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Houston is known to have sunshine, Bayou City traffic and the world-renowned BBQ, but every few years, the rare winter freeze runs through areas such as The Heights, Memorial, West University and even in areas around the Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH). Once it does, it might cause havoc to the plumbing systems, particularly in the older houses that were constructed decades before the winterization standards came into being.
The winters in Houston may be considered mild when compared to the northern states, but even a decrease in temperatures up to freezing (32 deg F) may lead to hidden and expensive damages. One of the biggest freezes in the city of Houston in decades occurred in January 2025, and the plumbing emergencies swept through the city.
It is because, in this case, old-fashioned houses can be weakest, and every homeowner in Houston must know it.
| Risk Factor | How It Affects Older Houston Homes | Local Example / Landmark | Prevention Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Frozen Pipes | Water inside pipes expands and can crack older copper or galvanized steel | Attics and garages in The Heights or Montrose | Insulate exposed pipes, keep a slow faucet drip |
| Neighborhood Risk Zones | Older infrastructure and uninsulated piping increase burst risk | West University, River Oaks, areas near I-10 and US-290 | Schedule a winter plumbing inspection |
| Signs of Pipe Damage | Reduced water flow, gurgling drains, high bills | Homes near Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) | Monitor water usage and call a plumber if unusual changes appear |
| Exterior Wall Exposure | Pipes near brick exterior walls freeze faster | Montrose brick homes and older Heights houses | Seal drafts, insulate exterior wall pipes |
| Old Plumbing Materials | Galvanized steel or old copper less flexible, prone to cracks | Historic homes built before 1980 in The Heights | Upgrade pipes to PEX or modern materials during renovation |
| Storms & Cold Snaps | Sudden freezes combined with rainstorms can shift soil and stress pipes | Areas near Buffalo Bayou or White Oak Bayou | Keep main water shut-off accessible, prepare for emergencies |
Houston Houses Aren’t Built for Freezing Temperature
Houston is not characterized by harsh winters, but rather hot and humid climates. As a result:
- A lot of older houses have very little insulation of the pipes, particularly in the attics, exterior walls, garages, and crawl spaces.
- The main consideration of HVAC and building design is more about cooling rather than the cold weather protection.
- Plumbers refer to this as a perfect storm on frozen pipes since once the temperatures fall the pipes lose heat at a rate that it was never meant to sustain.
The Public Works of Houston even give some advice in the case of freezing, such as reminding the residents to plan ahead in the event of a water problem as well as how to switch off the main water supply.
The Science: What happens when a Pipe Burst
Water in a pipe that causes temperatures to attain freezing (32degF or less) becomes ice. When water is frozen it expands by approximately 9%. In old or hard pipes, that expansion causes extreme pressure in the pipe which is usually more than the flexing capacity or the stress taking ability of the pipe.
Since older homes often have:
- Copper or galvanized steel piping (not so flexible material)
- Pipes that pass through uninsulated areas, such as garages or attics
- Minimal insulation
There is a higher chance that these systems will crack or even burst as the water freezes and the pressure peaks. This is particularly in the case of houses constructed prior to the early 1990s, during which the use of PEX piping (a flexible and more freeze-resistant type of piping) was not common.
The reason why Older Houston Neighborhoods are more vulnerable
The Heights and Montrose Homes
A great number of houses in this area were constructed before the 1950s. Their plumbing is frequently of an old type, there is a small amount of insulation, and the pipes are located at the back of the brick veneer walls the ideal cold trap when it freezes.
West University / River Oaks Areas
Mid-century single story houses with crawl spaces and older pipes are known to trap cold air, particularly when the wind blows down the oak-flanked streets.
Suburban Areas near I-10, US-290 & IAH
Newer dividends of the edges of Houston occasionally include pipes in unheated garages or exterior walls to which they are exposed to freezing fronts sweeping down along the Panhandle.
In these regions, unconditioned pipes are more prone to trouble since they are easily deprived of heat at the lowest temperature of mercury.
Indications of Your Pipes Freezing or Damage
Look out of the following danger signs on the coldest nights in Houston:
- Small or no running water in faucets.
- The accumulation of frost on visible pipes.
- Drains make gurgling sounds when you switch on.
- Sudden large water bills (indicator of small leaks which may become more severe)
Although the pipe may not burst when frozen, chances are that it will crack as soon as the ice melts as the high-pressure water eventually leaks.
Houston Homes Winterization Simple Steps.
Although it may be that cold snaps are few, it is a good idea to be ready:
- Seal openings in pipes, particularly in attics, garages and exterior walls.
- Unscrew hoses on the outside and wrap spigots.
- Use a gradual flow of water in faucets in extreme cold to decongest.
- Locate your primary shut-off valve so as to minimize the damage in case of a pipe bursting.
- Seal around the crawl spaces and the garage doors to keep cold drafts out.
Such little efforts can go a long way in preventing expensive water damage.
The reason why pipe burst are the most dangerous
Elderly plumbing does not tolerate as well:
The walls of the pipes become weaker with corrosion and wear during decades.
Existing PEX is flexible and will not crack easily unlike rigid materials such as copper and galvanized steel.
The old-fashioned home constructions tend to have the piping close to the exterior walls or in the attics that are not heated at all – the very place where they cool the quickest.
A bursting of a pipe in a pre-existing house in Houston may not only result in a plumbing fix, but also ceilings, drywalls, floors, and insulation may also be damaged.
True and Cold Winter Freeze in Houston
In the 2026 freeze, frozen or burst pipes were noted by all the homeowners throughout the city, even where there was no visible ice. A lot of them were taken aback since the weather in Houston is generally mild and random.
Conclusion
Houston houses that are old do not require a lot of snow to cause severe damages on the pipes. Even a brief freeze may lead to the water expansion within the uninsulated or pre-modernly constructed pipes. The Heights, West University, Montrose, and older suburbs are of particular concern.Winterize on a serious note even though cold weather may not appear probable. Some forward-looking measures would save thousands of dollars on repairs further.
Desire a Custom Home Analysis?
Call Pro-Texas Plumbing to see their plumbing before the next freeze. Our specialty is to make sure that Houston homes remain safe, dry and ready even when the weather catches us unawares.
