Central Texas homes aren’t always built for extended freezes, so plumbing deserves extra attention. A little prep now helps prevent major headaches later.

What to do:

• Install insulated hose bib covers on all outdoor faucets

• Disconnect and fully drain garden hoses

• Open cabinets on cold nights to allow warm air to reach indoor pipes

• Let faucets drip lightly when temperatures hit freezing

Know where your main water shutoff is located
In the unlikely event a pipe bursts, you’ll want to stop the flow of water immediately.

Here’s where to check:

• At the street: Most Austin homes have the shutoff inside a ground-level box near the curb or sidewalk.
• Under a rectangular or round metal/plastic lid: You may need a screwdriver or shutoff key to lift the cover.
• You may need a water meter key: Available at local hardware stores (Home Depot, Lowe’s, Breed & Co., etc.).
• Turn the valve a quarter-turn: This will stop water flowing into the home. Practice locating it now so you’re not searching in freezing weather.

A few minutes of preparation today can prevent thousands of dollars in damage later.

Your exterior plays a huge role in keeping your interior protected.

Before temperatures fall:
• Clear gutters so melting ice can drain properly
• Trim overhanging or weakened branches to prevent storm damage
• Check exterior lights for the longer winter evenings
• Bring potted plants indoors or cover them during hard freezes

A little outdoor upkeep now prevents costly repairs later.