5 COLD-WEATHER PLUMBING MISTAKES ROYSE CITY HOMEOWNERS SHOULD AVOID THIS WINTER

Don’t let a freeze catch you off guard!

Winter in North Texas might not be as harsh as up north, but when the cold snaps come through, they can still cause major plumbing headaches – especially in fast-growing communities like Royse City. A single night of freezing temperatures can mean frozen pipes, leaks, or even costly water damage if your plumbing isn’t prepared.

To help you stay ahead of the game, here are five of the most common mistakes we see homeowners make when temperatures drop – and how you can avoid them.

1. LEAVING OUTDOOR HOSES CONNECTED

One of the easiest (and most overlooked) winter prep tasks is disconnecting garden hoses. When left connected, water can back up into the faucet and freeze, causing the pipe inside your wall to burst.

Quick Fix:

Unhook every hose around your house, drain them, and store them until spring. For extra protection, install inexpensive faucet covers – they’re sold at most local hardware stores and take just a minute to put on.

2. FORGETTING TO INSULATE OUTDOOR FAUCETS & EXPOSED PIPES

In neighborhoods around Royse City, many homes have outdoor spigots and exposed pipes that face the wind. When a hard freeze hits, these are the first areas to take on damage.

Quick Fix:

Foam faucet covers are your friend here, but you should also check for exposed pipes in garages, attics, or crawl spaces and wrap them with pipe insulation. If you’re not sure what to cover, Military Plumbing can help with a quick winterization check.

3. IGNORING SMALL LEAKS BEFORE A FREEZE

That slow-dripping faucet might seem harmless – until a freeze hits. Even a small leak can put extra stress on pipes, and if that pipe freezes, it’s more likely to burst.

Quick Fix:

Fix small leaks early. Our licensed and insured plumbers can repair dripping faucets, running toilets, or leaking pipes before they turn into expensive repairs.

4. NOT KNOWING WHERE YOUR MAIN SHUTOFF VALVE IS

When a pipe bursts, every second counts. If you don’t know where your shutoff valve is (or how to use it), you could lose precious minutes while water floods your home.

Quick Fix:

Locate your main shutoff valve today – most Royse City homes have them near the front curb or inside the garage. If you’re not sure where yours is, Military Plumbing techs can show you during a service visit so you’re ready when it counts.

5. SKIPPING PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE

Many homeowners wait until something breaks to call a plumber, but a little proactive maintenance goes a long way. Catching problems early saves time, money, and stress – especially during peak winter season when plumbers are busiest.

Quick Fix:

Schedule a winter plumbing inspection with Military Plumbing. We’ll check for leaks, test water pressure, inspect your water heater, and make sure your system is ready for cold weather.

WHY ROYSE CITY TRUSTS MILITARY PLUMBING

Military Plumbing has been serving Royse City families and businesses for over a decade, and we back every job with our Mission-Ready Guarantees:

• On-Time Guarantee – $15 credit for every 15 minutes we’re late (up to $300).

• Upfront Pricing – No surprises when the bill comes.

• Workmanship You Can Trust – Done right the first time, with clean workspaces every time.

Whether you need a simple repair, a full plumbing inspection, or 24/7 emergency service, we’re here to help keep your home safe and your winter stress-free.