5 Things to Do Before A Freeze in Texas

When Austin and surrounding areas have severe subfreezing weather in the forecast, panic ensues. Texans are just not used to dealing with such cold weather, so they freeze like deer in headlights when freezing weather is one its way—kind of like how Los Angelinos get confused and drive slow AF when water droplets start falling from the sky. But I digress. Whether you’re in the Austin area or somewhere else with potential frigid temps, following a few precautions will help protect your property and prevent damage. 

Keep the Cold Air Out, Duh

Make repairs to broken or drafty windows and doors. In a pinch you can use Duct Tape or rolled up towels to minimize gaps under doors. Keep garage doors closed for the duration of the freeze, and if possible insulate with styrofoam sheets. 

If you live in a home with pier-and-beam, cover the vents on your home’s foundation. You can get magnetic covers or foam blocks made specifically for this purpose at your local hardware store—curbside! 

Going out of town? Leave the heat on 24 hours a day at a temperature setting of no less than 55 degrees Fahrenheit and crack open the cabinet doors under the kitchen and bathroom sink to allow heat to reach the plumbing.

Take Care of Yo’ Pipes

Prepare to insulate pipes in unheated and drafty areas, such as an attic or garage. Hardware and plumbing supply stores carry handy insulation products to help keep pipes in these areas from freezing. Outside, remove hoses from faucets and wrap exposed faucets with towels or a styrofoam insulator (old pool noodles could work too!) 

Also, Austin Water encourages all customers to turn off irrigation systems during the winter months to help conserve water. If you have the time and knowledge, it’s also a good idea to winterize your sprinkler system using the blow out method.  

Finally, check manufacturer recommendations for your tanked and tankless water heaters. Not all require or recommend covering them during a freeze. 

Hey Snoop, Drip it Like it’s Hot

When the outside temperature is below 28 degrees Fahrenheit for 4 hours or more, drip your outside faucets 24 hours a day at a rate of 5 drops per minute. (Be sure to turn off the faucets after the threat of freezing weather.) 

In most parts of Texas right now, we don’t need to be dripping indoor faucets. However, if or when your power goes out (no heat) AND it is below 28 degrees Fahrenheit outside for 4 hours or more, a slow drip may be necessary. Drip at a rate of 5 drops per minute. This includes cold and hot water taps in your kitchen sink, bath lavatories, bath tubs, showers, wet bar sinks, etc. In addition, leave all drains open including lavatories, sinks, and bathtubs. As everyone else in the city drips their faucets, the water pressure may drop and/or the dripping or stream may subside. If it does, you may have to open the faucets some more.

If you notice any water running from the house or down/under your walls, you’ve likely got a busted pipe… which leads me to the next very important tip.

Locate Your Water Shutoff

Locate the water main shutoff valve and keep it clear of debris and obstacles at all times. This is important in the event you experience a leak inside your property. 

Remember, you have two water shutoff valves—one at the perimeter of your property and a city shutoff value that’s closer to the street. Here are ways to find your home’s main water shut off valve.

If you cannot find your home’s shutoff valve or if it is damaged, then you should be prepared to access the city shutoff valve in the meter box under a 6″ metal lid. You may need a water meter key to open the meter box, which can be purchased at most hardware stores. Apply oil such as WD-40 to the cut-off valve before operating to prevent the valve from breaking. Watch a video about how to locate your water shutoff.

Be Prepared & Tune in for Emergency Alerts

Download the Ready Central Texas mobile app to learn more about how to be emergency prepared and safety aware. 

You can also sign up for Emergency Alerts at WarnCentralTexas.org

If it’s not already in your home emergency kit, get a hand-crank radio… because electricity is not guaranteed in Texas y’all. 

And finally, water… fill your tub with water or have some gallons of water on hand in case we lose water and/or power for several days. 

After you’ve prepared your Texas home for a freeze, all there’s left to do is ENJOY!