As an Arctic front ushers in what could be record-breaking cold temperatures across North Texas, residents are being advised to take precautionary measures to protect their homes, especially their plumbing. The National Weather Service has issued an Extreme Cold Warning for North Texas, stretching from Tuesday evening until Thursday night. Wind chills are expected to plummet to subzero levels, posing a serious threat to infrastructure and personal safety.
The urgency to prepare is echoed in plumbing advice, with experts urging homeowners to drip their faucets to avert pipe freezing. According to FOX 7 Austin, a slight stream of water should be maintained to keep the pipes from freezing. This trick involves simply turning on both the hot and cold taps to a trickle, ideally at the faucet farthest from the water meter, to ensure water continues to flow through the system.
Plumbers also recommend opening cabinet doors under sinks, particularly those on exterior walls, to allow the warmer air to circulate uninsulated pipes, as articulated by FOX 4 News. This can help raise the temperature in these vulnerable areas marginally, potentially staving off the formation of ice within the pipes.
If, despite these efforts, pipes do freeze, it is important not to panic. "Just because your pipes are frozen does not mean that they will burst," reassures FOX 4 News. Consumers should leave their faucets on and contact a Texas Licensed Plumber for immediate assistance. In the event of a burst pipe, the main shutoff valve should be turned off to minimize damage.
The cold spell is predicted to hold its grip through the weekend with the Dallas Weather Forecast anticipating the chill to persist, breaking previous records for low temperatures. Residents are being cautioned to bundle up, minimize time spent outdoors, and stay informed through weather apps and emergency notification systems provided by ERCOT. As FOX 7 Austin reports, Texans are encouraged to sign up for grid condition notifications and to reduce electricity use during peak demand times.
