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Preparing your pipes for the cold weather

With frigid temperatures expected over the next few days, you might want to keep an eye on your water pipes and sprinklers.

HOUSTON — Pipes freezing isn't something that is anticipated overnight, but it is possible over the next few days.

Temperatures in our area will only get colder as we head into the weekend.

"Our call volume absolutely increases," said Michael Villasana of Village Plumbing and Air. "What happens is ... if you have one night of freezing temperatures, it's not such a big deal, but when it lasts a few days."

Villasana says there are plenty of easy ways to save yourself the headache of expensive plumbing repairs, starting with outdoor pipes and sprinklers.

"When these things start to bust and the freezing temperatures hit them, you'll see water come out of the bell. Just shut the water valves off and put them in a perpendicular position," he said.

Once that's complete, Villasana suggests covering the pipes with something as simple as a towel or plastic to protect them from the rain and wind.

For the inside of your home, pipe bursting prevention is even easier.

"Most homes are typically well insulated," Villasana said.

Villasana recommends letting your faucets drip and keeping your bathroom and kitchen cabinets open.

Those simple preventative measures will save you a costly bill.

"Simple minor pipe repairs would be a couple hundred dollars. Having pipes bust in your attic, it could be up in the thousands," Villasana said.

Experts also say foam covers are good alternatives to use when covering your pipes because the wind can play a major factor in pipes bursting more than the cold temperatures.

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