Easy Winter Plumbing Tips for The Woodlands Homeowners

Winter in The Woodlands, TX might not be as harsh as up north, but let’s be real — those sudden cold snaps can still mess with your plumbing big time. One freezing night is all it takes for pipes to crack, burst, or leak.

So before the temps drop, let’s go over some simple winter plumbing tips that’ll help you avoid frozen pipes and expensive repairs this season.

Why Winter Is Hard on Plumbing

When temperatures drop below freezing, any water sitting inside your pipes can start to turn into ice. As it freezes, it expands — and boom 💥 — you’ve got a burst pipe on your hands.

Even if the pipe doesn’t burst right away, that ice can block water flow and cause big problems with pressure.

In short: no one wants to wake up to no running water or a flooded kitchen in the middle of winter.

Common Winter Plumbing Problems

Here’s what homeowners in The Woodlands run into every year:

• Frozen outdoor faucets and garden hoses

• Burst pipes in attics, garages, or crawl spaces

• Water heater issues from overuse

• Low water pressure

• Leaks forming after a cold front

Sound familiar? Don’t worry — we’ve got fixes.

How to Prevent Frozen or Burst Pipes

You don’t need to be a pro to protect your plumbing — just follow these winter plumbing maintenance steps:

1. Insulate your pipes.
   Wrap exposed pipes with foam insulation (cheap and easy to find at hardware stores).

2. Keep the heat on.
   Even when you’re not home, don’t let your house drop below 55°F.

3. Let faucets drip slightly.
   A slow drip keeps water moving, which helps prevent freezing.

4. Open cabinets under sinks.
   This lets warm air circulate around the pipes — especially in bathrooms and kitchens on exterior walls.

5. Disconnect outdoor hoses.
   Always remove and drain garden hoses, and shut off outdoor spigots from the inside if possible.

Show Your Water Heater Some Love

Your water heater works overtime during the winter.
Here’s how to keep it happy:

• Drain a few gallons to flush out sediment buildup.

• Check the temperature setting — 120°F is ideal.

• Insulate the heater and pipes around it for extra efficiency.

A little maintenance now means no cold showers later! 🚿

Don’t Forget the Outdoors

Outdoor plumbing needs attention too:

• Cover hose bibs with foam protectors.

• Clear gutters and downspouts so melting ice can drain.

• If you have a sprinkler system, shut it off and drain the lines.

These pipe insulation tips go a long way in avoiding surprise leaks when spring rolls around.

When to Call a Plumber

If you lose water flow completely or notice a bulge in your pipes, that’s a red flag 🚨.
Turn off your main water valve and call a local licensed plumber right away.

A frozen pipe repair might sound small, but if it bursts, you could be looking at thousands in damage. Don’t wait till it’s too late.

Final Thoughts

Winter doesn’t have to mean plumbing nightmares.
With a few simple winter plumbing tips, you can keep your pipes warm, your water running, and your home safe all season long.

If you’re in The Woodlands, TX, and want to make sure your home’s plumbing is winter-ready, give Plumbers The Woodlands a call. We’ll inspect, insulate, and prep your system so you can relax — no frozen pipes, no stress.