Prevent Frozen Pipes in Texas Homes | AEARE Luxury Real Estate

Winter-Proof Your Luxury Home: Preventing Costly Pipe Damage Before It's Too Late

As a homeowner, a little prevention can save you tens of thousands of dollars in repairs. The last thing you want is to deal with unexpected damage from frozen pipes. Most homeowners don't think about frozen pipes until it's too late. While the Texas Hill Country and Houston aren’t known for extreme winters, fluctuating temperatures dipping below freezing over several days can wreak havoc on your home’s plumbing. 

At A. Elliott Advisors Real Estate, LLC (AEARE), we specialize in luxury real estate, and we know that protecting your investment goes beyond buying and selling. Proper home maintenance is key to preserving your home’s value and avoiding unnecessary emergencies. Let’s talk about how to keep your home safe from winter’s unexpected bite.

Which Pipes Are Most at Risk?
Certain pipes are more prone to freezing than others, and not all homes are built the same. If you own a custom-built estate or a historic home, you may have galvanized or copper pipes, which are more susceptible to freezing compared to newer homes that use PEX plastic tubing. Here’s where you should pay extra attention:

✅ Exterior walls – Uninsulated pipes in exterior walls are at high risk.  
✅ Unheated spaces – Exposed pipes in garages, attics, and crawl spaces.  
✅ Outdoor plumbing – Hoses, irrigation systems, and outdoor kitchens are especially vulnerable.  

💡 Did you know? A frozen garden hose attached to your home can cause significant interior water damage. As the ice expands in the hose, pressure increases throughout the entire plumbing system—leading to a costly disaster once pipes burst inside your home.

Preventative Steps to Avoid Frozen Pipes
Outside Your Home
✔ Insulate outdoor pipes and faucets Plumbing Tips – Use pipe insulation (or if unavailable, wrap with towels, rags, or newspapers).  
✔ Cover foundation vents – If you own a pier and beam home, covering vents can help retain heat under your home.  
✔ Disconnect garden hoses – Drain and store them before freezing weather arrives.  
✔ Winterize irrigation systems – Turn off the water supply and drain the lines. If unsure, hire a professional. (AEARE can recommend a local trusted vendor)  
✔ Protect well pumps, pool pumps, and outdoor water features – If you have a private well, insulate the pump to prevent freezing. If you have a pool, run the pump until temperatures rise above freezing. If you have a water feature be sure to disconnect and remove pump. 
✔ Secure outdoor kitchen faucets – These are often overlooked but are just as vulnerable.  

Inside Your Home
✔ Open cabinet doors – Let warm air circulate under sinks in kitchens and bathrooms.  
✔ Let faucets drip – Running water, even at a trickle, helps prevent freezing during extended cold spells.  

What If I Have a Leak?
If a pipe does burst, immediate action can minimize damage:  

🚰 Locate & shut off your main water supply – Every homeowner should know this before an emergency arises.  
📞 Call a licensed plumber (AEARE can recommend a local trusted vendor) - Avoid DIY fixes that could cause more harm than good.  
⚡ Turn off your water heater – If electric, switch it off until water is restored. If gas, turn off the supply.  

Luxury Homeowners: Don’t Take the Risk
At AEARE, we’re more than just real estate experts—we’re your partners in protecting your home, investment, and legacy. Whether you own a luxury estate in the Texas Hill Country, a custom home in New Braunfels, or a stunning property in The Heights or Oak Forest in Houston, proper home maintenance is crucial.

Most importantly, don't forget the 3 P's - Pets, Plants and Pipes

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🏡 Thinking about buying or selling in Texas? Let’s talk. Your investment deserves the best.  

📲 Contact A. Elliott Advisors Real Estate, LLC today!