How I Avoid Burst Pipes During a Freeze

No Pipe Burst No Cry.md

Houston homes are not built for freezing weather. Winter Storm Uri in Feb 2021 proved that and I never want to go through that again!

So instead of the trickling outlets approach (which did not prevent our pipe burst) we will be shutting off water during the freeze.

Here is how I do it:

Before it freezes (in the evening probably):

1. Fill up bathtub, buckets, etc with water for flushing toilets
2. Open every tap inside and out
3. Shut off water at street

Then when it has been above freezing for one hour (probably in the morning/early afternoon):

1. Turn water on a quarter turn at the street
2. Do a check
   • Walk around (check attic where the burst are most likely) to ensure there are no leaks
3. Turn on water at the street the rest of the way
4. Give it a few minutes for water to purge air from the lines
5. close all taps inside and out
6. Do another check

A note about power

The Texas power grid is also not built for freezes. After your water is all set:

1. Charge all the things
2. Turn the furnace up a bit
3. Make sure you vehicles are gassed up
4. Helpful Links to keep an eye on:
   • https://gis.centerpointenergy.com/outagetracker/
   • https://www.ercot.com/gridmktinfo/dashboards