Houston freeze prep: How a Whataburger cup can help prevent frozen pipes

As Houstonians scramble to prepare for the upcoming hard freeze, store shelves are emptying out of faucet covers. But if you cannot find one, a Texas staple might just save your plumbing: The Whataburger cup.

Deputies with Harris County Precinct 4 Constable Mark Herman’s Office are reminding you to remember the “4 Ps” of winter safety: People, pets, plants, and pipes. When it comes to that last one, they say the “Whataburger cup hack” is a legitimate last-resort option.

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While Precinct 4 notes a proper hard-shell faucet cover is best, they admit that the cup method is “ABSOLUTELY” better than nothing.

How to do it:

1. Prep the cup: Poke a small hole in the bottom of a large Styrofoam cup
2. The anchor: Run a rubber band or cord through the hole.
3. Secure it: Use a pen, pencil, or small stick on the outside of the cup bottom to hold the rubber band in place.
4. Attach it: Stretch the loop of the rubber band over the faucet handle and let the cup snap flush against the wall.
5. Pro tip: Stack two cups together for double the insulation.