BEAUMONT, Texas — Experts are encouraging Southeast Texans to take an upcoming arctic cold front seriously and start preparing as soon as possible.
“Button down and get ready,” Henry La Rocca, owner of La Rocca Plumbing, said.
The front is expected to bring frigid weather to the area over the Christmas weekend. Temperatures are expected to be in the teens, and wind chills could be in the single digits.
“Wrap those pipes,” La Rocca said. “We go outside, and we need a jacket to go outside. Pipes are the same way."
Henry La Rocca has been in the plumbing business for more than 40 years. Those years of experience have left him with tips on how to avoid busted pipes.
“Make sure you have all your outside hose bibbs wrapped and sealed and any exposed piping,” La Rocca said.
La Rocca said Southeast Texans can save a lot of money by remembering the for p’s
“Remember four things,” La Rocca said. “It's people, pets, pipes, and plants."
Those planning on traveling this holiday season and leaving their house empty are also encouraged to prepare before they hit the road.
“People came home and the sheetrock was all on the floor, so turn your water off,” La Rocca said. “That's the best thing you can do if you aren't going to be home.”
Southeast Texans with older homes are also encouraged to be cautious, especially if the home is raised. La Rocca suggests putting a plastic or a felt skirt around it to deter wind.
“Put tarpaper or plastic along the sides on the north sides for the exposure to prevent the air from hitting those pipes and popping them,” La Rocca said.
After decades in the plumbing business, La Rocca feels he has seen it all and tries to help others.
“If you need work to be done, make sure to call a licensed plumber,” La Rocca said. “They are all bonded and insured through the state of Texas.”
12News StormTrackers will keep the community updated as we continue to face colder temperatures.