Before the First Freeze: A DFW Homeowner's Checklist

North Texas weather loves a plot twist. One week it's 85 degrees, and the next you're scraping the windshield. According to the National Weather Service in Fort Worth, the average first freeze at DFW lands on November 22, but the earliest on record came on October 22. In other words, now is the time.

Here's a simple checklist for homeowners in Mansfield, Arlington, Fort Worth, Burleson, Grand Prairie, and the rest of the Metroplex.

Find your shut-off valve before you need it

If a pipe bursts, the first thing you'll want to do is stop the water. Find your home's main shut-off valve, test that it turns, and show everyone in the house where it is. The City of Fort Worth recommends doing this ahead of time and notes that water can also be shut off at the meter if needed. Be careful with the wires connected to the meter's radio transmitter when you lift the lid.

Protect what's outside

• Disconnect garden hoses and cover outdoor faucets.
• Insulate outdoor pipes with foam sleeves from any hardware store.
• Turn off your irrigation system and drain the lines.

Don't forget the hidden pipes

Pipes in attics, garages, crawl spaces, and exterior walls get cold fastest. Insulate what you can reach. On freezing nights, open the cabinet doors under sinks that hold water lines so warm air can circulate, as long as it's safe with children, pets, or cleaning products in the house.

Plan for the worst-case night

Keep some extra water on hand in case a frozen pipe or a main break cuts off service.

Give your heating system a fall tune-up

The first chilly morning is when everyone across DFW turns the heat on at once, and it's also when HVAC companies get busy. Replace your air filter, clear anything stored around the furnace or indoor unit, and book a heating check now instead of during the first cold front. If your system makes new noises or smells when it kicks on, that's your sign to call a pro.

If a pipe freezes anyway

Call a licensed plumber. A frozen pipe may already be cracked and can burst once it thaws. The City of Fort Worth specifically warns against heating pipes with an electrical appliance because of the risk of electrocution.

Outside Fort Worth?

If you live in Mansfield, Arlington, Burleson, or another nearby city, check your city's website for its freeze guidance and how to report a water main break.

Need a reliable plumber or HVAC company? The On The Move DFW Team keeps a list of local pros our clients trust. Reach out anytime and we'll point you in the right direction.