How to Winterize Your Plumbing in Texas (Before a Freeze Hits)

Let’s be real—Central Texas weather has a mind of its own. One day it’s 78° and sunny, and the next we’re waking up to a freeze warning. And while our winters are usually pretty mild, those surprise cold snaps can do some serious damage to your plumbing.

That’s why Peppermint Plumbing put together this simple, no-fuss guide to help you winterize your pipes before things get chilly. A little prep goes a long way! We also made it into a printable for your convenience!

1. Wrap Up Exposed Pipes

Any pipes that run through “cold spots” in your home need a little extra love. Think:

• Garages

• Attics

• Crawl spaces

• Outdoor walls

Foam pipe sleeves are super easy to use—just slide them on and you’re done. If you’re in a pinch, towels or old blankets work until you can pick up proper insulation.

Peppermint Tip: Don’t forget your outdoor faucets. Those little foam faucet covers are cheap and can save you BIG headaches.

2. Unhook Those Hoses

This one’s easy:
Take off your garden hoses → drain them → store them somewhere.

Leaving a hose connected traps water in the pipe behind it, and that’s a recipe for freezing and bursting.

If your house has shut-off valves for outdoor faucets, go ahead and turn those off too.

3. Keep Your House Warm Enough

You don’t need to crank the heat to tropical levels, but keeping your thermostat at 55°F or above makes a HUGE difference.

When the freeze hits:

• Open cabinet doors under sinks so warm air can get in

• Close the garage door

• Keep interior doors open so heat can move around

Super simple, super effective.

4. Let Faucets Drip During Hard Freezes

A little drip goes a long way. Running water is much less likely to freeze, so crack open:

• Hot and cold taps

• Especially the ones on exterior walls

It might raise your water bill a dollar or two, but it can save you thousands in repairs!

5. Don’t Forget the Water Heater

Many water heaters sit in chilly garages or attics. Help them out by:

• Wrapping the nearby pipes in insulation

• Adding a water heater blanket (if approved for your unit)

• Keeping that garage door closed

A warm water heater = happy plumbing.

6. Know Where Your Water Shut-Off Is

If a pipe bursts, turning off the water ASAP can save your floors, walls, and sanity.

Make sure you know:

• Where your main shut-off valve is

• How to use it

• How to shut off your meter if you need to

If you need help finding it, Peppermint Plumbing is always happy to come label it for you.

7. Think About Freeze-Proof Upgrades

If your home is older or has exposed plumbing, here are a few upgrades that make winters way easier:

• Frost-proof hose bibs

• Full-home pipe insulation

• Heat tape

• Smart leak detectors

• Automatic shut-off valves

These are especially helpful if you travel often or have pipes in awkward spots.

When Should You Contact Peppermint Plumbing?

Give us a shout if:

• Your water pressure suddenly drops

• You see water pooling or hear dripping

• You’re not sure your pipes are fully protected

• You want help insulating or winterizing properly

We’re local, we’re friendly, and we’re here for you when winter gets weird.

Stay Ready, Central Texas!

Winter may not stick around long, but it can still cause big problems if we’re caught off guard. A little prep now means fewer surprises later—and Peppermint Plumbing is always here if you need backup. We turned this list into a printable check-list for your convenience! Click HERE to print the check-list and if you really want prepper bonus points from us, laminate it so you can use it year after year!