ABC-7 First Alert: Protecting your pipes
The Borderland saw its first freeze of the season and will likely see several overnights of below average temperatures.
ABC-7 talked to a local plumber who explained some easy steps to protect your pipes so they don’t freeze.
Aaron Monteros, owner of Gibby’s Plumbing said you can buy insulation at any home improvement store.
Next, you cut the insulation to size and wrap it around the exposed pipe or faucet.
Monteros said if you don’t have insulation, you can use a bath towel, wrap it around the faucet and secure it with electrical tape or plastic zip ties.
“If you don’t protect your pipes, you’re going to look at a risk of pipes splitting, freezing, popping, and then you’re going to call a plumber to get them fixed,” Monteros said.
While there may be some cases in which homeowners take matters into their own hands, Monteros suggests calling a plumber immediately to avoid further damage to the pipes.
“The expense of calling a plumber obviously is going to be more expensive in the long run rather than taking the inexpensive cost of taking the insulation and wrapping your pipes and your faucets,” Monteros said.
Homeowners are urged to open their cabinets to help expose pipes to the warmth of the heating system and allow a slow drip from the faucets to prevent pipes from freezing.
