Living in Acadiana, we aren’t always thinking about freezing weather. But as any Lafayette local knows, when the temperature drops, it drops fast—and our Southern plumbing isn’t always built for the chill.
Recently, Homes & Gardens reached out to our owner, Travis Hargrave, for a feature titled “Prevent Frozen Pipes With the $12 Frost King Faucet Cover Plumbing Pros Use at Home.”
In the article, written by Ottilie Blackhall, Travis shares the simple, affordable secret he uses to protect his own home and what he recommends to all our clients at Hargrave’s Plumbing.
Why Outdoor Faucets are Your Home’s “Weak Link”
Many homeowners don’t realize that their outdoor spigots (or hose bibs) are often the only part of their plumbing system in direct contact with the freezing outside air.
As Travis explained to Homes & Gardens:
“Hose bibs are often the only plumbing on a building that is directly in contact with outside air. This makes them the first item attacked by cold weather.”
When water freezes in these pipes, it creates immense pressure that can lead to cracks, leaks, or even a full-scale burst inside your walls.
The 20-Second Solution: The Frost King Faucet Cover
The article highlights a specific tool that Travis swears by: the Frost King Foam Faucet Cover.
Why does a Master Plumber choose a $12 foam cover?
- It Traps Heat: It uses the heat radiating from inside your home to keep the spigot 10 to 20 degrees warmer than the outside air.
- It’s Fast: Travis notes that it takes at most 20 seconds to install.
- It’s Reusable: Buy it once, and you can use it season after season.
Pro Tip from Travis: “Even if your pipes do freeze, having them freeze more slowly can be very helpful when staving off damage to your lines.” The cover acts as a thermal barrier that gives your pipes a fighting chance.
Travis’s Winterization Checklist for Lafayette Homeowners
Beyond just using the cover, here is how Travis recommends you prepare when a freeze warning hits Acadiana:
- Remove Hoses: Always disconnect your garden hoses before installing the cover.
- Check the Seal: Make sure the foam cover sits flush against the side of your house. If there’s a gap, cold air gets in and the cover can’t do its job.
- Wait for the Thaw: Travis recommends keeping the covers on until temperatures stay consistently above 50°F and overnight lows are well above freezing.
Trust the “Acadiana’s Choice” Experts
We are proud to see Travis’s expertise recognized on a national stage like Homes & Gardens. It’s the same expert advice we bring to every job in Lafayette, Youngsville, and the surrounding areas. Whether we’re being voted the Gold Medalist for Acadiana’s Choice Top Plumber or helping you winterize your home, we’re here to keep your water flowing safely.
A special thanks to Ottilie Blackhall and the team at Homes & Gardens for the feature! You can read the full expert guide and see the other recommendations right here.
Is your home ready for the next freeze? If you need help with winterization or have a pipe emergency, call the pros at Hargrave’s Plumbing today at [Insert Phone Number].
