Frozen Pipe Repair in Georgetown, TX & Surrounding Areas

Frozen Pipe Prevention in Sun City, Georgetown & Round Rock

#image_title

A Central Texas freeze usually lasts only a few days, but that’s enough to burst a pipe. In Sun City and across Georgetown and Round Rock, we see the most damage in homes where no one knew a problem had started: an irrigation line cracked overnight, a pipe gave way while the owners were visiting family, or a shutoff valve wouldn’t turn when it was needed.

McCullough’s plumbers serve Sun City Texas and the surrounding Williamson County communities. Here’s how to protect your home, whether you’re home for the winter or traveling.

If You’re Home During a Freeze

Drip your faucets, hot and cold.
Open both sides about 1/8 of a turn for a slow, steady stream. Moving water freezes much more slowly than still water. It’s easier to freeze a pond than a river. Focus on sinks along exterior walls, and open the cabinets beneath them so warm air can reach the pipes.

Cover your outdoor spigots.
Disconnect hoses and add a foam faucet cover. No cover? A towel, a plastic bag, and a plastic cup over the top will do the job. Don’t drip outdoor spigots.

Protect your sprinkler system.
If your home has an irrigation system, the backflow preventer is often above ground and exposed. Shut off the irrigation supply, then insulate and cover the device. A cracked backflow preventer is one of the most common freeze repairs we make in the area.

Insulate exposed pipes.
Foam pipe insulation works best. Towels, blankets, or even a pool noodle work in a pinch. Gas lines don’t need insulation.

Keep your water heater on.
Tank heaters are well insulated and keep working as long as they have power or gas. For tankless units, stay powered on, drip the hot side about 1/4 turn so the unit fires (most need at least 0.5 gallons per minute), and cover the piping underneath. Never cover the vent.

If You’re Traveling This Winter

Many of our Sun City customers spend part of the winter away. An empty house is at the highest risk because a burst pipe can run for days before anyone notices. Before you leave:

• Shut off the water at the main valve and open faucets to drain the lines. If you’re not comfortable doing this, we can do it for you.
• Leave the heat on
• Decide what to do with your water heater. Ask us about the right setting for your unit, including vacation mode on many newer models.
• Shut off and drain your irrigation system.
• Ask a neighbor or friend to check the house after any hard freeze, and give them our number.
• Consider a smart leak detector or automatic shutoff valve that alerts your phone and can stop water flow on its own.

What to Do If Your Pipes Freeze

• Leave affected faucets open so water can flow as the ice melts.
• Use indirect heat only, like a space heater that is uncovered and kept away from anything flammable.
• Never use a heat gun, torch, or open flame.
• Watch closely as temperatures rise. Leaks often appear only once the pipe thaws.

Once pipes freeze, flow usually won’t return until temperatures rise, and underground lines take longer to thaw.

Our Freeze-Related Services

• Pre-winter plumbing checkups
• Winterizing for homeowners traveling during the winter
• Burst pipe and leak repair
• Accessible shutoff valve installation
• Smart leak detection and automatic shutoff systems
• Irrigation backflow preventer repair
• Tank and tankless water heater service

Heading out of town or just want peace of mind? Schedule a winter checkup with McCullough!