How to Protect Your Houston Home From This Weekend’s Winter Storm (Complete Guide)
Last Updated: January 23, 2026
Houston + freezing rain is a rude combination. If the forecast is even close, the risk isn’t just “it’ll feel cold.” It’s burst pipes, surprise leaks, and waking up to a house that feels like a freezer.
This is the simple, do-it-now checklist. Start at Step 1 and don’t skip ahead like we all do with IKEA instructions.
Why This Storm Is Different
Houston homes aren’t built for long freezing stretches. Most of us don’t have northern-level insulation, so when temperatures drop hard (especially with freezing rain and wind chill), the weak points show up fast.
The main threats:
- Burst pipes (the expensive kind of surprise)
- Heat loss through gaps and cracks (higher bills, still cold)
- Frozen outdoor faucets and irrigation/backflow systems
- Moisture damage from ice accumulation and wet weather
Protect Your Pipes (Do This First)
Outdoor Pipes and Faucets
Outdoor faucets and exposed pipes freeze first. And here’s the annoying part: even a small crack can turn into a full-on flood when everything thaws.
Do this right now:
- Disconnect hoses and drain them (don’t leave them attached overnight).
- Insulate outdoor spigots and any exposed pipe sections.
- If you have a sprinkler system, protect the backflow preventer too.
What You Need (Pick One Main Insulation Option)
- Redford Supply 2″ x 14ft Pipe Insulation (self-adhesive and weatherproof)
- Pipe Wrap Insulation 33ft with Aluminum Foil (extra protection layer)
- 10-Pack Foam Pipe Insulation Tubes (Alternative) (easy option if you prefer tubes)
Backflow Preventer Covers (If You Have One, Don’t Skip This)
How to Install (About 15 Minutes)
- Wipe the pipe surface so the adhesive sticks.
- Wrap insulation around exposed sections (cover every “bare” stretch).
- Press firmly along seams and ends.
- Slip the backflow cover on and secure it tight.
Indoor Pipes
- Open cabinet doors under sinks so warm air can reach pipes.
- Let faucets drip slightly overnight if temps are near freezing.
- Keep heat on at a steady setting overnight. Pipes don’t care about your budget.
Stop Heat Loss and Cut Energy Bills
If cold air is slipping in, your heater is basically working overtime for no reason.
Start here:
- Exterior doors (front/back/garage entry)
- Bedroom doors (keeping one warm “sleep zone” helps)
- Any window that feels drafty
What You Need (Door Draft Stoppers)
- MAXTID 36″ Adjustable Door Draft Stopper
- GroTheory 2-Pack Door Draft Stopper
- Holikme Door Draft Stopper 41″
- HomeProtect Door Draft Stopper 36″
Installation (2 Minutes)
- Measure your door width.
- Cut to size if needed.
- Clean the bottom edge of the door.
- Peel, press, and seal it along the entire length.
Pro tip: Do exterior doors first, then bedrooms.
Create a “Dirty Zone” at the Door (Stops Storm Mess From Becoming Indoor Dirt)
Storm weekend means wet debris gets tracked in, dries out, and turns into dust and grime.
Put it right inside the main door. Shoes go there during the storm weekend. Your floors will thank you.
Emergency Supplies You Actually Need
Don’t overthink it. If power goes out or roads get bad, here’s what matters:
- Flashlights and batteries (skip candles)
- Bottled water (at least 24–48 hours)
- Phone charging bank
- Extra blankets
- Duct tape + trash bags (temporary leak coverage)
What to Do Right Now (Next 2 Hours)
Priority 1 (30 minutes)
- Insulate outdoor faucets and exposed pipes
- Cover the backflow preventer if you have one
- Install draft stoppers on exterior doors
- Locate your main water shut-off valve
Priority 2 (30 minutes)
5) Charge phones and power banks
6) Fill tubs/containers with water
7) Bring in/secure outdoor furniture
8) Set flashlights somewhere easy to grab
Priority 3 (60 minutes)
9) Test your heating system
10) Check vulnerable areas (under sinks, near exterior walls, garage/attic access points)
11) Stock basic non-perishables
12) Make sure everyone knows where the breaker panel is
During the Storm
- Keep your thermostat at 55°F minimum overnight.
- Run ceiling fans on low in reverse (clockwise) to push warm air down.
- Keep interior doors open to help heat circulate.
- Check under sinks and near exterior walls a couple times.
Common Mistakes That Cause Damage
- Turning off your heat to save money
- Ignoring small drips
- Relying on space heaters only
- Waiting until the last minute to buy supplies
After the Storm
Once temperatures stay above freezing:
- Check for water damage
- Inspect faucets and pipes for slow leaks
- Remove temporary insulation only when the cold risk is clearly over
- Take photos for insurance if needed
The Bottom Line
You can winterize a Houston home in under two hours with the right supplies. It’s a small effort that can save you a very expensive headache.
If you do one thing today: protect outdoor pipes first, then stop drafts.
Have you already winterized your home? What’s your biggest storm-week issue: pipes, drafts, or power?
If you want to make this even easier, we keep all the storm-week essentials in one place on our Amazon storefront. From pipe insulation and backflow covers to draft stoppers and simple home-prep basics, it’s the exact stuff we reach for when Houston weather starts acting up. Tap Follow on the storefront so you’ll see our newest Home Fixes & Finds as we add them (especially during storm season, when the “right item” sells out fast).
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