Is Your Home Ready for a Texas Cold Snap? A Winter Plumbing Self-Test

You might notice mild, sunny weather one week, and then the next you’re hearing warnings about cold snaps and frozen or burst pipes across your community in Tyler. The good news is most plumbing problems during a cold snap aren’t complicated. They usually come down to a little preparation or the lack of it.

The Tyler plumbers at The Mink Plumbing wants to keep your plumbing safe and ready for the weather. We put together a quick checklist that can help you see where things stand in your own home—and how to improve your winter plumbing readiness.

Why Texas Homes Get Caught Off Guard

Cold winter weather in East Texas tends to arrive fast and leave just as quickly. Because freezes don’t usually last that long, many homes here weren’t built with extended cold in mind. Pipes often run through attics, garages, and exterior walls, which makes them more vulnerable when temperatures dip suddenly.

That short window for preparation is usually what causes trouble. By the time it feels cold enough to worry, the damage could already be starting.

Take the 60-Second Winter Plumbing Check

Get started by answering “yes” or “no” to each question. Be as honest as possible. The goal is keeping you and your home safe.

• Do you know where your main water shutoff valve is, and can you reach it quickly?
• Have your outdoor faucets been covered or freeze-protected?
• Are exposed pipes in the garage, attic, or crawl space insulated?
• Has your water heater been serviced or checked within the last year?
• Do you know what to do if a pipe freezes or bursts?
• If temperatures dropped overnight, would you know which faucets (if any) should be left dripping? 
• Have you disconnected garden hoses from outdoor spigots?
• Do you keep your home heated consistently during colder nights?
• If you lost power during a freeze, would you know how to protect your plumbing?

There are no trick questions. We’re focused on the small, daily things that can go overlooked.

Check Your Plumbing’s Winter Readiness Score

Ready to check your plumbing’s readiness score? Here’s what to do if you answered “Yes” to any of the following:

5–7 “Yes” Answers: Lower Risk 

You’re in good shape. That doesn’t mean problems can’t happen, but you’ve covered most of the common trouble spots that cause issues during Texas freezes.

2–4 “Yes” Answers: Medium Risk

You’ve handled some basics, but there are a few gaps that could turn into problems if temperatures drop quickly or stay low longer than expected.

0–1 “Yes” Answers: Higher Risk 

This is where cold snaps tend to cause real damage. Frozen pipes, leaks, and water heater problems are more likely without a few simple safeguards in place.

The Most Common Winter Plumbing Calls We See

When a cold snap hits Tyler, we notice the same issues tend to come up again and again. Frozen outdoor faucets are a common problem, especially when hoses are still attached. Garage and attic pipes are another frequent trouble spot, particularly in homes with minimal insulation.

Water heaters also get a lot of attention after freezes, either from sudden temperature stress or from damage elsewhere in the system. In the middle of a winter crisis, many homeowners find themselves scrambling to locate a shutoff valve they’ve never had to use before.

What Makes a Cold Snap Worse

Some situations make winter plumbing problems harder to manage.

• Losing power while pipes are full of water. Without heat, temperatures can drop quickly inside walls and attics. 
• Leaving town without preparing the plumbing first. A small freeze can turn into a much bigger issue when no one is home to notice it.

Both of these situations can turn minor problems into costly plumbing repairs before you know it.

If You Only Do One Thing Before a Freeze

If preparation feels overwhelming, focus on one thing that gives you the most control: know where your main water shutoff is and make sure it works. Being able to shut off water quickly can limit damage if something freezes or bursts.

It’s a simple step, but it makes a big difference when time matters.

When Cold Snaps Don’t Always Look Like Emergencies

Not every winter plumbing issue shows up as a burst pipe. Sometimes it’s slower pressure changes, dripping faucets, or water that never quite gets hot. Those small signs can be easy to ignore, especially when the weather warms back up.

Catching those changes early often prevents bigger problems the next time temperatures drop.

Call The Mink Plumbing for Winter Plumbing Readiness

If your score landed in the middle or lower range, it may be worth having things looked over before the next cold snap hits. A quick inspection can help catch exposed pipes, weak points, or small issues before they turn into costly winter repairs.

Our team at The Mink Plumbing offers winter plumbing checks as part of our regular service work, helping homeowners prepare before freezing temperatures arrive. We also provide emergency plumbing services if a pipe bursts or a winter issue strikes unexpectedly—so you’re never left dealing with a problem alone.

For added guidance, visit our Cold Weather Plumbing Resource Page, where you’ll find helpful videos, step-by-step tips, and practical advice on how to prepare your plumbing for winter and handle issues safely if they occur. It’s a great way to stay informed and ready all season long.

If you want peace of mind heading into colder weather, schedule an inspection today. We’ll walk through what matters most for your home and give you clear, pressure-free recommendations—whether you’re planning ahead or dealing with an urgent situation.