Dallas Builders Association Offers Advice on Coping with Winter Plumbing Emergencies
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Phil Crone
Executive Officer, Dallas Builders Association
Recent days have provided a multitude of challenges for households throughout the region. Unprecedented cold combined with long-term power outages will cause significant damage to many homes.
Most of the damage will come in the form of frozen and broken pipes. When they dethaw, flooding will ensue if water to your home is not turned off. Turning off your water supply will limit the damage to the pipes themselves and not the rest of the home from water that leaks from them.
How to Turn Off Your Home’s Water Supply
The method to turn off your home’s water varies. Most homes have a shut-off valve at the city meter and another one closer to the house. Both can usually be reached via an access box, but the city meter may require a special meter key to unlock. Newer homes usually have an inside shut-off valve, often in the utility room.
Finding the location of your shut off valves is typically the hardest part of this process. Once you locate it, a turn to the right with a wrench or pliers will do the job.
Be sure to open a faucet to ensure the water is turned off and to drain off excess water in case of a freeze. If your pipes are already frozen leave the faucet open so it can escape when it thaws.
PEX Plumbing VS. Copper Pipes
Modern PEX plumbing, common in most newer homes, is much more resilient against the cold than copper piping. The material is better able to withstand the force of expanding, frozen water.
With modern insulation techniques and PEX plumbing, frozen and broken pipes are much less common in newer homes. It is still possible in this record cold, especially in areas experiencing power outages so it is still prudent to let faucets drip.
Thanks to recent legislation, this proven product is now available in all area cities.
Frozen Tankless Water Heaters
A frozen tankless water heater is another less serious issue.
In extreme cold, units mounted on exterior walls can freeze. Evidence of this is when the hot water barely runs or doesn’t at all, but the cold water runs well.
Place a space heater next to the unit. After a few minutes the unit’s metal manifold will warm up and the water will begin running as usual.
Plumber Shortage
Licensed plumbers remain in short supply so many homeowners may unfortunately have to wait weeks for repairs.
Among the many issues the Texas Legislature will have to address in the wake of the winter weather and power outages are needed reforms to the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners.
The problem was left unresolved at the end of the last legislative session, leaving Governor Abbott to invoke executive authority to continue the agency and the licensure of plumbers.
The Dallas BA urges consumers to use licensed plumbers listed here and avoid individuals or entities who attempt to solicit work without providing evidence they are actively licensed.
Consumers should report any concerns or nefarious activity via this link. A full list of builders and remodelers who are members of our association can be found at DallasBuilders.com.
Phil Crone is the executive officer of the Dallas Builders Association, the trade association and network of Dallas builders. Find out more about the DBA at dallasbuilders.com.
