HOUSTON — All signs point toward a brief but intense hard freeze moving into the Houston area this weekend and lasting through early next week. With the potential for freezing rain on the horizon, local homeowners are being urged to move beyond basic preparations to avoid costly pipe bursts and property damage.
Alex, with Aleska LLC Texas Design Build Solutions, warns that Houstonians shouldn’t wait for the thermometer to hit 32 degrees to take action.
“Pipes don’t necessarily wait for the freezing mark,” Alex explains. “Because of condensation—similar to how a refrigerator works—water inside an uninsulated pipe can actually become colder than the outside air. We see pipes freeze and burst at 35 degrees when there is sleet or wind involved.”
To keep your property safe, here are five critical areas to address before the ice arrives:
1. The “Spigot” Essentials
While most people know to wrap their outdoor faucets, many forget the most important first step: disconnect your hoses. Leaving a hose attached traps water against the house, which can lead to a burst pipe inside the wall.
If you haven’t made it to the hardware store for a foam cover, Alex suggests a DIY solution: “You can use newspaper wrapped in a Ziploc bag and secured with tape. Anything to insulate that exposed metal will help.”
2. Outdoor Kitchens & Irrigation
Modern building codes require outdoor kitchens and sprinkler systems to have their own shut-off valves. These are often bright red or blue handles located near the equipment.
The Pro Tip: Shut off the water supply to the outdoor kitchen and leave the faucet handles in the “open” position to relieve pressure. This prevents the “blow-off” valves on your irrigation system from failing during a hard freeze.
3. Keep the Pool Moving
If you have a pool or fountain, the best defense is motion. Most modern pool systems have automated freeze protection that kicks in, but you should double-check your settings. “Make sure the water is trickling through your fountains and pool pipes all night,” Alex advises. Moving water is significantly less likely to freeze and shatter your expensive pool equipment.
4. Know Your “Main”
In the event of a major leak, every second counts. Locate your whole-house shut-off valve now—don’t wait until you’re standing in ankle-deep water. This is typically found in a plastic ground box near the street. Alex notes that a simple pair of pliers is usually all you need to turn the valve and stop the flow of water to the entire property.
5. Pets, Plants, and Tropicals
Finally, remember the “living” parts of your landscape. Houston’s signature tropical plants are particularly vulnerable. Ensure they are wrapped tightly, and most importantly, bring all pets indoors as the temperatures drop.
The bottom line: A little preparation today prevents a massive repair bill tomorrow. Stay warm, Houston.
