TEXAS — The freezing weather headed to Texas early next week could pose a large problem for people who worry their homes won’t withstand the cold. The potential of bursting pipes can lead to many issues during the storm, and it’s a very expensive problem to fix.

After dealing with the effects of similar weather previously, effective solutions have been discovered to prevent damages. Here are some ways to protect your pipes from the freezing temperatures ahead.

Before the wind blows in be sure to wrap outdoor and indoor pipes, especially those in unheated areas. The foam rubber and fiberglass sleeves’ insulation will help water inside to remain warm and avoid its chances of turning to ice. If you plan on leaving your home, set the temperature to at least 60 degrees to prevent your pipes from freezing.

Turn off your outside water systems. Manually shut off the valves leading to them. Remove any water hoses or sprinkler systems and allow the leftover water to drain. If you can’t locate the valves, a faucet cover over the spigot will suffice. They are easily accessible at most hardware and large stores.

Furthermore, clearing your gutters and drains of debris will help the flow of water. This will ensure water doesn’t freeze and expand adding heavy weight to the gutters that could cause further damage.

For pipes that are closed-in, like those in your kitchen or bathroom, open cabinets to allow warm air in the house to reach them. Being that these pipes are near outside walls, they can become cold.

Your attic will also benefit from warm air circulation. Don't forget the pipes in the attic should be protected with insulation, too. Any pipes bursting at the top of your home will cause significant damage.

Moreover, it’s important that your boiler is working at its best during this winter storm. To avoid any problems, have a plumber come by and get it checked. Especially if you’ve previously experienced any heating issues.

For indoors faucets, simply let them run while you sleep. Even a small stream of running water, hot and cold, will stop the water from freezing. You could even save the water for later use.

These few actions can avert any long-term damages to your home and avoiding any high costing repairs.