Freeze Alerts in the Houston Area
In the Houston area, freeze alerts are a crucial part of staying prepared during the winter months. While our area is known for its hot summers, the region can experience sudden cold fronts and freezing temperatures in late fall and winter. Freeze alerts help residents protect their homes, vehicles, and Culligan equipment from damage caused by freezing conditions.
What Should I Do?
With freezing temperatures in the forecast, please take these quick steps to ensure your equipment doesn’t freeze:
- If your system is in your garage just check that any water lines outside are insulated.
- If your equipment is outside there are a few precautions, you may want to take:
- Make sure the systems decorative cover is covering the system (big green or blue box or Rock cover) is secure and that no air can get under the cover. You may need to fill in some dirt around the cover. If you do not have a box or rock cover. Cover the units with an old blanket and wrap black trash bags over the blanket to keep it from getting wet.
- Make sure any exposed pipes are insulated.
- If you have a big blue filter that is outside wrap it in an old towel and then wrap a large black trach bag around it to keep the towel from getting wet.
- Make sure you have all external water faucet covers on.
- Leave the water at a bathroom sink on at a very slow trickle (just a little more than a drip.)
- We strongly suggest unplugging the system from power and leaving it in the service position (do not close the bypass). This way, leaving faucets running at a slow pace will continuously move water through the system.
- Most Texas homes are not insulated for the extreme cold (temps in the teens and colder) Some general tips to keep pipes from freezing in the extreme cold.
- If you have a sink on an outside wall leave open the cabinet doors under the sink. Allowing the warm air in your home to keep the pipes on the outside wall from freezing.
- Leave the water in sinks on the outside walls at a slow trickle (little more than a drip to keep them from freezing.
- Should your pipes freeze, here’s how to defrost the pipes.
- You will need a blow dryer, extension cord and a old towel or small blanket.
- Open some cold-water faucets inside the home.
- Locate any exposed pipe to low temps outside (pipes that are not buried). Remove any insulation around the pipe.
- Loosely cover the frozen pipe with the towel make a little tent with the towel to trap the heated air around the pipe and start heating the pipe with the blow dryer. The pipe should thaw out within 5 to 10 min and water will start to flow again.
- Insulate the pipe using new pipe insulation or a towel and black trash bag.
- Let the cold water run for about 5 min then turn the faucet off. Leave one faucet running at a slow trickle (little more than a drip) to keep the water moving and not allowing the pipe to freeze again.
- If you have a leak on or near your Culligan Equipment, call our office. If you have a leak anywhere else, call a local plumber.
- Stay warm out there!
- Rental and Privilege Program customers Please note, freezing and acts of nature (lighting, fire, tornados etc…) are not covered under your program. Take every precaution to protect the equipment from these events. If the unit is damaged and has to be replaced. You are responsible for the repair or replacement cost of the equipment. Check with your homeowner’s insurance company to see if your policy covers the equipment.
Please understand that while all of these recommendations are meant to help you avoid problems, they in no way guarantee your system will not freeze. Please take all other steps you feel necessary to protect your investment.
What Are Freeze Alerts?
Freeze alerts are warnings issued by weather services when temperatures are expected to drop to 32°F (0°C) or lower. These alerts often signal the need to take preventive actions, especially for vulnerable aspects of daily life such as water pipes, plants, pets and your Culligan equipment!
Common Risks During a Freeze
- Burst Pipes: When temperatures drop below freezing, exposed pipes, particularly those in unheated areas, can freeze and burst, leading to water damage.
- Plant Damage: Cold-sensitive plants can die or become severely damaged if not properly covered or moved indoors.
- Icy Roads: Even a slight freeze can lead to icy patches on roadways, causing dangerous driving conditions, especially on bridges and overpasses.
- Vehicle Problems: Car batteries, tire pressure, and other components can be affected by freezing temperatures.
How to Prepare Your Culligan Equipment for a Freeze Warning
If your area has a freeze alert and you have Culligan equipment, it’s important to take steps to protect your equipment from freezing temperatures. Here are some tips to help you prepare your Culligan equipment for a freeze:
1. Insulate exposed pipes: Insulate any exposed pipes connected to your Culligan equipment using pipe insulation or heat tape. This will help prevent them from freezing.
2. Disconnect outdoor hoses: If you have any outdoor hoses connected to your Culligan system, disconnect them and drain the water. Store the hoses indoors to prevent them from freezing and causing damage to your equipment.
3. Close outdoor vents: If your Culligan equipment has outdoor vents, make sure to close them to prevent cold air from entering and freezing the system.
4. Set thermostat temperature: If your Culligan system has a thermostat, set it to a temperature above freezing to ensure that the water inside the equipment doesn’t freeze. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the recommended temperature setting.
5. Monitor weather conditions: Stay informed about the weather conditions in your area and take necessary precautions if the temperature drops below freezing. If you anticipate extremely cold temperatures, you may want to consider shutting off your Culligan system and draining the water to prevent any potential damage.
It’s essential to mention that for customers enrolled in the Rental and Privilege Programs, freezing conditions and natural disasters (such as lightning, fire, tornadoes, etc.) are not included in the coverage. Therefore, it’s crucial to take all necessary precautions to safeguard the equipment from such occurrences. Should the unit sustain damage and require replacement, rental customers will bear the responsibility for repair or replacement costs. We recommend checking with your homeowner’s insurance provider to determine if your policy covers this equipment. Additionally, please note that the Privilege Program does not account for damages caused by natural disasters. Any repairs will be subject to our standard labor rates and parts charges.
Preparing Your Home for a Freeze in Houston
When a freeze alert is issued in Houston, residents should take a few simple but important steps to protect their property and loved ones:
- Insulate Pipes: Wrap outdoor and exposed pipes to prevent freezing. Let faucets drip to keep water flowing and reduce the chance of a burst.
- Cover Plants: Use blankets or tarps to shield plants from the cold, or bring them indoors if possible.
- Check Vehicles: Ensure that your vehicle’s tires, battery, and fluids are winter-ready. Adding antifreeze can prevent damage.
- Stay Informed: Monitor local weather updates for changes in freeze alerts and follow any additional safety recommendations.
How Freeze Alerts are Communicated in Texas
The National Weather Service (NWS) and local meteorologists issue freeze alerts through various channels, including TV, radio, and smartphone apps. These alerts provide vital information about when to expect freezing temperatures and for how long, allowing you to prepare accordingly.
For Houston residents, freeze alerts might seem like a rarity, but when they happen, staying prepared and taking the proper precautions can save time, money, and stress.
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