On August 13, 2026, NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center issued an El Niño Advisory, putting the odds of a very strong El Niño this fall and winter above 90%. There’s even a 69% chance it becomes the strongest event on record dating back to 1950.
For North Texas, this likely means more rain and colder temperatures than usual this winter. Preparing your home before the first cold front will help you avoid a plumbing or electrical emergency later. This guide from our experts at Legacy Plumbing will help ensure your home is ready for adverse weather.
How To Prepare for an El Niño Winter
Planning ahead doesn’t take much time, and it pays off once the cold and rain arrive. Here’s where to start.
Winterize Your Pipes
Most North Texas homes sit on slab foundations, meaning many pipes usually run through attics and garages instead of basements and crawl spaces. The temperature in these unheated areas may drop below freezing during a cold snap.
Want to protect your home against water damage? Here’s how to prevent frozen pipes:
- Insulate vulnerable pipes running through unheated areas.
- Seal gaps around pipe entry points with spray foam.
- Keep the garage door closed during a hard freeze to hold in the heat.
- Let faucets drip and open cabinet doors under sinks on freezing nights.
- Disconnect, drain, and store garden hoses before the first freeze.
Not every pipe is easily accessible or even on your radar. A professional inspection helps you spot and protect the pipes you might otherwise miss.
Locate Your Shut-Off Valve
Your main water shut-off valve controls the water supply to your entire home. When a pipe bursts or a fitting fails, closing this valve stops the flooding. Everyone in your household should know where the shut-off valve is and how to turn the water on and off.
For added protection, consider an automated shut-off valve. This device pairs with leak sensors and closes your water supply automatically if something seems off. Smart models also send an alert to your phone, so you’ll know about a leak even if you’re not home.
Get Your Water Heater Ready for the Cold
Winter strains your water heater more than warmer seasons. Incoming water runs colder, holiday guests increase demand, and an aging unit could fail at any time. To prevent this, watch for signs you need water heater repairs:
- Lukewarm or inconsistent water temperature
- Rumbling, popping, or banging noises
- Discolored water
- Leaking tank
- Finnicky pilot light
- Age approaching or exceeding 10 years old
Midwinter is the worst time for your water heater to break down. Schedule hot water heater maintenance this fall so it doesn’t come to that.
Protect Against Electrical Surges
The extra rain and storm activity during an El Niño winter increases the odds of power surges. Lightning strikes, grid fluctuations, and outages can send jolts of electricity through your home’s wiring, damaging appliances, computers, and HVAC equipment.
A whole-home surge protector installed at your electrical panel guards every outlet and hardwired fixture in the house. This simple upgrade protects the systems you rely on every day before storms can damage them.
Call Legacy Plumbing for Electrical & Plumbing Services in North Texas
With a wetter, colder winter ahead, now’s the time to get your pipes, water heater, and electrical system ready. Legacy Plumbing has provided North Texas homeowners wit trusted plumbing services for over 20 years, and now we offer electrical services too. Our team comprises skilled, licensed professionals who arrive on time, respect your home, and leave the service area cleaner than we found it.
Contact us today to schedule plumbing or electrical services in Frisco, Little Elm, or the North Dallas suburbs.
FAQs
At what temperature do pipes freeze?
Pipes can freeze once the air temperature drops below 32 degrees F, but the risk increases around 20 degrees. Pipes in exposed or unheated areas, such as the attic or garage, are especially vulnerable during sustained freezes.
Where is the main water shut-off valve in my house?
The main water shut-off valve is often located near the front of the house. Check the garage, a utility closet, or near the water heater first. The shut-off valve can also be buried in a meter box near the street.
How often should I service my water heater?
We recommend servicing your water heater once a year. Flushing to remove mineral deposits and scale buildup is one of the most important maintenance tasks for tank and tankless water heaters alike.
What impact is El Niño expected to have on North Texas?
El Niño is expected to bring more rain and colder-than-average temperatures to North Texas this winter. NOAA gives this event a greater than 90% chance of becoming very strong, which raises the risk of frozen pipes and power surges.
