Look after pipes, plumbing during colder months

Though the greater Houston area has experienced a milder winter this year, the winter season is not over yet, and we may still experience a few cold snaps along the way. Recently, freezing temperatures caused problems for some homeowners, who unexpectedly had to deal with frozen or burst pipes.

Though homeowners are aware extremely cold weather can freeze your pipes, the unpredictability in the weather can leave some feeling unprepared. Frozen pipes can often be attended to by the homeowner, but when freezing is a common problem, or you cannot find the frozen section of the pipe, it’s time to call in a professional. Also, if a pipe bursts, immediate attention by a plumber is crucial.

The Better Business Bureau of Greater Houston and South Texas offers the following tips for repairing pipes following a freeze or other problem:

• Research the business. Visit BBBHouston.org to learn more about the plumber and to read any previous complaints or customer reviews via our public BBB Business Review reports. On this website, you may also find BBB Accredited Businesses that specialize in plumbing.

• Request references and get estimates. Ask family and friends for recommendations on what plumbers they used in the past. Also, ask the plumber for references and contact them to learn about their experience. Ask for three estimates from three companies. Be sure to understand how the plumber charges either by the hour or a flat rate for the work to be done.

• Verify licensing. Plumbers need to be licensed and should display their license numbers on their website, vehicles and marketing pieces. You may check licensing at the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners website, http:// www.tsbpe.state.tx.us/.

• Get a written agreement. Make sure everything that was said to you is in the contract. Ask questions about anything you don’t understand. Keep a copy of the contract. Make the final payment only after the work is completed to your satisfaction.

• On a final note, it also important to prepare before freezing weather arrives. Before the weather drops, open all outdoor valves to avoid a buildup in pressure, drain and store any outdoor hoses, and ensure all pipes are insulated properly. If your pipes aren’t adequately insulated, consider using heat tape or pipe insulation to keep your exposed pipes warm through the winter.

Once cold weather sets in, keep your garage doors closed to prevent cold weather from penetrating water supply lines and open cupboards below sinks to keep warm air circulating. When temperatures are very low, let cold water drip from your faucets. Even a small flow of water can prevent freezing, making it less likely cold weather will cause damage.

The Better Business Bureau is an unbiased nonprofit organization that sets and upholds high standards for fair and honest business behavior. Every year, more than 87 million consumers rely on BBB Business Reviews and BBB Wise Giving Reports to help them find trustworthy businesses and charities across North America. For information or to check the reliability of a company and find trustworthy businesses, visit www.bbbhouston.org, which includes our BBB Accredited Business Directory, or call 713-868-9500. Leah Napoliello is senior director of Investigative Services with the Better Business Bureau of Greater Houston and South Texas. Send questions regarding homeowner issues to Leah Napoliello, Better Business Bureau, 1333 West Loop South, Suite 1200, Houston, TX 77027, or e-mail her at lnapoliello@bbbhou.org. Include mailing address and phone number on letters and emails.