How to Winterize Plumbing in Houston

Houston winters may be short, but a single night of freezing temperatures can cause thousands of dollars in plumbing damage. Many homeowners learned this the hard way during Winter Storm Uri, when frozen pipes burst across Texas and flooded homes overnight.

Even though Houston doesn’t experience months of snow, your home’s plumbing still needs protection from sudden cold snaps. This guide explains how to winterize plumbing in Houston, prevent pipe bursts, and keep your home safe when the next freeze hits.

Why Houston Homes Are at Risk During Freezes

Most Houston and Katy homes are built for heat—not cold. Plumbing lines often run through attics, garages, or exterior walls where insulation is thin. When temperatures drop below 32°F, the water inside these pipes can freeze, expand, and cause the pipe to split open.

Burst pipes are one of the leading causes of winter home damage in Texas, costing homeowners thousands in water repairs and cleanup. If your home has older copper or PVC piping, or if water lines run along exterior walls, your plumbing is especially vulnerable.

Step-by-Step Guide to Winterize Your Plumbing

1. Insulate and Protect Indoor Pipes

Start by identifying pipes in unheated spaces—garages, crawl spaces, attics, and under-sink cabinets. Wrap each with foam insulation or pipe sleeves.

For pipes near exterior walls, open cabinet doors during cold nights to let warm air circulate. These simple steps can prevent freezing and help maintain steady water flow throughout your plumbing system.

2. Seal Cold Air Entry Points

Check where pipes enter the home through walls and floors. Use caulk or spray foam to seal cracks and holes that allow cold air inside. This not only protects your plumbing but also helps lower your energy bills by preventing heat loss.

3. Maintain Indoor Heat

Keep your thermostat at or above 55°F, even when you’re away. Never shut off your heater completely during a cold front. Consistent indoor warmth keeps pipes from reaching freezing temperatures.

Protecting Outdoor Plumbing and Fixtures

1. Disconnect and Drain Hoses

Before the next freeze, detach all garden hoses from outdoor spigots. Shut off the water supply to outdoor faucets if you have a dedicated valve, and drain remaining water from the line. A connected hose traps water that can freeze and back up into your plumbing system.

2. Cover Outdoor Faucets

Use insulated faucet covers—sold at most hardware stores—to protect outdoor fixtures. In an emergency, wrap the faucet with a towel and secure it inside a plastic bag to keep it dry and insulated.

3. Winterize Sprinkler and Irrigation Systems

Your sprinkler lines can freeze just as easily as indoor pipes. Drain them completely or hire a professional to blow out the lines.
Backflow preventers should be covered with towels and plastic during a freeze to prevent cracking.

For more detailed irrigation protection tips, see Texas A&M AgriLife Extension’s guide on freeze protection.

Freeze Protection Tips for Special Plumbing Systems

1. Water Heaters

If your water heater is located in the attic or garage, it’s exposed to the cold. Wrap it in an insulated blanket and insulate surrounding pipes.
An insulated water heater maintains temperature more efficiently, which reduces energy costs and protects against freezing. If you notice leaks or rust, schedule professional water leak repair before the temperature drops.

2. PEX vs. Copper Pipes

PEX piping is more flexible and can handle small expansions caused by freezing water. However, it still needs insulation for full protection. Older copper and PVC pipes are less forgiving and more likely to burst. If you have frequent leaks or an aging system, you may benefit from a whole-home repiping service.

3. Outdoor Tanks and Water Systems

If you have a well pump or outdoor tank, wrap it with insulation and consider a heat lamp for extra freeze protection.

Extra Protection During Severe Weather

1. Know Your Main Water Shut-Off Valve

Locate your home’s main shut-off valve before winter. If a pipe bursts, shutting off the water immediately can prevent major flooding. Most Houston homes have the valve near the front foundation or close to the water meter box.

2. Let Faucets Drip During Hard Freezes

On nights below freezing, let a slow drip run from faucets located on exterior walls. Moving water is less likely to freeze and helps relieve pressure buildup inside the pipes.

3. Backup Power for Cold Nights

Freezes often come with power outages. MET Plumbing offers gas line installation services that allow you to connect standby generators, keeping heaters and pumps running during blackouts.

Common Winter Plumbing Mistakes to Avoid

• Leaving hoses connected to outdoor faucets.
• Forgetting to open cabinets or maintain indoor heat during a freeze.
• Using rags or paper as pipe insulation (ineffective against cold).
• Ignoring minor leaks before freezing temperatures. Even a drip can turn into a burst pipe under pressure.

Pro tip: Don’t wait until pipes are frozen to act. Preventive steps are far cheaper and easier than emergency repairs.

When to Call a Professional Plumber

Call a licensed plumber if:

• You have no water flow during a freeze.
• You notice water stains, bulging drywall, or hissing sounds behind walls.
• A pipe has burst or is leaking after thawing.

MET Plumbing’s team of Houston and Katy professionals can safely thaw frozen pipes, repair leaks, and inspect your system for damage. Each plumber is licensed, background-checked, and trained to restore your home’s comfort quickly.

Year-Round Maintenance for Freeze Prevention

• Schedule annual plumbing inspections each fall.
• Replace worn insulation and caulking around pipes.
• Test outdoor faucets and irrigation systems before cold weather.
• Install smart leak detectors to catch issues early.

Preventive care keeps your plumbing system efficient and ready for any temperature swing.

Keep Your Home Safe This Winter

Texas may not have long winters, but even one night of freezing temperatures can cause serious plumbing damage. By insulating pipes, sealing gaps, and preparing outdoor fixtures, you can avoid costly repairs and protect your home’s comfort. MET Plumbing has helped Houston and Katy homeowners prepare for winter for over 30 years—offering trusted service, honest pricing, and proven results.

Schedule your winter plumbing inspection today with MET Plumbing to make sure your home is ready for the next Texas freeze.