If you own a home in Texas, you know how unpredictable the weather can be—and how tough our climate can be on plumbing systems. From brutal heat waves and sudden cold snaps to hard water and shifting soil conditions, Texas homes face challenges that aren’t always common in other parts of the country. The better you understand your plumbing, the easier it is to prevent breakdowns, avoid water damage, and make smart decisions about when to DIY and when to call in a licensed professional. This guide breaks down key areas every Texas homeowner should know—so you can protect your investment, avoid emergency repairs, and keep your home running smoothly year-round.
Know the Basics: Texas Plumbing Code & Licensing
Texas takes plumbing seriously—because plumbing affects water safety, property value, and community infrastructure. Before undertaking plumbing work in your home, be aware that Texas has stringent regulations regarding the installation and repair of plumbing systems.
A few essentials:
- Licensed plumbers are required for most repairs and installations
- Permits may be needed for larger plumbing projects
- Texas plumbing code can update over time—so staying current matters
While small maintenance tasks are usually fine for DIY, any work involving water heaters, sewer lines, gas lines, or main supply lines should always be handled by a licensed technician. Hiring licensed help protects you—not only with proper workmanship, but with a path to support if something goes wrong.
Seasonal Plumbing Challenges Unique to Texas
Texas weather patterns aren’t gentle—and they directly affect the condition and performance of your plumbing.
Winter Prep
Even though we’re not a northern state, Houston and surrounding areas have had multiple freeze events that caused thousands of burst pipes. It’s important to prepare before winter hits.
Smart winter steps:
- Insulate exposed pipes, especially in attics, garages, and outdoor walls
- Seal gaps or drafts near piping
- Keep a slow drip on faucets in extreme freeze events
Those few small steps can save you thousands in damage repair.
Summer Strain
Texas summers can be just as demanding. High water usage, drought restrictions, and soil shifting during high heat can put added pressure on plumbing systems.
Common summer issues include:
- Low water pressure from high municipal demand
- Faster fixture wear due to extreme heat
- Stress on pipes from soil movement and dryness
Regular inspection and maintenance before peak summer hits can help prevent major surprise failures.
The Must-Have Tools for Homeowners
Every Texas homeowner should keep basic plumbing tools on hand. You don’t need to be a plumber—you just need to be prepared.
A helpful starter kit includes:
- Plunger
- Adjustable wrench
- Pipe wrench
- Plumber’s tape (Teflon tape)
- Drain snake or auger
These simple tools can resolve small problems and stop minor issues from escalating.
Easy Fixes You Can Do Yourself
Some plumbing issues can be addressed without professional help.
For example:
- Replacing the flapper valve on a running toilet
- Tightening a loose faucet fixture
- Clearing minor drain clogs with a plunger
These are simple and safe tasks to handle on your own. But if you’re unsure—even slightly—it’s better to ask a pro. A small mistake can turn into a costly repair quickly.
When It's Time to Call a Licensed Plumber
For every small repair you can do yourself, there are bigger issues that absolutely require the expertise of a licensed, qualified plumbing professional.
Examples include:
- Burst or leaking supply lines
- Sewer line backups
- Persistent water pressure problems
- Water heater failures
- Gas line issues (never DIY these)
These aren’t just complicated—they’re potentially dangerous. A licensed plumber has the diagnostic tools and training to solve the problem correctly and safely.
Water Conservation: A Necessity in Texas
With drought events becoming more frequent, water conservation isn’t just smart—it’s a responsibility. Texas homeowners can make a significant impact by updating fixtures and adjusting daily routines.
Consider upgrades like:
- Low-flow faucets and showerheads
- High-efficiency toilets
- Smart irrigation systems
- Rainwater collection systems (where permitted)
Even small daily habits make a difference. Shorter showers, fixing leaks right away, and using water-efficient appliances all help reduce waste—and lower utility bills.
The Value of Professional Maintenance
Most homeowners only call when something is broken. But regular inspections and preventive maintenance are how you avoid major, unexpected emergencies.
Routine maintenance can:
- Extend the life of your plumbing system
- Prevent leaks and breakdowns
- Improve efficiency and water quality
- Keep the home code-compliant
A yearly plumbing checkup can easily pay for itself—because catching issues early is always cheaper than repairing damage after a failure.
For More Timely Tips on Plumbing Issues, Call IGD Plumbing & Air
At IGD Plumbing & Air in Houston, we understand the unique plumbing challenges Texas homeowners face. Whether you’re preparing for seasonal temperature swings, need help with leak detection, want upgrade recommendations, or simply want your system inspected, our licensed team offers a range of services to keep your home safe, efficient, and comfortable. We treat every customer like family—and we’re always ready to help you protect your home with experienced plumbing support you can trust.
For more Texas plumbing tips, call IGD Plumbing & Air at (832) 701-8666 or contact us online.