How to Winterize Your Plumbing in Texas: Pipes, Heat and Outage Checklist

A Central Texas freeze can affect exposed plumbing, hot water and home heating at the same time. Use one preparation checklist before cold weather arrives, and have a plan for a power outage. Pipe layout, insulation and equipment differ by home; protection steps reduce risk without guaranteeing that pipes cannot freeze.

Before the Freeze: Protect Plumbing

Disconnect outdoor hoses and drain outdoor lines according to their installation instructions. Insulate accessible exposed hot and cold water pipes, especially in unheated spaces. Use heating cable only when it is approved for the pipe material and installed exactly as instructed.

Locate the main water shutoff. Make sure everyone who may need it knows the location. If a valve is stuck, leaking or unfamiliar, have it assessed before cold weather; do not force it or operate utility-owned equipment without guidance.

Check special equipment instructions. Outdoor tankless water heaters, irrigation, well equipment and water treatment systems need their own freeze-protection procedures. Follow the exact model's manual, especially where powered freeze protection may be lost during an outage. Avoid opening water-heater gas or electrical compartments yourself.

Heating and Outage Preparation

Test heating before the cold arrives and replace a dirty filter as instructed. If the system will not start, blows cold air or shows an error, arrange heating service ahead of the forecast. Ask a technician about combustion safety and backup heat appropriate to your specific system.

Have charged phones, lights, drinking water, blankets and a safe warm location available. Keep working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. Never run a generator, grill or outdoor heater inside a home or garage. CPSC advises placing portable generators outdoors at least 20 feet from the home, with exhaust directed away. Follow all equipment safety instructions.

During Severe Cold

Keep indoor heat steady. Open sink cabinets to help warm vulnerable pipes, moving chemicals out of children's reach. For faucets served by exposed pipes, a small cold-water drip can help; follow local utility restrictions. Do not assume dripping one faucet protects every pipe or outdoor appliance.

If a Pipe Freezes or Bursts

Reduced flow in freezing weather may mean a frozen pipe. Do not use a torch or other flame to thaw it. If the pipe is inaccessible, you see a leak, or safe thawing is uncertain, contact a licensed plumber.

If a pipe bursts, close the main water shutoff only if you can reach and operate it safely. Keep away from wet electrical equipment. See what to do after a burst pipe for the next steps.

Kimco provides scheduled plumbing and heating service across its Central Texas coverage area. Call (737) 260-7255, Monday–Friday, 8 AM–5 PM, to confirm coverage and availability. After-hours emergency service is not available; use emergency services for an immediate safety hazard.

Safety References

See the American Red Cross frozen-pipe guide, CPSC winter-storm safety advice and ENERGY STAR's seasonal maintenance checklist. Use your equipment manuals and current local utility guidance for procedures specific to your home.