Quote (RedFromWinter @ Feb 21 2021 03:24am)
I'm curious how the 'average' Texas house is built after seeing so many burst pipe videos, and if regulations will be considered in the future to ensure minimum insulation/efficiency requirements on new builds. I guarantee the big box 'professional expert' builders exploit the lax regulations down there leading to some % increase in damage, especially when pipes burst. The storm montage videos typically show apartments or big box houses flooding and drywall falling down which makes me wonder if 'average' single family setup is handling better.
If anyone down there has to re-do plumbing, expansion Pex is a beast setup. Also, you can run IP68 heat-tape inside your plumbing if you order special electrical 'gland' fittings. Works great if your water line isn't burried deep enough relative to frost line.
Single pane windows, thinner walls, construction designed for airflow (particularly to allow heat to escape, which is important in the hot summer months. Heat pumps instead of furnaces that aren't designed to kick out the amount of heat necessary to make a house comfortable when it gets that cold. I also believe that hot water heaters are sometimes mounted outside.
For those needing to make emergency repairs, but either can't get parts, or plumbers are not readily available, go to an auto parts store and get radiator hose and hose clamps. If accessible, cut out the broken section of pipe, then use the radiator hose and clamps to make a temporary patch.