It’s time to winter-proof your home’s exterior for the chilly temperatures that can hit Austin during the colder months. Though Austin rarely experiences extreme freezing temperatures, the occasional hard freeze can still cause damage to your home and landscaping if you’re not properly prepared. Below, we’ll guide you through some key steps you can take to safeguard your home’s exterior, including your plants, pool, and irrigation system.
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Outdoor faucets are especially vulnerable during a hard freeze. Insulate the external part of your faucets and water pipes to prevent them from freezing. If your pipes aren’t insulated, consider letting your faucets drip very slightly during freezing conditions. This will keep the water moving through the pipes, making it less likely to freeze and burst.
2
RPZs (Reduced Pressure Zone valves) are essential for preventing contaminated water from flowing back into your home’s water supply. These devices are found on your irrigation systems, pool autofills, and water features.
To protect them from freezing, make sure they are properly insulated and, if possible, drained of water before the freeze. To drain them, activate your irrigation system or press the plunger on your pool autofill for a few seconds.
3
Tankless water heaters can be susceptible to freezing if they aren’t adequately insulated. Ensure the water lines are well-insulated and confirm that your system has a built-in freeze protection feature. Proper insulation and maintenance will help prevent damage and ensure your water heater works properly during winter.
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Covering your plants can help trap heat from the ground and protect them from freezing temperatures. A breathable freeze cloth is ideal for covering plants, as it will moderate the temperature and keep moisture from building up under the covering. Avoid using plastic directly on plants, as it can damage the foliage.
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A thick layer of mulch around the base of your plants helps insulate the roots and prevent damage. While this won’t protect the leaves, it’s an effective way to keep the roots safe during colder temperatures.
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Before a freeze, water the soil around your plants thoroughly. The moisture helps insulate the plant’s roots and keeps the leaves hydrated. Be sure to water early in the day to allow the plant enough time to absorb the water before the temperature drops in the evening.
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If possible, move your potted plants indoors or to a sheltered area like a garage or outdoor shed. This will protect them from the harsh winds and freezing temperatures that can be damaging. If moving them indoors isn’t an option, a shed or storage area will still provide some protection from the elements.
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Many pool systems have a built-in freeze protection function that automatically activates when temperatures dip between 36°F and 40°F. If your system has this feature, it will keep the pool equipment running to prevent freezing. However, make sure the equipment pad has power to keep the system operational.
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If your pool doesn’t have an automated freeze protection system, or if it’s not working properly, run the pool equipment 24/7 until freezing conditions pass. Keeping the water circulating helps prevent it from freezing and causing damage to your pool.
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Before a freeze, ensure that your pool water level is topped off. When freeze protection is on, fountains and water features will run continuously, and you don’t want the water level to drop too low.
When freezing temperatures arrive in Austin, your pool requires extra care to prevent costly damage. Check out these additional winter pool tips to keep your investment safe during a hard freeze or power outage.
Typically, you won’t need to do much to winterize your irrigation system. The key steps are ensuring the system isn’t running during freezing weather and making sure the RPZ is insulated or drained. Properly maintaining these components will help prevent freezing damage to your system.
While these steps can significantly reduce the risk of cold damage, it’s important to remember that there are no guarantees when it comes to extreme weather. However, with a little preparation, you can minimize the chances of freezing damage and ensure your home and yard are ready for the colder months.
If you’d like assistance with winter-proofing your home’s exterior, or if you’d prefer us to manage any of these steps for you, feel free to contact us at YardDoc. We’re here to help you protect your home and keep your yard looking great all year round!
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