10 Tips for Preventing Frozen Pipes in Texas Homes This Winter

It was only a few weeks ago that we were experiencing record heat, so it seems a little early to worry about frozen pipes in Texas.

However, Texas weather can be volatile. With colder weather approaching, it’s the right time to start prepping your home for winter.

Frozen pipes can result in severe water damage, broken plumbing, massive repair bills, and loss of water supply.

Colossal Repair Bills

A few winters ago, I failed to blow out the sprinkler system and ended up with a geyser in my front yard.

And another one many years ago when the water heater (stupidly placed in the “builder standard” barely insulated attic with no insulation for the water heater, as we see so often in Texas) failed and flooded everything.

With cooler weather approaching Texas, it’s time for homeowners to take action now to prevent pipes from freezing when temperatures plunge this winter.

First Freezes in Texas

Dallas/Fort Worth and Austin often see first freezes from mid to late November.

Houston and San Antonio generally get their first freezes in early December.

But freezing weather has occurred as early as October/November in Texas.

Frozen Pipes

When the mercury drops, keep these 10 handy tips in mind to safeguard your home’s plumbing from frozen pipe disasters:

Insulate exposed water pipes” now before the cold sets in. Pipes and Spigots on outer walls, near drafty windows, and any other exposed pipes have the highest risk of freezing. Focus insulation efforts here first if supplies are limited.
Disconnect garden hoses and drain outdoor faucets/sprinklers entirely when freeze warnings are issued. Don’t leave any water sitting in pipes exposed to freezing air.
Install insulating covers or automatic dripping devices specially made to “keep outdoor faucets safe” once temps drop below freezing.
Allow warm indoor air to freely circulate to “protect pipes from freezing” on exterior walls by opening cabinets under sinks.
“Wrap water pipes” in unheated indoor areas like attics, basements, and garages to prevent cold air from freezing them. Check that existing insulation has yet to become compressed over time.
Know how to safely shut off main water valves and valves by water heaters if “frozen pipes do start leaking or burst.” The ability to shut off water is crucial to prevent catastrophic damage.
Ask family members to take “freeze precautions,” like keeping garage doors closed on cold days. Good weatherproofing also helps protect pipes.
Purchase pipe insulation and covers early, as Texas stores run out quickly during rare freezing spells. Having supplies on hand is vital.
A slow and steady overnight drip, especially along exterior walls, can prevent “freeze-ups” by moving water through pipes. I like using Freeze Miser for this.
Letting warm air circulate around pipes and inspecting insulation for gaps that need patching is “vital for prevention.”

Freeze Miser

One product that I use is the Freeze Miser. I don’t receive any compensation or benefit by mentioning it or clicking the link below.

It’s a product that I use and recommend. Here’s a link: https://www.freezemiser.com/. It’s also available on Amazon. Get it before winter, as it can be in short supply during high-demand times.

It’s Made in the USA and the company is based in Texas.

Take proactive steps to winterize and protect your home’s plumbing before frozen pipe disasters strike this season! Guard against bursts and enjoy peace of mind no matter how frigid this winter gets.