How to Prepare Your Home for Winter: Tips to Avoid Frozen Pipes

Now that winter is here in Houston, the rare chance of frosty mornings or even a light dusting of snow often brings excitement—but it also comes with the challenge of dealing with icy conditions that many aren’t used to. Since freezing temperatures are infrequent here, preparing your home becomes even more crucial to avoid unexpected issues. In this guide, we’ll share essential steps to protect your plumbing and ensure your home is ready for the unique challenges of a Texas winter.

Insulate and Protect Your Plumbing

Exposed pipes and outdoor faucets are some of the most vulnerable areas in freezing weather. Take these steps to safeguard your plumbing:

• Install Hose Bib Covers: Outdoor faucets can freeze easily. Adding hose bib covers provides a layer of insulation to prevent damage.
• Insulate Pipes in Unheated Areas: Pipes located in basements, attics, or crawl spaces should be wrapped with foam insulation. This simple step can significantly reduce the risk of burst pipes.
• Check for Gaps: Seal any openings around pipes where cold air might seep in.

These preventative measures can save you from costly water damage caused by freezing and bursting pipes. For more detailed tips on protecting your plumbing during a Texas cold snap, check out our blog on how to protect your pipes.

Locate and Mark Water Shut-Off Valves

Knowing how to turn off your water supply in an emergency is crucial. Follow these steps:

• Identify the Main Shut-Off Valve: Locate the main water shut-off valve in your home. It’s typically found in the basement, garage, or near the water meter.
• Mark It Clearly: Use a brightly colored tag or label so it’s easy to find in an emergency.
• Practice Turning It Off: Make sure everyone in your household knows how to turn off the water if a pipe bursts.

Acting quickly during a plumbing emergency can minimize damage and save you time and money.

Disconnect and Drain Outdoor Hoses

Outdoor hoses can be a hidden cause of winter plumbing problems. Here’s how to handle them:

• Disconnect all hoses from outdoor faucets.
• Drain any water left in the hoses to prevent freezing.
• Store hoses indoors to extend their lifespan and prevent cracks or splits.

Taking this simple step reduces the risk of water freezing and backing up into your plumbing system.

Seal Drafts to Keep the Cold Out

Drafts can make your home colder and strain your heating system. They can also allow cold air to reach your pipes.

• Inspect Doors and Windows: Check for drafts and seal them with weatherstripping or caulk.
• Close Crawl Space Vents: Prevent cold air from entering areas with exposed pipes.

Not only will this keep your home comfortable, but it will also help maintain energy efficiency.

Service Your Heating System

Before winter fully sets in, make sure your heating system is in optimal condition:

• Schedule a Professional Inspection: A licensed technician can identify and fix any potential issues.
• Replace Filters: Clean filters ensure your system operates efficiently.
• Test Your Thermostat: Make sure it’s functioning correctly and set at a temperature that prevents pipes from freezing.

A well-maintained heating system is essential for a warm and safe winter.

Prepare for Emergencies

Winter storms and freezing temperatures can lead to power outages or other emergencies. Be ready with:

• An Emergency Kit: Include flashlights, batteries, blankets, and non-perishable food.
• Portable Heaters: Have safe, reliable backup heating options.
• Local Resources: Familiarize yourself with emergency shelters and community communication channels in your area.

Being prepared ensures your family’s comfort and safety, no matter what winter throws your way.

Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Winter means increased use of heating appliances, which can pose risks if not monitored. To keep your home safe:

• Test smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors.
• Replace batteries as needed.
• Ensure all devices are in working order to provide early warnings if issues arise.

Enjoy a Worry-Free Winter with Pilot Plumbing

Winter’s challenges don’t have to lead to stress and costly repairs. If freezing temperatures cause plumbing problems in your home, Pilot Plumbing is here to help. From burst pipes to unexpected leaks, our experienced team is ready to resolve your issues quickly and effectively. Stay prepared and contact Pilot Plumbing to keep your home running smoothly, no matter how cold it gets!