Keeping pipes protected through the final freezing temperatures

The Final Freeze

What we know:

Houston - We are almost in the clear. After days of freezing temperatures, it looks like we're in for one more night of frigid weather. So, remember to keep your pipes protected for one more day.

Many Houston plumbers haven't even started fixing any broken pipes yet because roads have been icy. So if your pipes didn't burst in the freeze, let's keep it that way.

Essential pipe protection tips

What should you do to make sure your pipes don't burst in the last few hours of freezing temperatures?  

What they're saying:

"Keep water pipes, filtration systems, wrapped with heavy blankets, plastics, and tape it in place. It's just like our bodies, pipes need to stay warm," explains Plumber Hector Morales, who co-owns Texas Divine Plumbing with his dad.

RELATED: Live updates: Winter storm brings snow, icy roads to Houston

"Even with the water melting from the roof like this, the plastic will protect the pipe," Morales adds as he shows us heavy plastic taped around a couple of garage doors.

"It's a suggestion because it keeps the wind from going into the garage, protecting the water heater inside the garage, sink, appliances in there. Some homes are fully insulated in the garage. These older homes they're not. So, you have to take extra precautions," explains Morales, who says they are receiving calls about burst pipes from customers, but they're not responding yet because of ice on roads.

What to do with broken pipes?

How will you know if your pipe is broken?

"By no water, low water pressure. Water coming down through the ceiling," says Morales.

What you can do:

If you believe you have a broken pipe, you'll want to minimize the damage until a plumber can make it to you. 

"Make sure you locate your main water valve and turn it off," Morales adds.

"If you have outside appliances, protect the pipes by wrapping them with a blanket behind and across the washer and tape cardboard and plastic over the top. If you've got any outside filters, it's best to go ahead and shut it off from the source, remove the filter. For any ice makers you have outside. In this lavatory where there's no heat, we're protecting the pipes to this sink by leaving the faucet dripping water just to create circulation in the water pipe so it won't freeze. It's like a river. If the river doesn't flow it'll freeze up. If the water's not flowing inside the pipe, it will freeze, and it will burst," says Morales.  

"This is one of our best workers here. We try to keep him around during the winter. He brings us laughter, joy," Morales laughs while showing me a snowman sitting in a small puddle of water underneath a beach umbrella which is attempting to shield the cool dude from the sun.

Get news, weather and so much more on the new FOX LOCAL app 

Now we know what's been keeping plumbers busy during the time that they can't get to their customers.

A broken pipe could cost from $500 to the thousands. So keep them wrapped, warm and make sure they are not exposed to the elements until the freezing temps are a thing of the past.