriate. This is particularly important for windshield washer fluid and coolant/antifreeze.
8. Be courteous and respectful when driving. Remember that most people in warm weather climates and surrounding areas aren't familiar with how to drive in winter-like conditions. Be smart and cautious. If you have experience in cold, icy weather, help those who don't. If you don’t have to go out, don’t.
9. NEVER warm your vehicle up in the garage with the door closed. This is directed toward those whose garage is attached to the house. The risk of carbon monoxide getting into the house increased tremendously by doing this. Move your vehicle out of the garage and let it warm up in the driveway. However, be smart and don't leave a running car unattended. You don't want it to disappear!
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