Houston winters are usually mild, but when a winter storm hits, it can catch homeowners off guard. Freezing temperatures, hard freezes, and power outages can cause serious (and costly) damage if you’re not prepared. A little planning goes a long way in protecting your home, landscaping, and loved ones.
Below is a comprehensive, Houston‑specific guide to winterizing your home before the cold sets in.
1. Protect Your Plumbing & Pipes
Frozen pipes are one of the biggest risks during a Houston freeze. Since many homes aren’t built for prolonged cold, it’s especially important to take preventative steps.
Faucets & Exterior Plumbing
- Cover all outdoor faucets with insulated faucet covers (hardware stores sell inexpensive foam covers).
- Disconnect and drain garden hoses.
- Wrap exposed pipes (especially in garages, crawl spaces, and exterior walls) with foam pipe insulation or heat tape.
Vacuum Breakers
- Vacuum breakers are often found on exterior faucets and irrigation systems.
- These small components can crack easily in freezing temperatures.
- Insulate them thoroughly or remove and cap them if possible.
Interior Pipes
- Open cabinet doors under sinks to allow warm air to circulate.
- Let faucets drip slowly during a hard freeze—especially on exterior-facing walls.
- Know where your main water shutoff valve is located before an emergency.
2. Winterize Your Sprinkler & Irrigation System
Sprinkler systems are often overlooked but are highly vulnerable to freezing.
- Turn off the irrigation system at the controller.
- Shut off the water supply to the system.
- Drain any above‑ground pipes and backflow preventers.
- Insulate exposed backflow valves and pipes.
If you’re unsure how to fully drain the system, focus at minimum on shutting it off and insulating all visible components.
3. Pool & Spa Freeze Protection
Houston pools typically have built‑in freeze protection—but only if they have power.
- Make sure freeze protection is enabled on your pool controller.
- Keep the pump running during freezing temperatures (moving water is less likely to freeze).
- Insulate exposed pool equipment and pipes.
- If a power outage is expected, consult your pool professional for guidance on draining vulnerable components.
Never drain your pool completely—this can cause structural damage.
4. Prepare for Power Outages
Winter storms in Texas often bring rolling blackouts or extended outages. Preparation is key.
Emergency Power & Heat
- Fully charge phones, power banks, and backup batteries.
- If you have a generator, test it ahead of time and follow all safety instructions (never use indoors).
- Keep extra blankets, warm clothing, and sleeping bags accessible.
Food & Water
- Store at least one gallon of water per person per day (3–5 days recommended).
- Have shelf‑stable foods that don’t require cooking.
- Keep a manual can opener.
Lighting & Safety
- Use flashlights instead of candles to reduce fire risk.
- Keep a battery‑powered radio for updates.
5. Protect Plants & Landscaping
Houston landscaping isn’t typically freeze‑hardy.
- Cover plants with frost cloth, old sheets, or blankets (avoid plastic touching leaves).
- Water plants before a freeze—hydrated plants tolerate cold better.
- Bring potted plants indoors or into a garage.
- Mulch around roots to help insulate the soil.
6. Keep Pets Safe & Comfortable
Cold weather can be dangerous for pets—especially those not accustomed to freezing temps.
- Bring pets indoors during hard freezes.
- Provide warm bedding away from drafts.
- Ensure pets have access to unfrozen water.
- Never leave pets outside overnight during freezing temperatures.
7. What To Do If a Pipe Bursts
Despite preparation, pipe bursts can still happen.
- Shut off the main water supply immediately.
- Turn off electricity in affected areas if water is near outlets or appliances.
- Open faucets to drain remaining water from the system.
- Use towels, buckets, or a wet/dry vacuum to limit water damage.
- Contact a licensed plumber as soon as possible.
- Document damage with photos for insurance purposes.
If you’re leaving your home during a freeze, consider shutting off the water supply entirely.
8. Final Winter Storm Checklist
Before temperatures drop:
- Insulate faucets and exposed pipes
- Shut off and protect sprinkler systems
- Confirm pool freeze protection
- Stock emergency supplies
- Protect plants and pets
- Locate your main water shutoff
Stay Safe, Stay Prepared
Winter storms in Houston may be rare, but preparation makes all the difference. Taking proactive steps now can help prevent costly repairs, keep your family safe, and give you peace of mind when the temperature drops.
If you have questions about preparing your home—or want advice specific to your property—our Energy Realty team is always here to help.
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