Overview
- Harris County Precinct 4’s Mark Herman said a Styrofoam cup over an outdoor faucet can help because trapped air provides insulation.
- Austin Water notes Styrofoam can offer temporary protection but urges standard winterization steps such as disconnecting hoses and draining outdoor lines.
- Experts caution the cup can blow off in strong winds or fail during prolonged freezes, so proper faucet covers and pipe insulation remain preferable.
- Viral posts outline how to secure the cup by threading a rubber band through a hole, anchoring it with a pen or stick, looping it over the handle, and stacking two cups for added insulation.
- Local reports describe faucet-cover shortages as the storm arrives and note mixed results from other DIY attempts like pool noodles, towels, and duct tape.