When the forecast shows a “Blue Norther” heading toward Acadiana, the phones at Hargrave’s Plumbing start ringing off the hook.
With chilly temperatures becoming more frequent in South Louisiana, our owner Travis Hargrave recently spoke with KATC News to warn residents about the dangers of un-prepped pipes and how to keep the water flowing when the mercury drops.
Don’t Wait for the Freeze
In the KATC report, Travis emphasized one major point: Preparation is key. Most people wait until the night of a freeze to scramble for supplies, but by then, stores are often sold out of the essentials.
As Travis told KATC, the time to act is before the wind starts howling.
The “Hargrave Method” for Winterizing Your Home
Based on Travis’s expert advice in the news segment, here are the top three things every Lafayette homeowner should do:
1. Insulate the “Exposed” Areas
The pipes most at risk are those in unheated areas like your attic, crawl space, or outside walls. Travis recommends using foam pipe insulation—it’s inexpensive and can save you thousands in water damage.
2. Protect Your Hose Bibs
As we’ve mentioned in other features, your outdoor faucets are the most vulnerable. Travis recommends removing all hoses and using a high-quality cover (like the Frost King foam covers we’ve discussed) to trap heat against the side of the house.
3. The “Drip” Debate: When to Do It?
There is a lot of confusion about whether to drip your faucets. In the KATC interview, the pros clarify that you don’t always need to drip, but when temperatures stay below freezing for several hours, a slow drip can prevent the pressure buildup that leads to burst pipes.
Why Experience Matters in Acadiana
Plumbing in the South is unique. Many of our homes are built on piers or have pipes in locations that aren’t common in the North. That’s why having a local expert like Hargrave’s Plumbing is so important. We know the specific “weak spots” in Acadiana homes and how to protect them properly.
Whether you are in Lafayette, Youngsville, Broussard, or Scott, we want to make sure your home is winter-ready.
Watch the Full Segment
You can see the full warning and all the tips from Travis over at the KATC website.
Worried about your pipes this winter? Don’t wait until it’s too late. Call Hargrave’s Plumbing today to schedule a winterization inspection or to get your home ready for whatever the weather throws our way.
