TEMPLE, Texas — An "arctic blast" is set to hit Central Texas next week, and local plumbers are warning homeowners about exposed water fixtures in the upcoming freezing temperatures.
"If you hear any running water underneath your house, if you see water spewing out on a wall on the outside or the inside," said Cody Ryberg of Ryberg Plumbing in Waco, TX., warning of the worst-case scenario conditions that could arise during the freezing weather.
Ryberg said problems like damaged pipes could be costly to repair.
"It's not going to be cheap. It can get very expensive very quick," said Ryberg.
To prevent this, pipe insulation and faucet covers are recommended.
"To start with, if you have any exposed piping outside, this is regular pipe insulation," stated Ryberg, "Exterior hose bibs like so, the best thing to protect these is going to be a faucet cover."
Both of these items have retail prices south of $5, but Ryberg said some common household items could work to protect your pipes as well if needed.
"You can use a T-shirt. Just any old t-shirt like this or a towel," Ryberg said, demonstrating how to use everyday items to insulate a pipe. "And just wrap it around that thing tight with some duct tape and you'll be good to go."
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