Texas doesn’t get cold for long, but when a hard freeze hits, it hits fast, and homes built for heat aren’t always ready for it. Burst pipes are one of the most common and most expensive freeze-related repairs Texas homeowners deal with, and most of it is preventable with about 30 minutes of prep before the temperature drops.
Why Texas Homes Are Especially Vulnerable
Homes in colder climates are built with pipes insulated and buried deep, and with heating systems sized for real winters. Texas homes are built for cooling, not freezing, so plumbing often runs through attics, garages, and exterior walls with little to no insulation. When a hard freeze does hit, even a few hours below freezing can be enough for exposed pipes to freeze and, in the worst cases, split open once things thaw.
Before the Freeze: A 30-Minute Prep Checklist
Do this the day before a hard freeze is forecast:
- Disconnect and drain garden hoses. A hose left attached can trap water in the spigot and cause it to freeze and crack.
- Cover outdoor faucets. Foam faucet covers cost only a few dollars and make a real difference.
- Insulate exposed pipes. Look in the garage, attic, and crawl space for any visible pipe runs and wrap them with foam pipe insulation or even towels as a temporary fix.
- Let faucets drip. A slow, steady drip from faucets on exterior walls keeps water moving, and moving water is much less likely to freeze solid.
- Open cabinet doors. Opening the cabinets under kitchen and bathroom sinks lets warmer household air reach the pipes underneath.
- Know where your main shutoff valve is. If a pipe does burst, being able to shut off water to the whole house in seconds instead of minutes can be the difference between a repair and a full flood.
- Set your thermostat and leave it. Keep the heat on, even overnight and even if you’re leaving town, at 55°F or higher throughout the home.
If a Pipe Does Freeze
If you turn on a faucet and get little or no water during a cold snap, you likely have a frozen pipe somewhere between the fixture and the main line. Leave the faucet open, since this relieves pressure as the pipe thaws, and try to locate the frozen section, often somewhere exposed like an exterior wall, attic, or garage. You can apply gentle heat with a hair dryer or space heater kept a safe distance away. Never use an open flame. If you can’t find the frozen section, or if water starts leaking anywhere as things thaw, shut off the main water valve immediately and call a plumber.
After the Thaw: What to Check
Once temperatures climb back above freezing, walk through the house and check under every sink, around the water heater, and in the attic and garage for any signs of a slow leak, damp insulation, water stains, or a musty smell. A pipe can crack while frozen and not actually leak until it thaws and pressure returns, so damage isn’t always obvious right away.
If you do end up with a burst pipe or major water heater damage, it’s worth knowing what a repair is likely to cost before a contractor shows up. See our Plumbing Repipe Cost Guide and Water Heater Replacement Cost Guide for typical Texas pricing, and try our Repair or Replace Decision Tool if you’re trying to figure out whether a damaged unit is worth fixing or replacing.
This article is general guidance, not a substitute for a licensed plumber’s assessment. If you smell gas, see standing water near electrical outlets or panels, or aren’t comfortable working near your plumbing or electrical systems, call a professional.
