Cold Weather Tips for Houston Rental Homes
Hard freezes may be uncommon in Houston, but they can cause inconvenient and expensive damage when they occur. Plumbing in garages, attics, and exterior walls is especially vulnerable. A few simple precautions can go a long way in preventing burst pipes and water damage.
Here’s a few tips on what tenants should do when a freeze is in the forecast.
Keep the Heat On
When temperatures drop near freezing, please keep your thermostat set to at least 65°F, even if you’re leaving town. Many Houston homes rely on steady indoor heat to protect pipes located in less insulated areas.
Know Your Main Water Shut-Off
Every tenant should know where the home’s main water shut-off valve is located. It is a requirement in the Texas Lease. If a pipe ever bursts, shutting off the water right away can prevent major flooding while help is on the way. Newer homes may have a shut-off located on the home, in the garage or exterior wall, however all homes will have a main water shut-off located in the front yard, typically by the street. It is highly recommended that you get comfortable knowing how to turn this off before an emergency to prevent loss of property and mitigate damage. If it has been a while since the water was turned off, this box may be filled with dirt, leaves, debris. Preemptively cleaning this out and preparing the box is highly recommended before an emergency arises. There are many youtube videos you can find online for how to turn off the main water line for the home, but here's a simple VIDEO to reference (no affiliation with this content creator)
Protect Outdoor Faucets
Before a freeze:
Disconnect all hoses
Drip the faucet
Cover exterior faucets with insulated covers - towels and old t-shirts will work in a pinch
If your home has a shutoff for outdoor faucets, turn it off and drain the line
This is one of the most common causes of freeze damage in Houston rentals.
Let Faucets Drip on Cold Nights
On especially cold nights, allow a slow drip of water from faucets that serve exterior walls. That small amount of movement can help keep pipes from freezing.
Open Sink Cabinets
If your kitchen or bathroom sink is on an outside wall, open the cabinet doors during freezing weather to allow warm air to circulate around the plumbing.
Sprinkler Systems
Shut off the sprinkler system before freezing weather
Turn off the water supply to the sprinklers
After turning off the supply, use a flathead screwdriver to turn and open the two additional water relief valves attached to the sprinkler vacuum breaker
Do not operate the sprinkler system during freezing temperatures
Sprinkler systems are a common source of hidden freeze damage in Houston. Underground lines can crack and may not be discovered until days later when yards become soggy or water bills spike. There are many youtube videos you can find online for how to prepare the sprinkler system for a freeze, but here's a simple VIDEO to reference (no affiliation with this content creator)
Protect Your Plants and Landscaping
Freezing temperatures can also damage outdoor plants, shrubs, and small trees around your rental home. Tenants can help minimize damage with a few simple steps:
Cover sensitive plants with frost blankets, sheets, or burlap when a freeze is expected. Avoid using plastic directly on plants, as it can trap moisture and freeze.
Move potted plants indoors or to a protected area such as a garage or covered patio.
Mulch garden beds to provide extra insulation for roots.
Avoid watering plants heavily right before a freeze, as wet soil can freeze faster than dry soil.
By taking a little time to protect landscaping, tenants can help prevent plant loss and reduce post-freeze cleanup. Remember, landscaping is generally considered a residents responsibility in the Texas Lease, and replacement costs of dead plants, trees, bushes could be billed back to a tenant.
If Something Freezes or Breaks
If you suspect frozen pipes or notice a leak, contact property management immediately. If water is actively leaking, shut off the main water supply right away and avoid attempting repairs on your own. Once the water is shut off, please use towels or a wet-vac to remove standing water, and place a fan on high speed to blow on the area to help dry the wet/damp condition until a service technician can arrive.
A Final Note to Houston Tenants
Cold-weather preparation is a shared responsibility. Keeping the heat on, protecting faucets, and reporting issues early helps prevent damage that can displace residents and lead to expensive repairs. Do not wait until freezing weather is upon us, prepare in advance to ensure you're ready when it happens.
