When winter rolls into Texas, it’s always unpredictable. One week it’s mild and sunny, and the next we’re waking up to freezing temperatures that turn your plumbing into an unexpected science experiment. Burst pipes are one of the most stressful cold-weather emergencies a homeowner can face; They’re fast, messy, and expensive.
But with a little prep (and a few insider tips), you can keep your plumbing protected all season long.
Let’s walk through some practical, low-effort ways to dodge burst pipes this winter.
1. Don’t Ignore the “Cold Spots” in Your Home
You know those areas you avoid in winter because they’re just colder for no reason? That’s also where your pipes are working the hardest.
These areas could be in:
- Garages
- Attics
- Under-insulated exterior walls
- Laundry rooms
- Under-sink cabinets on outside walls
Add a portable sensor or smart temperature monitor in these areas. It’s a simple move that helps you catch drops before they turn into pipe damage. And if you’re planning future home improvements, insulating these cold spots can be part of plumbing upgrades that boost home value too.
2. Give Your Outdoor Faucets a Little TLC
Most burst-pipe disasters start with outdoor plumbing. Before temperatures drop:
- Disconnect and drain all hoses
- Install insulated faucet covers
- Check for drips or leaks you might’ve ignored during summer
If you have backyard irrigation or a hose with a slow drip, fixing it now brings cost savings with a maintained plumbing system. This keeps you from waking up to a mini-ice rink on the patio.
3. Let Your Faucets Drip (But Not All of Them)
We’re not talking a full-on trickle from every sink in the house. Just turn on faucets connected to pipes running along exterior walls or cold-prone areas. A steady drip helps relieve pressure buildup inside the pipe so it doesn’t freeze and burst.
Pro tip: Use a small bowl to collect the water for plants so you’re not wasting any.
4. Open Those Cabinet Doors, Your Pipes Need Warmth Too
If you have bathroom or kitchen sinks on exterior walls, leave the cabinet doors open when temperatures dip. Allowing warm air to circulate is surprisingly effective at preventing freezing.
Bonus: This is also a great time to check for small leaks, dampness, or mold growth you might’ve missed.
5. Know Your Main Water Shut-Off Valve (Seriously, Find It Now)
This tip isn’t glamorous, but it’s the one that saves the most money. If a pipe does burst, knowing exactly where to turn off your water can prevent thousands of dollars in damage.
Take two minutes today to locate the valve. It’s usually near the water meter or where the main line enters your home, and make sure it turns easily. If it doesn’t, that’s a quick fix we can help with before winter sets in.
6. Schedule a Quick Pre-Winter Plumbing Check
A professional inspection isn’t just for older homes. A quick winterizing visit can:
- Spot vulnerable pipes
- Address low insulation around plumbing
- Catch early corrosion or loose fittings
- Help you prevent plumbing repairs before selling your house
- Improve overall home efficiency
And if you’re already making home upgrades, like an HVAC improvement or insulation update, your plumbing check can support larger goals like increasing home value with new HVAC or boosting comfort throughout the home.
7. Help Your Home “Hold Heat” Better
You don’t need a full remodel to help your home stay warmer during cold snaps. Smart, inexpensive improvements like weatherstripping, attic insulation, or sealing gaps around doors actually help your plumbing too.
A tighter, warmer home means your pipes stay above freezing, and you may even improve indoor air quality and home value along the way.
Keep Your Pipes Safe This Winter. Quarter Moon Has Your Back !
Texas winters are unpredictable, but protecting your plumbing doesn’t have to be. A little early prep goes a long way in preventing burst pipes, saving money, and keeping your home comfortable when temps drop.
If you want a professional winter plumbing check, an inspection of cold-vulnerable pipes, or help locating your shut-off valve, the Quarter Moon team is ready.
Call us at (210) 651-5899 to get winter-ready before the next cold snap arrives.