Houston is known for heat, not ice. But anyone who lived through February 2021 remembers how fast that can change.
During Winter Storm Uri, more than 4.5 million Texas homes and businesses lost power, some for several days. Pipes in thousands of Houston homes froze and burst. A few simple steps now can help protect your home if a hard freeze comes again.
Quick answer: To protect your Houston home from a freeze, insulate exposed pipes, cover outdoor faucets and disconnect hoses, open cabinet doors under sinks on exterior walls, let a faucet drip, and know where your main water shutoff valve is. If a pipe bursts, shut off the water right away.
Why Texas Homes Are Vulnerable
Texas homes do not see extreme cold often, and many have insulation that is not designed for it. During Uri, the state's power grid failed, and without heat, pipes in homes across the state froze and burst. According to Texas Farm Bureau Insurance, roughly 16% of Texans reported that pipes in their home froze and burst during the storm.
Before the Freeze: Your Prep Checklist
Outside
- Disconnect garden hoses from outdoor faucets.
- Cover outdoor faucets with insulated faucet covers.
- Cover or insulate exposed pipes, including any near the foundation or in unheated areas.
- Keep the garage door closed if water lines run through the garage.
Inside
- Open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors so warm air can reach the pipes, especially on exterior walls. Move cleaners and chemicals out of reach of kids and pets.
- Let a faucet drip. The American Red Cross recommends letting cold water drip from the faucet at a trickle.
- Seal drafts around windows, doors, and the foundation with weather stripping, foam sealant, or caulk.
Know Your Shutoff
Find your main water shutoff valve now, before you need it. Your Texas home inspection report should note where it is. (See Your Home Inspection Report, Decoded.)
If a Pipe Freezes
- Open the faucet. Fully open the cold water faucet nearest the frozen pipe to relieve pressure.
- Warm it slowly. Use a hair dryer or warm, wet towels.
- Never use an open flame to thaw a frozen pipe.
If a Pipe Bursts
Shut off the water immediately at the main valve. The Red Cross notes this will minimize damage. Then call a plumber and take photos of the damage for your insurance claim. (See Your Fall Home Checkup for tips on keeping your policy information handy.)
Leaving Town for the Holidays?
If you will be away during a freeze, some plumbers suggest turning off your main water valve and opening faucets to drain the pipes before you leave. Ask a plumber whether that makes sense for your home.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I drip my faucets during a freeze? The American Red Cross recommends letting cold water drip from the faucet at a trickle to help prevent frozen pipes.
Why open the cabinet doors under my sinks? It lets warmer air from your home circulate around the pipes, which is especially important for sinks on exterior walls.
What should I do if a pipe bursts? Shut off your main water valve right away to minimize damage, then call a plumber.
How do I safely thaw a frozen pipe? Open the nearest cold water faucet, then warm the pipe slowly with a hair dryer or warm, wet towels. Never use an open flame.
Ready for Whatever Winter Brings
Knowing your home is part of owning it. Ryan Adams and The Adams Group TX are here for our clients long after closing, whether you need a plumber recommendation or advice on your next move. Call us at (832) 308-7633 or visit us at 5822 Sienna Parkway, Suite 500, Missouri City, TX 77459.
