Top Things to Do to Winterize Your Home in Texas

Freezing temperatures in Texas can cause serious home damage if you’re not prepared. Because many Texas homes aren’t built for prolonged cold, taking a few preventative steps can help protect pipes, irrigation systems, and interior spaces during a freeze.

Below are the top things Texas homeowners should do to winterize their home before temperatures drop.

Why Winterizing Your Home in Texas Matters

When temperatures fall below freezing, water inside pipes and irrigation systems can freeze and expand, leading to burst pipes, water damage, and costly repairs.

Winterizing your Texas home helps:

• Prevent frozen or burst pipes
• Protect irrigation systems
• Reduce water damage risk
• Avoid emergency repairs during cold snaps

1. Set Your Thermostat & Protect Interior Plumbing

• Keep your thermostat set to at least 65°F, even when away
• Maintain consistent heat throughout the home
• Drip faucets on exterior walls during freezing temperatures
• Open cabinet doors under sinks to allow warm air circulation
• Locate your main water shut-off valve

Safety reminder: Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and never leave space heaters unattended.

2. Winterize Plumbing, Laundry Areas & Exterior Water Lines

Plumbing near garages, exterior walls, and utility rooms is especially vulnerable during Texas freezes.

• Insulate exposed pipes in garages, attics, and exterior walls
• Disconnect and drain outdoor hoses
• Cover outdoor spigots with insulated covers
• Shut off exterior water lines if possible
• Avoid running washing machines or dishwashers overnight during hard freezes
• Check laundry rooms located in garages or along exterior walls

3. Turn Off & Drain Irrigation Systems, Double Check Valves & RPZs

Irrigation and backflow systems are often overlooked but highly susceptible to freeze damage.

Before freezing temperatures:

• Turn OFF irrigation controllers
• Open Double Check Valves, RPZs, and irrigation valves to drain trapped water
• Ensure no standing water remains in the system

Helpful Resources:
View step-by-step brochures on how to winterize DCAs and RPZs here: Winterizing your Backflow RPZ and Winterizing your Backflow DCA

4. Seal Doors, Windows & Draft Areas

• Seal gaps around doors and windows with weatherstripping
• Close blinds or curtains at night to retain heat
• Keep garage doors closed
• Check attic and garage insulation for drafts

5. Important Cold Weather Safety Reminders

• Never use ovens, grills, or generators to heat your home
• Never operate generators indoors or in garages
• Do not completely shut off water if the heat is turned off

6. If You’re Leaving Town During a Texas Freeze

• Leave your heat on
• Shut off the main water supply if gone for an extended period
• Ask a neighbor to check on your home

Final Thoughts: Winterizing Your Home in Texas

Texas freezes may be short, but the damage they cause can be long-lasting. Preparing your home ahead of time—especially plumbing and irrigation systems—can help prevent costly repairs and provide peace of mind during cold weather.