Texas homeowner guide

Main water shutoff

Locate it at the meter near the street and at the main entry into the house. After the 2021 freeze, millions of Texans couldn't find or operate their shutoff as pipes burst. Know yours now. Label it. Test that it actually closes.

Natural gas shutoff

Atmos Energy serves most of Texas (1-888-286-6700). CenterPoint Energy serves Houston (1-888-876-5786). The meter has a shutoff valve. Turn it 90 degrees with a wrench to close. Know your provider and their emergency number posted at the meter.

Electrical panel

Texas uses ERCOT for most of the state, an isolated grid not connected to national grids. This means grid failures during extreme weather events (winter 2021, summer heat events) affect Texas uniquely. Know your panel location, which breakers control which areas, and how to safely switch to a generator.

HVAC dual-system reality

Texas homes often run both heating and cooling systems near capacity; cooling dominates. In South Texas, some homes have minimal heat systems not designed for hard freezes. Know your system's type and limits before winter.

Pro recommended: HVAC Technician

HVAC filter replacement

Replace monthly during summer and winter peak seasons. Texas systems run 9-11 months per year. A dirty filter strains the system and in summer, can cause the evaporator coil to freeze, shutting down cooling exactly when you need it most.

Foundation monitoring

North and Central Texas has expansive clay soils (Blackland Prairie). Foundations move seasonally. Walk the perimeter monthly and note new cracks in exterior brick, interior drywall, or door/window alignment changes. A plumbing leak under a slab (slab leak) is the most expensive silent damage in Texas homes.

Tornado and hail season

Central and North Texas sees peak tornado and hail activity March through May. Inspect the roof after any hail event; a licensed roofer can identify hail damage that isn't visible from the ground. Most Texas homeowners insurance covers hail damage but requires timely reporting.

Pro recommended: Licensed Roofer

Hurricane season preparation (coastal Texas)

If within 100 miles of the Gulf coast: verify shutters, review evacuation zones and routes, stock 7-day emergency supplies, and service the generator before June 1. Galveston and the Houston metro have specific evacuation timing requirements due to traffic.

ERCOT grid and demand management

Texas summer heat pushes the ERCOT grid to capacity. ERCOT issues conservation appeals during peak demand (3-7 PM on hot days). Raise your thermostat 2-3 degrees during peak hours, use programmable/smart thermostats, and avoid large appliance use in peak windows.

Foundation watering during drought

During Texas droughts (increasingly frequent), expansive clay soils shrink away from foundations. Use a soaker hose around the perimeter to keep soil moisture consistent. Inconsistent moisture causes more foundation movement than steady conditions.

Pipe insulation: the 2021 lesson

The February 2021 freeze (Winter Storm Uri) caused an estimated $24 billion in insured property losses in Texas. Most Texas homes have pipes in exterior walls, attics, and garage locations without freeze protection. Before any freeze below 28°F: insulate exposed pipes, let faucets drip, open cabinet doors, bring outdoor hoses in.

Backup heating plan

Know what you'll do if the grid fails during a freeze. Electric space heaters require electricity. Propane or kerosene heaters can be used safely (ventilated space only) as emergency backup. Never use generators, gas grills, or ovens as heat sources inside; CO deaths in Texas during Uri were entirely preventable. Generators run outside only, 20+ feet from any window or door.

Drainage away from the foundation

Grade soil and landscaping to slope away from the foundation at least 6 inches over 10 feet. Downspout extensions should discharge 4+ feet from the foundation. Pooling water at the foundation causes soil expansion that cracks slabs and piers.

Pier-and-beam vs slab

North Texas: many homes have pier-and-beam foundations (inspect the crawl space for blocked piers, wood rot, and plumbing issues). Central and South Texas: most post-1960 homes are slab. Slab homes are susceptible to post-tension cable deterioration. Do not drill or cut into the slab without knowing cable locations.

Hose bib insulation

Install foam hose bib covers on all outdoor spigots before November. Disconnect and drain hoses. An outdoor spigot without a cover is the most common freeze burst point in Texas.

Attic pipe insulation

Many Texas homes route plumbing through the attic, an unprotected space that can reach freezing temperatures. Wrap attic pipes with foam insulation tubing. Consider heat tape on exposed attic runs in homes where heating is minimal.

Know your evacuation zone and the Galveston contraflow

Houston metro evacuations are complicated by traffic. Galveston Island requires evacuating at the first mandatory order; the 2008 Hurricane Ike storm surge reached 20 feet. Know your zone (A-F), your contraflow route, and your destination before hurricane season begins.

Flood vs wind insurance

Texas coastal homeowners need separate flood insurance (NFIP or private). Standard homeowners insurance covers wind damage; flood damage requires a separate policy. Know what you have.

Tornado Alley positioning

The DFW Metroplex, Lubbock, Amarillo, and Central Texas are in the highest tornado risk zone in the US. Keep a NOAA weather radio with battery backup. Download the local NWS weather app. Know your shelter location before spring storm season.

No-basement Texas homes

Texas homes rarely have basements due to clay soils and slab construction. Interior rooms (closets, bathrooms) on the lowest floor are your best shelter. Many Texas cities have community storm shelters. Know your nearest one.

Shut off water immediately

At the first sign of a burst pipe: shut off the main water valve at the meter. Open all faucets to drain the system. In the 2021 freeze, millions of Texans didn't know where their shutoff was; the water ran for hours, destroying homes.

Thaw carefully

Use a hair dryer on frozen pipes that haven't burst yet. Never use open flame. Work from the faucet end toward the frozen section. If you can't locate the frozen section or the pipe has burst, leave the main off and call a plumber. After a Texas freeze event, plumber wait times are 72-96 hours.

Shelter immediately

Interior room, lowest floor, away from windows. Do not stay in mobile homes under any circumstances; they do not provide tornado protection. Know where you're going before the warning is issued.

Ground-level and slab flooding in Texas

Texas homes flood from stormwater inflow, slab leaks, and drain backups during major rain events. Disconnect electricity at the main breaker before entering a flooded area. Do not enter if any electrical equipment is submerged. Call Oncor (1-888-313-4747), CenterPoint (1-800-332-7143), or your utility to disconnect at the meter.

ERCOT grid failures and heat/cold emergencies

Texas power outages during weather extremes are dangerous in both directions. Summer: indoor temps reach dangerous levels within hours. Winter: freeze injury and CO from improper heat sources. Know your nearest warming or cooling center. Generators: always outside, 20 feet from any window.

Evacuate and call from outside

Smell of rotten eggs: get everyone out. Leave the door open. Call 911. Atmos Energy: 1-888-286-6700. CenterPoint Energy: 1-888-876-5786. Do not re-enter until cleared by emergency personnel or the utility.

Plan two exits, designate a meeting place

Identify door and alternate window exit from every room. Texas's large single-family homes can have complex floor plans. Walk the exit plan with all household members. Designate a specific meeting point outside. Crawl low under smoke. Call 911 from outside. Never re-enter.