Winter Plumbing Tips Every McKinney Homeowner Should Know

Winter Plumbing Tips for McKinney Homeowners

McKinney typically sees several hard freezes each winter, and Collin County's clay soil combined with exposed plumbing in attics and exterior walls makes pipes especially vulnerable. A few preventive steps can save you thousands in emergency repairs.

Protect Your Pipes

• Insulate exposed pipes: Foam pipe sleeves on lines in the attic, garage, and exterior walls are cheap insurance against freezing
• Disconnect outdoor hoses: Remove garden hoses from spigots before the first freeze and install insulated faucet covers
• Let faucets drip: During deep freezes below 20 degrees, a slow drip from faucets on exterior walls keeps water moving and reduces freeze risk
• Open cabinet doors: Allowing warm air to circulate around pipes under sinks on exterior walls helps prevent freezing overnight

Water Heater Maintenance

Your water heater works hardest during winter. Flush the tank annually to remove sediment that reduces efficiency and shortens lifespan. Check the temperature setting, which should be at 120 degrees for safety and energy savings. Inspect the pressure relief valve to ensure it operates correctly.

Freeze Emergency Response

If a pipe bursts, shut off the main water valve immediately and open faucets to relieve pressure. Call a plumber before attempting any thawing with open flame, which creates fire risk and can damage pipes further.

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