The 2021 winter storm proved that Central Texas is not immune to dangerous freezes. Thousands of homes in our service area suffered burst pipes, failed water heaters, and heating systems that could not keep up. The difference between homes that made it through with minimal damage and those that faced $10,000+ in repairs often came down to preparation. Here is a complete checklist for plumbing and HVAC.
Plumbing: Protect Your Pipes
Insulate all exposed pipes. Pipes in attics, crawl spaces, garages, and exterior walls are most vulnerable. Foam pipe insulation is inexpensive and effective for mild freezes (28–32°F). For hard freezes below 25°F, add heat tape to the most exposed runs — especially long horizontal runs through the attic. Focus on both hot and cold water supply lines.
Know your shut-off valve. If a pipe bursts, you need to stop the water flow immediately. Locate your main shut-off valve now — it is typically near the street at the meter and again where the main line enters the house. Turn it off and back on to make sure it works. If it is stuck or leaking, get it replaced before freeze season.
Disconnect outdoor hoses. A connected hose traps water in the hose bib. When that water freezes, it can crack the valve body or the pipe behind the wall. Disconnect all hoses, drain them, and close any interior shut-off valves for outdoor faucets. If you have frost-free hose bibs, they still need the hose disconnected to drain properly.
Drip faucets during the freeze. When sustained temperatures below 28°F are forecast, open the faucet furthest from where the main line enters the house to a slow drip. Moving water resists freezing. This is especially important for supply lines running through attics or exterior walls.
Water Heater: Prepare for High Demand
Flush sediment from the tank. A water heater full of sediment is less efficient and slower to recover. During a freeze, you may be running more hot water than usual (dripping faucets, extra showers, laundry). A clean tank recovers faster. Attach a garden hose to the drain valve and flush until the water runs clear.
Check the temperature setting. Standard recommendation is 120°F. Some homeowners lower it in mild weather to save energy. Before a freeze, make sure it is at 120°F so recovery time is reasonable when demand spikes.
Insulate the hot water pipes. Hot water lines running through unheated spaces lose heat rapidly in a freeze. Insulating them reduces heat loss and helps prevent freezing. The first 6 feet of pipe from the water heater are most important.
Heating System: Make Sure It Can Handle the Load
Test your system now. Switch to heat mode and set the thermostat to 75°F. Verify the system starts, the blower runs, and warm air comes from the vents. If your furnace has not run since last winter, this is the time to discover problems — not during the freeze.
Change the air filter. A clogged filter restricts airflow and reduces heating output. During a freeze, your system will run near-continuously. A clean filter ensures maximum airflow and efficiency when you need it most.
Check backup heat. If you have a heat pump, make sure the auxiliary heat strips are functioning. Heat pumps lose efficiency below 30°F and rely on electric heat strips to supplement. If those strips have failed (common after sitting unused for months), your heat pump alone may not keep up during a hard freeze.
Have a backup plan. Space heaters, wood-burning fireplaces, and generator-ready setups are worth having. If the power grid fails like it did in 2021, your central HVAC cannot run. A portable propane or kerosene heater can keep one room livable. Never use a gas oven or outdoor grill for indoor heating — carbon monoxide risk is serious.
Emergency Kit
Keep these accessible during freeze warnings: main water shut-off tool (meter key), flashlight and batteries, extra blankets, non-perishable food, bottled water, portable phone charger, and a plumber's phone number. Kimco is available for freeze emergencies across our entire service area at (737) 260-7255.