How to Winterize Your Texas Home During the Winter Freeze

​Is Your Home Ready for the Freeze? 

Learn How to Protect Pipes, Pools and More Before It's Too Late!

1. Protect Your Outdoor Faucets
​Exposed outdoor faucets and hoses are vulnerable to freezing temperatures, which can lead to burst pipes. Here's what to do:

• Disconnect and drain all garden hoses.
• Cover outdoor spigots with faucet covers or wrap them with insulation to keep them protected from the cold.

2. Prevent Frozen Pipes Indoors
Frozen pipes are one of the most common winter home issues. Take these precautions:

• Open cabinet doors under sinks in kitchens and bathrooms to allow warm air to circulate around the pipes.
• Let a small trickle of water run from your faucets overnight when temperatures drop below freezing—moving water is less likely to freeze.
• Keep your home’s thermostat set to a consistent temperature, even if you’re leaving the house for an extended period.

3. Drain and Turn Off Lawn Sprinkler Systems
If you have an irrigation system, it’s crucial to winterize it:

• Drain the system to remove any standing water in the pipes.
• Shut off the water supply to your sprinkler system to prevent freezing and potential pipe damage.

4. Space Heater Safety Tips
Space heaters are a helpful way to keep small areas warm, but they require caution, especially if you have kids or pets:

• Always place the space heater on a flat, stable surface and keep it at least 3 feet away from flammable items like bedding, curtains, or furniture.
• Never leave a space heater running unattended, and ensure it has an automatic shut-off feature in case it tips over.
• Keep cords out of the way to avoid tripping hazards, and plug the heater directly into an outlet (not an extension cord).

5. Protect Your Pool
If you own a pool, follow these steps to prevent damage during freezing weather:

• Keep your pool pump running continuously during freezing temperatures to prevent the water from freezing in the pipes.
• If you lose power, drain the pump and filter to avoid cracking.
• Use a pool cover to help retain heat and keep out debris from the winter storm.

6. General Home Winterization Tips

• Check weatherstripping around doors and windows to prevent drafts and heat loss.
• Keep your garage door closed to help maintain warmth in your home.
• Stock up on essential supplies, like bottled water, non-perishable food, flashlights, and extra blankets, in case of power outages.

Winter storms can be unpredictable, but with the right preparation, you can protect your home and family from the cold. Stay safe, stay warm, and take these steps now to avoid the hassle and expense of preventable damage.

If you have questions about protecting your home during winter weather or need to review your homeowners' insurance coverage, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team. We're here to help!

​- Madalyn Sanford