Texas winters can be unpredictable, with occasional sharp, biting plunges into freezing temperatures. For kiddos, these wintery freezing spells can mean snow days, snowmen, snowball fights, and sledding. But for your home, it could mean confronting the susceptibility of Texas homes to damage from extreme cold. In particular, the risk of frozen and burst pipes can mean a mad scramble to make repairs. The February 2021 winter storm highlighted the vulnerability of Texas homes especially. Compared to homes in colder climates, many Texas houses are not built with extensive insulation or weatherproofing, making pipes especially susceptible to freezing when temperatures drop.
In our experience in the field of home improvements and repairs, we have seen that frozen pipes are more than an inconvenience—they can cause significant damage, leading to costly repairs and water waste. This guide will help Texas homeowners with practical strategies to prevent frozen pipes and outlines steps to take if pipes do freeze, ensuring your home stays safe and secure through unexpected cold spells.
Why Pipes Freeze and Burst
Water expands as it freezes, creating immense pressure inside pipes. This pressure can cause pipes to crack or burst, leading to leaks and water damage when the ice thaws. We see this happen all the time in the cracks in our sidewalks and roads, though it is easy to overlook. Pipes that are at the highest risk of freezing range from those located in unheated areas like garages, attics, crawl spaces, or exterior walls. As well as those unheated places still within the home, outdoor pipes, plumbing around the perimeter of the home, and hose bibs are also at risk, especially if insulation is inadequate.
Tips for Preventing Frozen Pipes
To protect your pipes from freezing, it’s essential to combine insulation, temperature control, and proactive maintenance.
- Insulate Pipes
The most effective way to prevent freezing is to add insulation to exposed pipes. The best method is to use pipe wraps and foam sleeves made from foam rubber or fiberglass. For extra protection, especially in places that might be prone to freezing, wrap pipes in heat tape or even heating cables. Make sure to use products approved for residential plumbing and follow manufacturer instructions carefully. When in doubt, it is always best to call a professional to do this for you. Another preventative measure would be to properly insulate walls, ceilings, and crawl spaces where pipes are located. This step will not only benefit your pipes by maintaining warmer temperatures around them, but also help to insulate your home against the winter chill.
- Seal Air Leaks
Cold air entering your home can drastically lower temperatures around pipes. It is important to seal cracks and openings. Use caulk or spray foam to seal gaps around windows, doors, and utility openings (such as where pipes or cables enter your home). Additionally, if your home has crawl space vents, close them during freezing weather to prevent cold air from circulating near pipes. Not only will this help stop the water in the pipes from being exposed to extreme cold, but they will help keep drafts from sending a chill through your home.
- Maintain Indoor Temperatures
Keeping your home warm is crucial for preventing pipes from freezing. Of course, we Texans are not exactly used to freezing temperatures with our gloriously hot summers, but even so, it is important to keep your home heating system in good condition. This isn’t only good for your personal comfort, but it will help stop your pipes from freezing as well. During cold snaps, keep your thermostat set to at least 55°F, even if you’re away from home. Also, open cabinets under sinks and other fixtures occasionally to allow warm air to circulate around the plumbing. In the case of extreme cold, use space heaters in unheated areas. Be careful with space heaters! Make sure they are placed away from flammable materials and never left unattended.
- Protect Outdoor Plumbing
Outdoor faucets and hoses are particularly vulnerable to freezing and bursting. Outdoor plumbing needs to be considered as well as you prepare for extreme cold spells. Disconnect garden hoses and drain outdoor faucets before freezing weather arrives. We recommend covering outdoor faucets with insulated covers or foam insulators as well. If your home also has a separate shutoff valve for outdoor plumbing, turn it off and drain the lines to prevent those pipes from freezing.
Emergency Measures During Freezing Weather
It does not happen often in Texas, but when temperatures do drop below freezing, here are some measures to ensure your home is prepared.
- Drip Your Faucets
Letting water trickle from faucets during extreme cold can prevent pipes from freezing. Flowing water is less likely to freeze. Relieving pressure in the system can reduce the risk of a burst pipe. Focus on faucets served by pipes located along exterior walls or in unheated spaces. Those are the faucets that are at the highest risk of freezing in extreme cold.
- Monitor Vulnerable Pipes
If you have pipes in unheated areas or along exterior walls, check them periodically during cold weather. Look for signs of frost or ice forming on the surface. Staying vigilant while the freeze is happening will save you from dealing with the consequences later. Remember your home’s pipes are not accustomed to these kinds of temperature plunges.
- Keep Doors and Curtains Open
Allow warm air to circulate freely throughout your home by keeping interior doors open. Similarly, keep curtains and blinds open on sunny days to take advantage of natural heat from the sun. This is especially important if your home heating system is unable to keep up with the extreme cold. In preparation for extreme weather in the winter, reevaluating your home heating system would also be highly beneficial.
What to Do If Pipes Freeze
Despite your best efforts, pipes can still freeze during severe cold. Taking immediate action can minimize damage and restore water flow.
- Locate the Frozen Pipe
The first step is to check for blockages. Look for faucets that aren’t running or are producing only a trickle of water. That is a key indication that you might have a frozen pipe. If you find that one of your faucets isn’t working properly, check the pipes leading from it. Frozen pipes often have frost on the exterior or feel unusually cold to the touch.
- Thaw the Pipe Safely
Once you’ve identified the frozen section, thaw it carefully to avoid damage. Never use an open flame like a blowtorch as this is a fire hazard. Instead, you could use a hair dryer to direct warm air at the frozen section, moving the dryer back and forth to avoid overheating one spot. Another option is to wrap the pipe with warm towels. Soak towels in hot water, wring them out, and wrap them around the pipe. If you have heat tape or cables installed, turn them on to thaw the pipe. Do not leave the pipes unattended while applying heat.
- Open Faucets
While thawing, open the faucet served by the frozen pipe to allow water and steam to escape. This reduces pressure and helps restore flow. It can stop the pipe from bursting once the ice melts.
- Call a Professional
These are emergency steps you can take if you find that one of your pipes has frozen. Yet it is always best to call a professional in the case of any plumbing issues. If you cannot locate the frozen pipe or it doesn’t thaw, contact a licensed plumber. Prompt professional intervention can prevent further damage.
What to Do If a Pipe Bursts
A burst pipe can cause significant water damage, so it’s crucial to act quickly. Here are the steps to take to reduce the damage.
- Shut Off the Water
Turn off your home’s main water supply to stop the flow of water. When a pipe bursts, the flooding water is the main cause of the damage. In preparation, it is a good idea to locate the shutoff valve before an emergency occurs so you can respond quickly.
- Turn Off Electricity in the Affected Area
If water is leaking near electrical outlets or appliances, turn off the electricity to that area to prevent electrocution or fire.
- Contain the Leak
Use buckets, towels, or a wet/dry vacuum to catch and remove water. Move furniture and valuables away from the affected area to prevent any further damage.
- Contact a Plumber
Call a professional plumber to repair the pipe and restore your water supply. In our experience, we have helped homeowners repair and restore their water systems after a pipe bursts. We offer 24-hour plumbing, air conditioning, and heating repair.
- Document the Damage
Take photos of the damage for insurance purposes. If repairs are extensive, your homeowner’s insurance may cover part or all of the cost.
Long-Term Solutions for Texas Homes
To prevent future issues, consider implementing long-term strategies. Even though Texas winters can vary in severity from year to year, it is always better to be proactive than reactive.
- Upgrade Insulation
Invest in better insulation for your walls, attic, and crawl spaces to maintain a consistent indoor temperature during cold weather.
- Relocate Vulnerable Pipes
If pipes frequently freeze, consider having a plumber relocate them to a more protected area within your home.
- Install Frost-Proof Faucets
Replace standard outdoor faucets with frost-proof models designed to prevent freezing.
- Add a Smart Water Monitor
Smart water monitors detect unusual pressure changes and alert you to potential leaks or frozen pipes, allowing you to take action before a pipe bursts.
Conclusion
For Texas homeowners, freezing pipes may seem like a rare concern, but recent winters have shown that preparation is essential. While cozy blankets, a warm cup of soup, and hot chocolate might help you adjust to the extreme cold, your home requires a different kind of protection. By insulating pipes, maintaining indoor warmth, and taking proactive measures during freezing weather, you can significantly reduce the risk of freezing or burst pipes.
If pipes do freeze, knowing how to respond quickly and safely can minimize damage and expenses. With proper planning and a few preventive upgrades, you can protect your home from the costly consequences of freezing weather and enjoy peace of mind all winter long. Our years of experience helping homeowners keep their homes warm, safe, and dry are available to you any time. Call us today to work proactively to protect your home for the winter! Let’s work together to ensure your peace of mind this winter!
