How to Prepare Your Austin Rental Property for a Winter Freeze
Austin doesn't see winter weather often, but when a hard freeze does arrive, unprepared properties can suffer serious and expensive damage. A little preparation before the cold hits can prevent most of it.
Insulating Exposed Pipes
Pipes in exterior walls, crawl spaces, garages, and attics are the most vulnerable to freezing and bursting. Foam pipe insulation is inexpensive and should be applied well before freezing temperatures are forecast, not scrambled together the night before.
Communicating With Tenants in Advance
Sending tenants clear instructions before a forecasted freeze — how to drip faucets, where to locate the water shutoff valve, and what to do if a pipe does burst — meaningfully reduces the chance of major damage and helps the tenant respond quickly if something does go wrong.
Protecting Outdoor Fixtures and Landscaping
Exterior faucets, irrigation systems, and pool equipment can all be damaged by hard freezes if not properly covered or drained beforehand. A quick walk-through before a freeze to address these items is far cheaper than repairing burst equipment afterward.
Knowing the Water Shutoff Location
Every tenant should know where the main water shutoff is located before an emergency happens, not during one. This single piece of information can be the difference between a minor leak and a flooded property.
Having a Response Plan Ready
Despite preparation, freezes can still cause damage. Having a plumber's contact information ready in advance, rather than searching during a freeze when every plumber in Austin is overwhelmed with calls, can significantly shorten the response time if something does go wrong.
Frequently Asked Questions
Insulating exposed pipes in exterior walls, crawl spaces, garages, and attics before freezing temperatures are forecast is the most effective single step to prevent burst pipes.
Yes. Every tenant should know the shutoff location before an emergency happens, since it can be the difference between a minor leak and significant flood damage if a pipe does burst.
