Houston Winter Freeze: What to Check Before You Buy, and What to Do Before the Next One

I lived in Westbury through the February 2021 freeze, and I have seen what a few hard days of cold can do to homes that were never built for it. Houston does not freeze often, which is exactly why a freeze is so damaging when it comes. Pipes run through attics and exterior walls, and many homes have little insulation protecting them.

What to look at when buying

• Past freeze damage: ask whether the home had burst pipes in 2021 or another event, what was repaired, and by whom. Ask for receipts and insurance claim records.
• Where the plumbing runs: exterior walls and attic runs are the most exposed. Newer homes with pipes in conditioned space fare better.
• Water shutoff: find the main shutoff and confirm it works before you need it.
• Outdoor fixtures: exposed hose bibs, irrigation backflow preventers, and pool equipment are common failure points.

Before a freeze is forecast

When a hard freeze is in the forecast, I tell owners to do the following early, not the night of: cover outdoor faucets and backflow devices, open cabinet doors under sinks on exterior walls, let a faucet drip, and know where the main shutoff is. Protect the pool equipment, and make sure your family knows how to turn the water off. If you leave town, consider shutting the water off at the main.

Insurance questions to ask

Review how your homeowners policy treats water damage from a burst pipe, and ask your agent about any deductibles or conditions that apply to freezing. Policies and requirements have been changing across Texas, so read yours now, not after a claim.

None of this is difficult. It is just easy to forget in a city where most winters pass without incident. Spend an hour on it in December and you will be glad you did the next time the forecast turns.