6 Most Common Winter Plumbing Problems to Watch Out For in Texas

Winter is all cozy vibes—crackling fireplaces, fuzzy socks, and hot cocoa in hand. But while you’re soaking up the season, your plumbing might be quietly plotting a cold-weather catastrophe.

Sure, we may not be shoveling snow every morning—but when winter hits Texas, it comes in strong and fast. One surprise cold front and suddenly your plumbing is under more pressure than your holiday to-do list.

Here are 6 common plumbing problems we see during Texas winters—and how you can stop them before they ruin your season.

1. Overworked Water Heaters

When that first real cold snap hits, your water heater has to work harder to keep up. If it’s older or hasn't had maintenance in a while, it might struggle to deliver consistent hot water—or quit altogether.

What to watch for: Inconsistent hot water, longer heat-up times, or weird noises coming from the tank.

How to avoid it: Schedule an annual flush to remove sediment, check the temperature setting (120°F is ideal), and call us for a tune-up if it’s been more than a year.

2. Holiday Clogs (The Uninvited Guest)

Between big family meals, holiday baking, and extra bathroom traffic, your plumbing gets a serious workout this time of year. Grease down the drain or too much paper in the toilet can lead to clogs and backups.

What to do:

• Don’t pour grease or oil down the kitchen sink.
• Keep coffee grounds and starchy foods (like potatoes and rice) out of the disposal.
• Only flush toilet paper—no wipes, no cotton balls, no holiday miracle products.

3. Leaky Fixtures

When the weather cools off, it’s easy to ignore small plumbing issues—but that steady drip from your faucet or a running toilet could be wasting gallons of water (and money) every day.

Why now: Cold air can cause parts to contract slightly, which may make existing leaks worse.

Fix it fast: Handle minor leaks now before they become major ones. If you hear running water or notice damp spots, don’t wait.

4. Sewer Line Strain

Increased usage from guests and holiday meals puts extra stress on your sewer line—and if there’s already buildup or small cracks, that stress can lead to slow drains, foul odors, or even a full-on backup.

What to do: Watch for gurgling drains or bad smells. If your whole home’s draining slowly, get it checked before things escalate.

5. Slow Drains from Hair and Soap Buildup

When it’s cold outside, we all tend to take longer, hotter showers—which feels amazing, but also leads to more hair, soap scum, and conditioner gunk heading down the drain. Over time, that buildup can slow things down or clog your shower entirely.

Pro tip: Add drain strainers to showers and tubs, and avoid dumping large amounts of shampoo or bath oils down the drain.

6. Pipe Insulation (or Lack Thereof)

Okay—we know we said frozen pipes aren’t a huge issue most of the time in Texas. But during that one random hard freeze every couple years (lookin' at you, 2021), uninsulated pipes can become a problem—especially if they run through attics, garages, or exterior walls.

The move: Pipe insulation is cheap and easy to install. You may never need it... until you really do. It’s worth knocking this off your winter prep list.

Contact Elmer's Home Services for All Your Plumbing Needs in San Antonio and Dallas Areas

Winter in Texas is unpredictable. One week it’s 80°, the next it’s “where did I put my coat?” Whether you’re gearing up for holiday guests or just trying to stay cozy, now’s a good time to make sure your plumbing is ready. Need a pre-winter plumbing check or help with a clog? Contact Elmer's Home Services today—we’ve got your back.