Living in the beautiful Texas Hill Country means enjoying all its natural splendor, but it also means preparing for the unpredictable winter weather. While we don’t experience freezing conditions often, when they do happen, they can be devastating—especially for water systems. If we’ve learned anything from past freezes, it’s that proactive protection is the best defense. Whether you’ve recently moved to the area or are a longtime resident, these tips will help ensure your well and water system are ready to face the next cold snap.
Build a Pump House
The best way to protect your water tanks, pumps, and treatment systems is by housing them in a pump house.
Insulation Matters: Use spray foam insulation instead of batt insulation. Spray foam withstands leaks better and maintains its protective properties over time.
Extend Equipment Life: A well-built pump house doesn’t just prevent freezing; it also shields your equipment from year-round weather damage.
Protect Exposed Pipes
Exposed pipes are especially vulnerable to freezing, but you can protect them with a few easy steps:
Insulate: Wrap pipes in pipe insulation, then cover the insulation with pipe wrap tape to shield it from UV rays and moisture.
Extra Protection: For areas prone to damage, like those exposed to weed eaters, use split PVC pipe or other hard plastic coverings over the insulation.
Add Heat Where It’s Needed
In addition to insulation, heat can be an effective layer of protection for your water system.
Heat Tape: Install heat tape on outdoor equipment to provide direct warmth. Always place it under insulation and avoid crossing wires.
Pump House Heaters: Use a space heater with a thermostat for consistent warmth. Wall-mounted heaters are a safer option than heat lamps, which are more prone to failure.
Use a Freeze Miser
Freeze Misers are handy devices that keep water flowing during freezes:
Faucet Freeze Miser: Lets cold water drip to prevent freezing in outdoor faucets.
System Freeze Miser: Returns cold water to your well or storage tank, conserving water while preventing freeze-ups.
Keep Water Moving
Simply letting water run can prevent freezing:
Avoid Dripping: Dripping is typically insufficient. Instead, aim for a flow of at least 2 gallons per minute.
Recycle Water: Redirect the water back to your well or storage tank to avoid waste and icy patches.
Prepare for Power Outages
Power failures during freezes are common, so having an alternative heat source is crucial:
Propane Heaters: Use a propane heater in your pump house to keep it warm when the electricity is out.
Maintain Your Freeze-Protection System
Freeze protection isn’t “set it and forget it.” Regular maintenance is essential:
Test Annually: Each fall, inspect thermostats, heaters, and insulation. Test your Freeze Misers by putting them in the freezer to ensure they work properly.
Clean Equipment: Clear dust from heaters to prevent fire hazards. Replace worn insulation and repair any leaks.
At Bee Cave Drilling, we’re here to help you prepare and protect your water system. If you need assistance with freeze protection or repairs, don’t hesitate to reach out.
Stay Prepared
Freezing temperatures may be rare, but they can happen. Protecting your well and water system now will save you headaches, costly repairs, and the stress of being without water when you need it most. The team at Dripping Springs Elite Real Estate Professionals is here to connect you with trusted experts like Bee Cave Drilling to keep your home and property running smoothly all year long.
Bee Cave Drilling is a full-service water well and repair company serving the Texas Hill Country. Learn more: https://www.beecavedrilling.com
Dripping Springs Elite Real Estate Professionals is a network of top real estate agents who live and work in Dripping Springs and the surrounding areas. When you need expert advice or help with local resources, we’re here for you!
