It may not feel like winter is coming, but it’s always a good idea to be prepared — whatever the weather.
Our Texas weather is known to be unpredictable which leaves us feeling uneasy, especially when a harsh freeze is forecasted in San Antonio. But don’t worry, this checklist will help you get your home ready for bitter, cold weather.
Temporary freezing temperatures of 32 degrees are generally not something to panic about, but prolonged hard freezes below 28 degrees can be disastrous for pipes.
Indoor/outdoor pipes
- Allow cold water fixtures to drip slowly, especially for pipes located on outdoor walls or underneath pier-and-beam houses.
- In the event of a punishing freeze, flushing toilets periodically can help keep water flowing.
- For plumbing in cabinets along exterior facing walls without insulation, leave cabinet doors open to allow warm indoor air to circulate.
- Pipes in unheated areas such as garages, water heater closets and crawl spaces should also be wrapped.
- Cover hose bibs and make sure any hoses are disconnected.
Irrigation systems/swimming pools
- Turn off your irrigation system (it should be switched off for the winter anyway).
- Insulate above-ground backflow devices.
- Leave swimming pool pumps running.
- Cover any exposed pools and equipment.
- Disconnect any hoses.
As for your plants, most native and well-adapted plants don’t need special protective measures. But you can minimize freeze damage to tender or tropical plant leaves by covering them with blankets, sheets and fabric (even cardboard) — as long as the covering reaches the ground securely and stays in place.
Don’t use plastic as it doesn’t insulate and can transmit freezing cold directly to your plant leaves. It can also trap freezing moisture, which can be worse than leaving plants uncovered.
Many more tips, along with how-to videos, are available in English and Spanish to help you “Be Ready” for the unexpected.
