Arrow Plumbing: Houston Frozen Pipe Prevention Guide (2025)

As a potential freeze approaches, Houston homeowners face the risk of frozen pipes when temperatures drop. At Arrow Plumbing, your trusted Houston plumber, we’re here to help you prepare your home to weather the cold. Follow these expert tips to prevent frozen pipes, protect your plumbing, and avoid costly repairs.

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Why Do Pipes Freeze in Houston?

In colder temperatures, water expands as it freezes, putting stress on your pipes. This can lead to cracks, bursts, and even flooding. Pipes located along exterior walls, in garages, attics, crawl spaces, and outdoor areas like hose bibs and sprinkler systems are most vulnerable. While Houston doesn’t experience extended freezes often, short-term cold snaps can still cause significant plumbing damage.

What You Need to Know Before a Freeze

The most important step in freeze preparation is knowing where your main water shutoff valve is located and how to use it. In the event of a burst pipe, quickly shutting off your water can prevent extensive damage. Find your shutoff valve near your water meter, where the main line enters your home, or inside the house near an exterior wall. Teach all household members how to locate and use this valve.

7 Steps to Prevent Frozen Pipes

1. Insulate Exposed Pipes

Wrap exposed pipes with foam, pipe insulation, or even towels and duct tape. Pay special attention to pipes in unheated areas like crawl spaces, attics, garages, and under sinks.

2. Protect Outdoor Faucets and Valves

Use faucet covers or wrap outdoor valves and fixtures with insulating materials like towels, newspapers, or plastic bags. Cover them further with buckets or trash cans for added protection.
Turn off and Drain Down Backflow Preventer (Sprinkler System) following these steps.

3. Keep Garage Doors Closed

If your garage contains water supply lines, keep the doors tightly shut to trap warmth.

4. Open Cabinet Doors

Allow warm air to circulate by opening cabinets under sinks, especially on exterior walls. Make sure childproofing measures are in place if kids are present.

5. Maintain Consistent Heat

Keep your thermostat at a steady temperature, day and night. If leaving town, set it no lower than 60°F to keep your pipes warm.

6. Turn Off and Drain Water for Extreme Cold

If temperatures drop below 20°F for more than four hours:

Step 1: Fill tubs with water for flushing toilets.

Step 2: Shut off the main water valve (at the meter or freeze-protected valve).

Step 3: Open all faucets to allow expansion if freezing occurs.

7. Gradually Restore Water

When temperatures rise above 25°F, check for leaks before turning faucets off. Restore water flow carefully to prevent sudden pressure changes.

Special Considerations for Houston Residents

Outdoor Kitchens, Pools, and Fountains

Shut off water valves and cover outdoor kitchen faucets.
Run pool pumps continuously during freezing weather to prevent ice buildup.

Sprinkler and Irrigation Systems (Backflow Preventers) »

Shut off incoming water valves
Open test ports to release pressure, insulate pipes, and cover with plastic bags or trash cans

Water Heaters

Tank Water Heaters: These are usually safe during a Houston freeze.
Tankless Water Heaters: Insulate pipes and ensure freeze protection systems are working. If mounted outside, contact us for guidance. During power outages, tankless systems are at higher risk—call Arrow Plumbing for support.

Dealing with Frozen Pipes? Discover Tips to Safely Defrost Your Plumbing »

Stay Weather-Ready with Arrow Plumbing

Protect your home from freezing temperatures and avoid costly repairs by preparing your plumbing now. Whether you need expert advice, emergency services, or assistance winterizing your pipes, Arrow Plumbing is here to help.

Call us at 281-240-6868 or complete the form below to schedule your service today.

Your trusted Houston plumber is ready to keep your pipes safe and your home comfortable—even during unexpected cold snaps.