How to Get Your San Antonio Home Ready for a Winter Freeze

San Antonio winters are usually mild, but every so often a hard freeze rolls through. Many homes here were not built with long stretches of freezing weather in mind, so a little preparation goes a long way. Here is how to get ready before the next cold snap.

Protect Your Pipes

Cover outdoor faucets. Disconnect garden hoses and add insulated faucet covers. They are inexpensive and easy to install.

Insulate exposed pipes. Pipes in the attic, garage, or along exterior walls are the most vulnerable. Foam pipe sleeves can help.

Let faucets drip. On very cold nights, a slow drip from indoor faucets can help keep water moving.

Open cabinet doors. Let warm air reach the pipes under kitchen and bathroom sinks.

Know Where Your Shutoff Valve Is

If a pipe does burst, every minute counts. Find your main water shutoff now, make sure it turns easily, and show everyone in the house where it is.

Take Care of the Outside

• Cover tender plants with frost cloth or bring potted plants indoors.
• Drain and protect sprinkler and irrigation systems.
• Check that your pool equipment has freeze protection if you have a pool.
• Clear gutters so melting ice can drain properly.

Prepare Inside the Home

• Have your heating system checked before winter.
• Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
• Keep flashlights, batteries, blankets, and drinking water on hand.
• Know how to safely use any space heaters or fireplaces.

After the Freeze

Once temperatures rise, walk around your home and check for leaks, water stains, or damaged plants. Catching small issues early can save you from bigger repairs later.

Need a Hand?

Whether you are a longtime homeowner or just moved to San Antonio, we are always happy to share trusted local resources. Reach out anytime if you need a recommendation.