When temperatures tumble in Texas, the sudden chill can do more than make you reach for a sweater — it can wreak havoc on your home. Frozen and burst pipes are among the most common and expensive problems homeowners face during a freeze, often leading to water damage, insurance claims, and unexpected repair costs. The good news? A little preparation can make all the difference.

1. Keep Your Faucets Flowing — Even a slow drip of water helps prevent pressure from building up inside pipes — which is what causes them to burst. Let both hot and cold faucets drip slightly overnight, especially those along exterior walls or in colder areas of the home like the garage or laundry room.

2. Open Those Cabinet Doors — If you have plumbing under sinks along exterior walls, leave the cabinet doors open so warm air from your home can reach the pipes. It’s a simple trick that can save you thousands in damage repair.

3. Insulate Exposed Pipes — Pipes in unheated spaces (garages, attics, crawl spaces) are the most vulnerable. You can wrap them in foam pipe insulation or even use towels or pool noodles in a pinch. Don’t forget outdoor spigots — cover them with faucet covers or a thick towel secured with a rubber band.

4. Protect Outdoor Plumbing — Disconnect and drain garden hoses, then shut off and drain outdoor faucets if possible. If your irrigation system isn’t automatic, manually drain the lines to prevent underground pipe bursts that can go unnoticed until spring.

5. Keep Your Heat On — Even When You’re Away — If you’ll be out of town, set your thermostat to at least 55°F to keep warm air circulating. Ask a neighbor to check in if temperatures are expected to drop below freezing.

6. Know Where Your Main Water Shutoff Valve Is — In the unfortunate event that a pipe does burst, turning off the main water supply quickly can minimize water damage. Make sure everyone in your household knows where it’s located and how to use it.

Insurance Tip from Castle Insurance Services:

Even with the best precautions, unexpected damage can happen. Review your home insurance policy to make sure it covers water damage caused by burst pipes or freezing. Not all policies are alike — some may have limits or exclusions you’ll want to understand before a claim is necessary. If you’re unsure what’s covered, or you’d like a free home insurance review, Castle Insurance Services is here to help. We’ll walk you through your current policy and find ways to keep you protected (and possibly save money in the process).

Stay safe, stay warm, and take a few minutes today to prepare your home before the next cold snap hits.