HOUSTON \u2013 The countdown is on, Houston.<\/p>\n
Onset of the winter freeze is in sight and time is quite frankly running out. <\/p>\n
If you\u2019ve procrastinated, can\u2019t find the supplies or simply need to save a couple bucks while keeping your home safe, we understand. That\u2019s why we\u2019ve compiled these trusted and tried Houston-approved hacks to preparing for the winter freeze. They\u2019re in no order, so keep scrolling so you don\u2019t miss out. <\/p>\n
1. Whataburger Cup Faucet Cover<\/p>\n
C\u2019mon. You know we\u2019re going to start with this H-Town classic. <\/p>\n
If you don\u2019t have a plastic insulated faucet cover<\/a>, a large Whataburger cup will do the trick. <\/p>\n Using a pen or pencil, poke a hole in the cup. Use a rubber band to feed through the hole while using the pen\/pencil as a stopper. <\/p>\n KPRC 2’s Gage Goulding shows how to use a Whataburger cup as a faucet insulator during a winter freeze. (Copyright 2025 by KPRC Click2Houston – All rights reserved.)<\/p>\n Using the portion of the rubber band inside the cup, latch it to the faucet ensuring the cup stays clamped to the wall. <\/p>\n KPRC 2’s Gage Goulding shows how to use a Whataburger cup as a faucet insulator during a winter freeze. (Copyright 2025 by KPRC Click2Houston – All rights reserved.)<\/p>\n PRO TIP: Try to wrap the pipe with a towel, bubble wrap or other insulator for max protection! <\/p>\n 2. Pool Noodle Pipe Insulator<\/p>\n Pipe insulation <\/a>is one of the first things to fly off the shelves at hardware stores. If you can\u2019t find the insulation, head to a dollar store or other big box store to grab some pool noodles. <\/p>\n Using a sharp knife, carefully cut open the noodle on one side like a hot dog bun. Then slide it over any exposed pipe. <\/p>\n 3. Kitty Litter For Traction<\/p>\n It\u2019s next to impossible to find road or sidewalk salt at a hardware store in the South. No needs to fear! <\/p>\n Kitty litter is a solid and rather affordable alternative. While it doesn\u2019t offer the ice melting advantage of salt, it does help with traction. <\/p>\n PRO TIP: Stick a bag in your truck in case you get stuck on the road! <\/p>\n 4. Mario\u2019s Torchy\u2019s Taco Sprinkler Cover<\/p>\n Okay, this one is going to take some MacGyvering to make it work. But KPRC 2\u2019s Mario Diaz<\/a> has the trick. <\/p>\n If you have a sprinkler system exposed to the elements, turning off the water alone won\u2019t cut it. <\/p>\n Once the system is turned off, water turned off and system bled of excess water, find the following: a plastic bag, some sort of insulation (pool noodles, packing peanuts, etc.), tape and one of those Torchy\u2019s Taco\u2019s insulation bag. (Any insulated shopping bag will work) <\/p>\n Line the plastic bag with the insulation and make a round or rectangular cover, taping it off as you go. Mario\u2019s looks like this: <\/p>\n KPRC 2’s Mario Diaz created a customer sprinkler equipment cover to protect the system during a winter freeze. (Copyright 2026 by KPRC Click2Houston – All rights reserved.)<\/p>\n Once it\u2019s custom sized to your equipment, slide it over like a glove. <\/p>\n KPRC 2’s Mario Diaz created a customer sprinkler equipment cover to protect the system during a winter freeze. (Copyright 2026 by KPRC Click2Houston – All rights reserved.)<\/p>\n Put a insulated an water resistant bag on top for good measure. Mario swears it\u2019ll keep your pipes as warm as Torchy\u2019s queso. \ud83d\ude09<\/p>\n KPRC 2’s Mario Diaz created a customer sprinkler equipment cover to protect the system during a winter freeze. (Copyright 2026 by KPRC Click2Houston – All rights reserved.)5. Mountain of Mulch (or soil) <\/p>\n It\u2019s pretty much what it sounds like. If you didn\u2019t hit the Whataburger drive thru to get a Styrofoam cup, you can insulate outdoor exposed pipes by stacking bags of mulch or soil around the pipes. <\/p>\n Think of it as Mother Nature\u2019s insulation! <\/p>\n 6. Get Supplies At Alternate Stores<\/p>\n Every other day of the year, you\u2019d get a case of water at the grocery store. But right now, that\u2019s probably the last place you want to go. Plus, it might already be sold out. <\/p>\n But you can get that same case of water at a discount dollar store, gas station, Home Depot or Lowe\u2019s and some other big box stores. <\/p>\n Neighborhood cultural stores or specialty stores could also have a hidden stash, too! <\/p>\n Think outside of the box and your odds of success will increase. <\/p>\n 7. Do Your Dishes\/Laundry! <\/p>\n Not only will your mom be proud, but according to one Reddit user, it\u2019s their trick to ensure you\u2019ll have enough dishes in case power or water goes out. <\/p>\n 8. Candles Make Great Light + Heat Sources<\/p>\n We\u2019ll preface this with the following message: BE CAREFUL! <\/p>\n Please responsibly use candles so you don\u2019t catch a fire. If the power goes out, having candles for light is a great idea. Plus, a group of candles can be used to warm up a pot of soup.<\/p>\n 9. Stop Opening The Fridge <\/p>\n Did you know roughly 30% of the cold air in your fridge leaves<\/a> every time you open the door? <\/p>\n If power goes out, well, your refrigerator isn\u2019t going to make any more cool air. So, don\u2019t open the door unless you absolutely have to. <\/p>\n