Softened water is treated to remove hard minerals like calcium and magnesium, but in most systems, those minerals are replaced with sodium. While this is beneficial for protecting plumbing and appliances, that added sodium can be problematic for plants—especially when used regularly for watering lawns, gardens, or indoor plants.
In Fredericksburg and across the Texas Hill Country, many homeowners rely on water softeners due to naturally hard water. When softened water is used on plants, sodium can build up in the soil, making it harder for roots to absorb water and nutrients. Over time, this can lead to poor growth, yellowing leaves, or even plant death. Sensitive plants and vegetable gardens tend to show damage first.
For this reason, it’s generally recommended to use untreated outdoor water spigots, rainwater, or bypassed water for irrigation. At 72 Degrees Air Conditioning, Heating, and Plumbing, we help homeowners set up water softener systems that protect plumbing while still supporting healthy landscaping. Learn more about our professional whole house water softener solutions and how to balance soft water benefits with outdoor needs.
A pressure vacuum breaker (PVB) is a critical backflow prevention device designed to keep polluted water from entering your home’s clean water lines. In many Fredericksburg and Texas Hill Country homes, PVBs are required for sprinkler systems, irrigation lines, and certain outdoor water connections where fertilizers, pesticides, or bacteria could be present.
Without a pressure vacuum breaker, sudden drops in water pressure—such as during a water main break or heavy system demand—can cause contaminated water to siphon backward into the potable water supply. This is known as backflow, and it can affect not just your home, but the broader municipal water system.
Local plumbing codes often require pressure vacuum breakers to be professionally installed and maintained to ensure proper protection. At 72 Degrees Air Conditioning, Heating, and Plumbing, we install and service pressure vacuum breakers to meet code requirements and safeguard Hill Country homes from backflow risks. Learn more about our expert backflow prevention services and how we help keep your water safe.
In most Fredericksburg and Texas Hill Country homes, toilets will continue to work during a power outage because they don’t require electricity to flush. Standard toilets use gravity and water stored in the tank, so if your home still has running water, you can flush as normal.
However, there are a few important exceptions. Homes on private wells typically lose water pressure when the power goes out unless there’s a backup generator or stored water. Some modern plumbing systems, such as pressure-assisted toilets or homes with lift stations, may also be affected by extended outages. Additionally, if a power outage disrupts municipal water pumping or treatment for a prolonged period, local authorities may issue water use advisories.
If flushing becomes unreliable, it’s best to limit use to prevent clogs or backups. At 72 Degrees Air Conditioning, Heating, and Plumbing, we help Hill Country homeowners prepare for outages by inspecting plumbing systems, recommending backup solutions, and addressing water pressure concerns before they become emergencies. Learn more about our professional plumbing services and how we help keep your home functional when the lights go out.
A water heater flush is a routine maintenance service that removes sediment buildup from the bottom of the tank. In Fredericksburg and across the Texas Hill Country, mineral-heavy water makes this service especially important. Over time, sediment can reduce efficiency, cause popping or rumbling noises, shorten the lifespan of the water heater, and even lead to overheating or tank failure.
For most standard tank-style water heaters, homeowners can expect flushing costs to fall in the $150–$300 range. The price may be on the higher end if the tank hasn’t been serviced in years, shows signs of heavy buildup, or requires additional inspection of components like the anode rod or drain valve. Tankless water heaters often require a specialized descaling process, which can also affect pricing.
At 72 Degrees Air Conditioning, Heating, and Plumbing, water heater flushing is part of proactive care—helping Hill Country homeowners protect their hot water supply, improve efficiency, and avoid unexpected breakdowns. Regular flushing is especially valuable for older systems and homes on hard water, where buildup happens faster than many homeowners realize. Learn more about our professional water heater services and how routine maintenance can extend the life of your system.
Plumbing isn’t just pipes and water. Many critical components depend on electricity to function.
When the power goes out, these systems may stop working:
If any of these fail during an outage, water service, sanitation, or flood protection can be lost entirely.
It depends on whether your home uses city water or a well.
Most municipal water systems rely on gravity, so water may continue flowing for a while. However:
Most Hill Country rural homes and STRs rely on wells.
For short-term rentals, this often leads to guest complaints, refunds, or canceled stays.
Hot water availability depends on your water heater type and your water source.
Sometimes, but not always.
In rural Hill Country properties, electric-assisted waste systems are common. During an outage, these systems need backup power to function safely.
Septic systems and some sewer connections rely on electric pumps to move waste away from the home.
Without power:
This is especially risky for STRs, where guests may not realize the system depends on electricity.
A plumbing inspection can identify whether your waste system is vulnerable before an outage occurs.
Yes—especially during winter outages. When power goes out, heating systems shut down. Without heat, exposed pipes can freeze and burst.
To reduce the risk:
Frozen pipe damage is one of the most expensive plumbing emergencies we see after winter storms.
Outdoor plumbing is often the first to fail during extreme weather.
Protect outdoor faucets by:
For STR owners, this should be part of your seasonal turnover checklist.
A properly sized generator can keep essential plumbing systems running during a power outage.
With backup power, you can:
72 Degrees helps homeowners and STR owners choose generator solutions that support plumbing, HVAC, and other critical systems. We’re expanding our generator services across Fredericksburg and Kerrville to meet growing demand.
In the Hill Country, power outages aren’t rare—and guests expect everything to work regardless.
Plumbing failures during a stay can lead to:
A generator and a professional plumbing evaluation are proactive steps that protect both your property and your reputation.
If you live in Fredericksburg, Kerrville, or anywhere in the Texas Hill Country, don’t wait until the lights go out to find out your plumbing won’t work.
72 Degrees Air Conditioning, Heating & Plumbing helps homeowners and short-term rental owners:
Whether you need preparation advice, system upgrades, or emergency service, our team is available 24/7 to help you stay ready—no matter what the weather brings.
It’s a scary thought, but it’s a real question: can a furnace leak carbon monoxide when it’s turned off?
In Fredericksburg and across the Texas Hill Country, many homes rely on gas appliances to stay comfortable year-round. When something goes wrong with a furnace, boiler, or gas water heater, carbon monoxide (CO) can become a serious risk. CO is invisible, has no smell, and can harm people quickly.
This guide breaks down carbon monoxide furnace safety, what can cause CO problems, and the signs of a carbon monoxide leak so you know when to get help.
If you think your home may have a CO issue, leave the house and call for professional help right away.
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a toxic gas created when fuel (like natural gas or propane) doesn’t burn the right way. Because you can’t see or smell it, CO can build up without warning.
Breathing in CO reduces how much oxygen gets into your bloodstream. That’s why signs of carbon monoxide poisoning can feel like the flu at first, then become much more serious.
Most CO problems happen while a furnace is running, but a furnace can still contribute to CO danger even when it’s off, especially if combustion gases can’t vent out properly or if leftover gases linger and drift where they shouldn’t.
Here are common scenarios that can lead to a CO concern:
Bottom line: if your CO alarm goes off, treat it as an emergency—whether the furnace is running or not.
A heat exchanger keeps combustion gases separated from the air your home breathes. If it cracks from age, rust, or stress, CO can mix with indoor air.
If a burner is dirty, the gas pressure is off, or the system isn’t getting the right airflow, fuel may not burn fully. That can increase CO production.
Vents and flues are supposed to carry exhaust outside. If they’re blocked by debris, damaged, or sized incorrectly, CO can back up into the home instead.
Sometimes exhaust gases get pulled back inside due to pressure issues in the home. This is especially important with older venting setups.
People often search for the signs of carbon monoxide leak after something feels “off.” Watch for these red flags:
If your CO alarm goes off: get everyone outside immediately and call emergency services first.
The signs of carbon monoxide poisoning can look like a cold or flu at first, which makes CO extra dangerous.
Common symptoms include:
Emergency warning signs can include fainting, chest pain, or loss of consciousness. If you suspect poisoning, get to fresh air and call emergency services immediately.
CO detectors are one of the simplest ways to protect your home, but placement matters.
For most homes, carbon monoxide detector installation should include:
If you’re not sure what your home needs, we can help you choose the right setup and make sure detectors are installed correctly.
Strong carbon monoxide furnace safety comes down to a few smart habits:
If you suspect CO, don’t try to troubleshoot it yourself.
If you’re in the Fredericksburg, Kerrville, or the Texas Hill Country and you’re concerned about a gas appliance, call 72 Degrees Air Conditioning, Heating, and Plumbing. We install and repair major gas appliances and can help you find the cause and fix it safely.
Think of it as part of a smart winter routine. Does opening cabinets keep pipes from freezing on its own? It helps a lot, but it’s most effective when you pair it with steady heat, pipe insulation, and a slow drip during deep freezes. If you need a hand getting your home ready, 72 Degrees Air Conditioning, Heating, and Plumbing is here with friendly guidance and dependable service.
Frozen pipes aren’t just inconvenient. Water expands when it freezes, and that pressure can crack fittings or split a line. Even a small break can release hundreds of gallons, soaking cabinets, floors, and walls. Repairs after a freeze are stressful and expensive, and the damage can linger.
Prevention is straightforward and affordable. Opening cabinet doors, insulating exposed sections, keeping a steady indoor temperature, and letting faucets drip during hard freezes all lower your risk. Why open cabinets when cold? Because that warm room air needs a clear path to the colder spaces behind your sinks.
Under-sink areas often sit apart from a room’s heated air. Behind the doors, cold from exterior walls or crawl spaces can settle and drop temperatures around supply lines and traps. When you leave cabinet doors open, you let warm air circulate, balancing the temperature and reducing cold pockets.
Here’s what that looks like in practice:
Does opening cabinets keep pipes from freezing completely? Not always, but it significantly cuts the risk. Why keep cabinets open in winter? Because it’s an easy, low-cost step that supports your heating system and insulation, especially overnight.
Some areas freeze faster than others. In our region, a kitchen sink on a north-facing exterior wall, a bathroom along the outside of the house, or laundry lines near a garage can be more vulnerable.
Check these common cold zones:
Watch for slow water flow, extra-cold cabinet interiors, frost on pipes, or metallic “pinging” sounds as lines expand and contract. If you’re not sure where your pipes run, do a quick walk-through: trace visible lines, note wall orientation, look for drafts near penetrations, and feel for cold air at the back of cabinets. 72 Degrees can perform a winter readiness check and point out specific vulnerabilities before the next cold front.
Leaving cabinets open in winter is one smart move. To get the best results, combine it with a few more steps so water keeps moving and pipes stay protected when temperatures dip.
Try these proven tips:
Still wondering why open cabinets when cold? Open cabinets in cold weather make it easier for the heat you’re already paying for to reach the spots that need it most.
If you turn on a tap and the flow slows or stops, act quickly. First, open cabinets to let warm air in. Raise your thermostat a few degrees and, if safe, use a space heater in the room, away from combustibles and under supervision. Never use an open flame on pipes. If you suspect a burst—you hear water behind walls, see pooling, or notice a sudden drop in pressure—turn off the main water supply and call for help.
Our team responds promptly. We’ll locate the freeze, thaw lines safely, repair damage, and help you put preventive measures in place so you’re better prepared next time.
Why do you keep cabinets open in winter? Because it’s easy, effective, and part of a well-rounded plan. At 72 Degrees Air Conditioning, Heating, and Plumbing, we’ve helped Hill Country neighbors protect their homes through tough cold snaps since 1986. We answer questions like does opening cabinets keep pipes from freezing and why keep cabinets open in winter with clear, practical guidance — no jargon, just straightforward advice.
We offer seasonal checks, insulation upgrades, and fast support during freezes. Our licensed technicians provide honest assessments, careful workmanship, and calm, professional care. If you’re preparing ahead of a cold front or dealing with frozen lines, we’re here to help.
Have questions about leaving cabinets open in winter or how long to keep cabinet doors open during a freeze? Give 72 Degrees a call. We’ll walk you through what matters, keep it simple, and make sure your home is ready when temperatures drop.
A burst pipe is a true plumbing emergency that can cause rapid water damage if it isn’t addressed right away. That’s why 72 Degrees Air Conditioning, Heating, and Plumbing offers 24/7 call center support, so homeowners in Fredericksburg and across the Texas Hill Country can reach a real person any time of day or night when a pipe bursts.
Our plumbers are available seven days a week, including weekends, to respond to urgent situations and stop the leak before it causes further damage to your home. From isolating the water source to making professional repairs, our goal is to restore safety and prevent long-term issues like mold, structural damage, or repeat leaks. When a pipe bursts, having a trusted local team ready to respond makes all the difference.
The cost to fix a burst pipe depends on several key factors, including where the pipe is located, how easy it is to access, and how much damage the leak has already caused. In many Fredericksburg and Texas Hill Country homes, a burst pipe in an open area like a garage or under a sink is usually faster and less expensive to repair than a pipe behind walls, under floors, or buried underground.
Repair costs can also increase if the burst pipe leads to water damage, mold risk, or the need for additional restoration work. Because every situation is different, the most accurate way to determine cost is through an on-site inspection. At 72 Degrees Air Conditioning, Heating, and Plumbing, we provide clear, upfront pricing after evaluating the problem, so homeowners know what to expect before any repairs begin.
In many cases, a burst pipe can be repaired without replacing the entire plumbing line. The right solution depends on where the pipe is located, how severe the break is, and what caused it to burst in the first place. For example, a small crack or split in an accessible section of pipe can often be repaired by replacing just that section.
In Fredericksburg and throughout the Texas Hill Country, older homes may have pipes made from materials that are more prone to corrosion or freezing damage. If a pipe has burst due to age, repeated stress, or widespread deterioration, a larger section—or even a full line—may need to be replaced to prevent future failures. At 72 Degrees Air Conditioning, Heating, and Plumbing, our plumbers assess the cause and location of the burst and use professional-grade tools and fittings to restore the system safely and reliably.
In Fredericksburg and across the Texas Hill Country, pipes can also burst due to age and corrosion, particularly in older homes with galvanized or aging copper lines. High water pressure can gradually weaken pipes over time, while physical damage from shifting foundations, construction work, or impacts can lead to unexpected failures. Once a pipe is compromised, even normal water flow can cause it to rupture and release large amounts of water into the home.
A burst pipe can release a large amount of water in a very short time, so acting quickly is critical. The first step is to shut off your home’s main water valve to stop the flow and prevent additional flooding. If water is near electrical outlets, appliances, or panels, turning off power to the affected areas helps reduce safety risks.
Once the water is off and it’s safe, try to contain or remove standing water using towels, buckets, or a wet vacuum to limit damage to floors, walls, and belongings. In Fredericksburg and throughout the Texas Hill Country, calling a licensed plumber as soon as possible is essential to prevent further issues like mold growth or structural damage. 72 Degrees Air Conditioning, Heating, and Plumbing offers emergency plumbing service to respond quickly, locate the damaged pipe, and restore your plumbing system safely.
