How Houston-area residents are protecting their pipes from the freezing weather

HOUSTON – As this arctic blast rolls through the Houston area, residents are working hard to get ready for whatever comes their way.

While knocking off those checklists, take care of your pipes and sprinklers. It could save you lots of money in costly repairs later.

We’ve had viewers in the past suggest using pool noodles, just cut them and wrap the pipe:

You can also insulate pipes with disposable diapers, which come with tape for easy install -- and, after all, they are MADE to insulate, protect and absorb!

We asked our viewers how they are protecting their pipes this winter time of the year:

Kelli Holffman says her husband bought Freeze Miser, designed to make faucet start dripping when it is 37 degrees or below:

Whataburger Styrofoam cup hack

Some residents, including deputies with Harris County Precinct 4 Constable Mark Herman’s Office, are using Texas staple Whataburger cups to protect their pipes.

• Houston freeze prep: How a Whataburger cup can help prevent frozen pipes

RTIC cup

Ric Lancaster says he uses a towel around the faucet and cover with a RTIC up:

Boots

Sherry McClendon says she’s giving this weather the boot!

Styrofoam cooler

Roel Ingles says he started using a Styrofoam cooler to protect his main pipe. He said it did a pretty good job last year and now his neighbor copies his concept.

Styrofoam cup

Mekia Robertson says she wraps duck tape and a Styrofoam cup.

What if the pipes freeze anyway?

First, do not use anti-freeze on a frozen pipe or any kind of blow-torch or flame. Some ideas: run a blow dryer with the hot air pointed to the pipe (I actually did this once and it works, but took hours so I propped the dryer up and left it); an electric heating pad or hot towels wrapped around the pipe will eventually thaw it, or a space heater close enough to the pipe will work.