Winter weather may be rare in Central Texas, but when freezing temperatures arrive, plumbing systems can be put at serious risk. Burst pipes, frozen faucets, and water damage represent some of the most expensive and inconvenient problems a homeowner can face. In our latest video, we walk you through practical steps you can take to winterize your home and protect your plumbing from the dangers of cold weather.
Why Winterizing Matters
When water freezes inside pipes, it expands. That expansion can cause pipes to crack or burst, leading to leaks, flooding, and costly repairs. Homeowners across Texas saw just how vulnerable their systems were during past cold snaps. Preparing ahead of time minimizes stress, damage, and repair bills.
Start with Outdoor Plumbing
One of the simplest steps you can take is to disconnect and drain outdoor hoses. Leaving hoses attached traps water in the lines, creating a risk for frost and ice buildup inside exterior faucets and connected piping.
Shelton Plumbing recommends turning off your outdoor water supply at the shut-off valves and storing hoses until warmer weather returns.
Insulate Exposed Pipes
Pipes in unheated spaces like garages, crawlspaces, or attics are especially susceptible to freezing. Wrapping exposed pipes with foam insulation sleeves or heat tape adds an extra layer of protection against cold air intrusion.
Our team regularly sees burst pipes originate in areas people forget to insulate. Taking five minutes to wrap vulnerable lines can save hundreds or even thousands in future repairs.
Seal Drafts and Gaps
Cold air doesn’t just come through the front door. Gaps around windows, doors, and foundation vents let chilly air into spaces where plumbing runs. Use caulking or weatherstripping to seal these cracks and reduce heat loss.
This simple step keeps your home warmer and lowers the risk of your internal pipes dipping below freezing.
Protect Water Heaters and Indoor Systems
Your water heater plays a key role in keeping water flowing even during cold snaps. In addition to insulating nearby pipes, set your water heater thermostat to at least 120°F to maintain flow and reduce heat loss.
If your home has a basement or utility room that gets cold, consider adding a space heater or insulation to keep temperatures above freezing. Keeping the area warm protects the tank and connected plumbing.
When to Call a Professional
Some winterizing tasks are perfect for a DIY weekend project, but others require the trained eye of a plumber. If you’re unsure about the condition of your pipes, have complex plumbing layouts, or want to ensure your system is protected before cold weather arrives, Shelton Plumbing is here to help.
Our licensed, insured technicians have decades of experience helping Central Texas homeowners prepare for every season. We can assess vulnerable areas, install insulation, and offer tailored solutions to protect your home’s plumbing.
Final Thoughts
Cold weather shouldn’t catch you off guard. Taking a few proactive steps can dramatically reduce your risk of a plumbing emergency once temperatures dip. Between disconnecting outdoor hoses, insulating exposed pipes, sealing drafts, and protecting your water heater, you’ll be well on your way to a winter-ready home.
Watch our full winterizing guide on YouTube for visual instructions and more tips from the Shelton Plumbing team.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=Dg-H2vsXiHk&feature=youtu.be