How to Prevent Burst Pipes in Texas Winters

Texas may be known for heat, but our winter freezes can be devastating. The February 2021 winter storm caused over 600,000 burst pipe insurance claims in Texas alone. North Texas homes are particularly vulnerable because they're often built without cold-weather protection that's standard in northern states.

Before the Freeze: Winterizing Your Pipes

Identify Vulnerable Pipes

The pipes most likely to freeze in a DFW home are:

• Attic pipes - Water heaters and supply lines in unconditioned attics
• Exterior wall pipes - Pipes in walls facing outside, especially north-facing
• Garage pipes - Water heaters and supply lines in unheated garages
• Crawl space pipes - Any plumbing under pier-and-beam homes
• Outdoor faucets - Hose bibs and irrigation supply lines

Insulate Your Pipes

Add foam pipe insulation (available at any hardware store) to exposed pipes in vulnerable areas. Focus on:

• All pipes in the attic
• Pipes in the garage
• Pipes under sinks on exterior walls
• Water heater supply lines

Protect Outdoor Faucets

• Disconnect and drain garden hoses
• Install insulated faucet covers on all outdoor spigots
• Locate and know how to shut off irrigation system supply lines

Service Your Water Heater

If your water heater is in the attic or garage, ensure it's working properly before winter. A malfunctioning water heater won't keep pipes warm, and the tank itself can freeze and rupture.

During a Freeze: Active Protection

When temperatures are forecast to drop below freezing:

Let Faucets Drip

Open faucets served by exposed pipes to a slow, steady drip. Moving water is harder to freeze than standing water. Focus on:

• Kitchen sink (often on exterior wall)
• Bathroom faucets on exterior walls
• Both hot and cold lines

Open Cabinet Doors

Open cabinet doors under kitchen and bathroom sinks to let warm air circulate around pipes, especially on exterior walls.

Maintain Heat

• Keep your thermostat at 55°F or higher, even if you're away
• Open interior doors to allow heat to circulate
• If you have a fireplace, don't rely on it as your only heat source - it can actually pull warm air out of the house

If You Lose Power

During extended power outages in freezing weather:

• Shut off water at the main valve and drain pipes by opening faucets
• Flush toilets to empty tanks and bowls
• Pour RV antifreeze into toilet bowls and sink drains to protect P-traps
• Drain your water heater if it's in an unheated space

Signs of a Frozen Pipe

Watch for these warning signs:

• No water or reduced water pressure from a faucet
• Frost visible on exposed pipes
• Strange smells from drains (blocked by ice)
• Bulging or cracked pipes (pipe has already burst)

What to Do If a Pipe Freezes

If you suspect a frozen pipe that hasn't burst yet:

1. Keep the faucet open - As ice melts, water needs somewhere to go
2. Apply gentle heat - Use a hair dryer, heat lamp, or heating pad. Never use open flame.
3. Start near the faucet - Work backward toward the frozen section
4. Check other faucets - If one pipe froze, others may be frozen too

If a Pipe Bursts

A burst pipe can release 4-8 gallons of water per minute. Act fast:

1. Shut off the main water supply immediately - Know where your shut-off valve is BEFORE an emergency
2. Turn off electricity to affected areas if water is near outlets or the electrical panel
3. Call a professional restoration company - Water damage worsens every hour
4. Document the damage - Take photos for your insurance claim
5. Begin removing water if you can do so safely

Long-Term Prevention

Consider these improvements to protect your home from future freezes:

• Relocate vulnerable pipes - Move pipes from attics and exterior walls to interior spaces
• Install a water leak detection system - Smart sensors alert you to leaks before they become disasters
• Add heat tape - Electric heat cables wrap around pipes and maintain temperature
• Upgrade to PEX piping - PEX is more flexible than copper or PVC and less likely to burst when frozen
• Insulate your attic - Proper attic insulation protects pipes and reduces energy costs