Living in Houston means getting used to unpredictable weather—scorching summer heat, surprise cold snaps, heavy rains, high humidity, and the occasional hurricane. It’s all part of life in Southeast Texas. But while we adapt to these changing conditions, your home’s plumbing doesn’t always adjust as easily.
At Brad’s Plumbing, we’ve spent decades helping Houston homeowners deal with the plumbing problems caused (or worsened) by our region’s unique climate. From busted pipes in winter to overworked water heaters in summer, the weather here can put a serious strain on your system if you’re not prepared.
In this blog, we’ll walk you through the ways Houston’s weather affects your plumbing, what signs to watch for, and how you can protect your home all year long. Whether you’re a new homeowner or a lifelong Texan, this guide will help you stay ahead of costly plumbing issues.
1. Extreme Heat: Stress on Pipes and Water Heaters
Houston summers are no joke. With temperatures routinely soaring past 100°F and high humidity to match, your plumbing system works harder—often behind the scenes—during these months.
How it affects your plumbing:
- Pipe expansion: Intense heat can cause your pipes (especially plastic ones) to expand and shift, which can lead to joint leaks or even small cracks over time.
- Hot water demand: Your water heater runs more often as demand for showers, laundry, and cooling increases—especially in homes with large families or pools.
- Soil shifting: Drought and heat can dry out the soil around your foundation, causing underground pipes to move or crack.
Prevention tips:
- Have Brad’s Plumbing inspect exposed pipes and fittings annually.
- Insulate pipes that run through attics or crawl spaces.
- Consider switching to a tankless water heater for greater summer efficiency.
- Schedule a pressure test if you suspect any movement or leaks beneath the slab.
2. Sudden Cold Snaps: Burst Pipes and Outdoor Risks
While Houston is known for its heat, we can’t forget those unexpected freezes. Just one or two cold snaps each winter can do serious damage to unprotected plumbing.
How it affects your plumbing:
- Frozen pipes: When water inside exposed pipes freezes, it expands—often causing the pipe to burst and flood your home.
- Broken outdoor fixtures: Hose bibs, irrigation systems, and pool lines are especially vulnerable if not properly winterized.
- Water heater strain: During cold weather, water entering your home is colder, meaning your heater has to work harder to bring it to temperature.
Prevention tips:
- Wrap outdoor pipes, faucets, and exposed lines with foam insulation or heat tape.
- Disconnect garden hoses before cold fronts arrive.
- Schedule a winter water heater checkup to ensure it’s ready to handle the load.
- Know where your main shut-off valve is in case of a burst pipe.
Brad’s Plumbing offers emergency freeze prep services every winter—give us a call before that next freeze warning hits.
3. Heavy Rainfall and Flooding: Sewer Backups and Foundation Shifts
Houston is notorious for flooding. From spring thunderstorms to hurricane downpours, our city sees a lot of water—fast. And it’s not just roads that flood—your plumbing can suffer, too.
How it affects your plumbing:
- Sewer backups: Heavy rains can overwhelm municipal systems, sending raw sewage back through your drains if your sewer line is compromised.
- Clogged drains: Leaves, debris, and soil can block your yard and street drains, increasing surface flooding risks.
- Foundation movement: Saturated soil can shift your foundation and damage underground water or sewer lines.
Prevention tips:
- Schedule a sewer line camera inspection annually to check for blockages.
- Clear gutters and storm drains of debris before rainy seasons.
- Install a backwater valve to prevent sewer water from entering your home.
- Consider foundation inspections if you see new cracks or water stains indoors.
Brad’s Plumbing can perform high-pressure hydro jetting to clear your sewer lines and install protective devices that keep your home safe when the storms hit.
4. Humidity and Mold Growth: Plumbing Leaks You Can’t See
Houston’s average humidity level is over 75%. While we may get used to sticky air, your home’s walls, floors, and hidden spaces can turn into breeding grounds for mold if plumbing leaks go undetected.
How it affects your plumbing:
- Slow leaks go unnoticed: When the air is already damp, slow leaks under sinks or behind toilets might not be obvious until major damage is done.
- Mold and mildew thrive: Moisture in walls, under cabinets, and near HVAC/plumbing units can lead to mold growth that affects indoor air quality.
- Condensation on pipes: Cold pipes can “sweat” in humid conditions, creating puddles and corrosion over time.
Prevention tips:
- Schedule regular plumbing inspections, especially if you have older pipes.
- Install moisture alarms under sinks, behind toilets, and in the laundry room.
- Use a dehumidifier in problem areas like basements or bathrooms.
- Fix drips and minor leaks right away before they become expensive repairs.
Brad’s Plumbing offers leak detection services with thermal imaging and moisture meters—no guesswork required.
5. Hurricanes and Tropical Storms: High-Risk Plumbing Events
Living on the Gulf Coast means being prepared for hurricane season (June to November). While wind damage often grabs the headlines, hurricanes can wreak havoc on your plumbing as well.
How it affects your plumbing:
- Backups and overflows: Storm surges and overwhelmed sewer systems can lead to toilets and drains backing up.
- Power outages: If you rely on an electric well pump or grinder pump, power loss can interrupt your water supply or waste disposal.
- Broken pipes and fittings: Floodwater pressure can break older or damaged pipes, especially if your foundation shifts.
Prevention tips:
- Have a plumber install a whole-home backflow prevention device.
- Know how to manually shut off your water and gas valves.
- Check for flooding in crawl spaces or basements after storms.
- Invest in a backup generator if your home uses powered plumbing systems.
Need help hurricane-proofing your plumbing? Brad’s Plumbing has helped hundreds of Houston families weather major storms—we’re always on standby during hurricane season.
What You Can Do Year-Round: Simple Maintenance Tips
Houston’s weather may be unpredictable, but keeping your plumbing in shape doesn’t have to be.
Regular maintenance goes a long way:
- Flush your water heater every 6–12 months to remove sediment.
- Fix dripping faucets and running toilets to reduce water waste.
- Replace outdated hoses and fittings on washing machines.
- Keep an eye on your water bill—sudden spikes often indicate hidden leaks.
- Schedule a whole-home plumbing inspection at least once a year.
Brad’s Plumbing offers seasonal checkups and maintenance plans to keep your system healthy year-round, no matter what the Texas skies bring.
Why Houston Homeowners Trust Brad’s Plumbing
At Brad’s Plumbing, we know Houston’s weather inside and out—because we live and work here too. For over [insert years in service] years, we’ve helped homeowners in The Woodlands, Spring, Cypress, Katy, Humble, and beyond stay ahead of weather-related plumbing issues.
When you call us, you’re not getting a cookie-cutter contractor—you’re getting a neighbor who understands the challenges your home faces. Our licensed plumbers are trained to spot problems early, provide honest solutions, and deliver reliable repairs that stand up to Houston’s climate.
Need a Plumbing Pro in Houston? Call Brad’s Today.
Whether you’re worried about flooding, preparing for another heatwave, or just want peace of mind going into the next season, Brad’s Plumbing is here to help.
From leak detection and water heater repairs to sewer line inspections and weatherproofing, we’ve got the tools, experience, and friendly service to get the job done right.
👉 Call Brad’s Plumbing now at [insert phone number] or schedule your appointment online at https://bradsplumbing.com.
Let’s protect your home—one pipe at a time.