As we prepare for another round of chilly weather, it’s time to remember that the winter months can bring a few unexpected challenges for homeowners. A sharp drop in temperatures, like the one expected this weekend, can wreak havoc on outdoor plants and plumbing. But with a little preparation, we can protect our homes, gardens, and wallets from the damage that a winter freeze can bring. Here are five tried-and-true tips to help you weather the storm and keep everything safe and sound through the coldest days.
1. Insulate Your Pipes to Keep Them from Freezing
Here in Ease Texas, we’re used to occasional cold snaps, but when temperatures dip below freezing for several hours, pipes—especially those outside or in uninsulated areas—can easily freeze and burst. This can cause significant water damage and lead to costly repairs. The good news is that protecting your pipes doesn’t have to be difficult or expensive.
Start by covering any exposed pipes in your attic, crawl spaces, or along outside walls with foam pipe insulation. If you don’t have foam, old towels or blankets can work as a makeshift solution. For extra protection, consider wrapping pipes in heat tape or using space heaters in areas prone to freezing. Don’t forget to let faucets drip during extremely cold nights—this keeps the water flowing, reducing the pressure that causes pipes to freeze.
2. Wrap Up Your Plants and Shrubs
Start by covering delicate plants with blankets, burlap sacks, or even old sheets—just make sure they don’t touch the plant itself. You can also use mulch or pine straw around the base of plants to help insulate their roots. If you have potted plants, bring them inside or place them in a sheltered spot. And while you’re at it, make sure to water your plants well before the freeze. Moist soil helps protect plant roots better than dry soil, which can crack and cause damage.
3. Keep Your Outdoors Safe from Wind and Ice
Wind chills can freeze pipes and plants in no time, and ice accumulation can damage tree limbs and outdoor structures. So, it’s important to make sure your home’s exterior is ready for the storm.
Trim any overhanging tree branches that could snap under the weight of ice or strong winds. If you have a patio or outdoor decorations, secure them properly or move them indoors if possible. For pipes exposed to the elements, adding windbreaks—like fencing or large outdoor planters—can provide some extra protection. And, if you have outdoor furniture or garden statues, take the time to either move them inside or cover them up to prevent any damage from freezing rain or ice buildup.
4. Prepare Your Heating System for Extra Demands
When a big cold front is headed our way, it’s easy to forget about the importance of heating maintenance until we’re shivering in the living room. But taking care of your home’s heating system ahead of time can help prevent breakdowns during the coldest stretches of winter. In fact, keeping your system running smoothly can also help prevent frozen pipes.
Check your furnace filters and change them if they’re clogged with dust or debris. Make sure your heating system is working efficiently by scheduling a quick tune-up with a local technician if you haven’t done so already. It’s also a good idea to test your space heaters to ensure they’re functioning properly. If you rely on space heaters during a freeze, always follow safety guidelines—keep them away from flammable materials, and never leave them on unattended.
5. Stock Up on Supplies in Case of an Emergency
Everyone is all too familiar with stocking up just in case. Normally, you’d be stocking up before a big tropical storm. This time, instead of it flooding on the roads, it’s going to ice-over.
Make sure you have plenty of bottled water, non-perishable foods, and batteries for flashlights in case of power outages. Stock up on de-icer or sand to help prevent icy walkways and driveways. It’s also a good idea to have extra blankets and warm clothes stored up, just in case the temperature plummets even further than expected. By taking the time to prepare in advance, you’ll be able to stay safe and warm while minimizing the stress of a surprise cold front.
Staying Warm and Safe
While winter with such extreme colds for Texas can be tough, we’re a resilient bunch. By following these simple yet effective tips for protecting pipes and plants, we can keep our homes safe, our gardens thriving, and ourselves warm, even in the coldest weather. So, bundle up, stay prepared, and know that we’re all in this together.