Protecting Your Texas Plumbing from Winter Freezes

February 2021 proved Texas isn't freeze-proof.

Billions in damage. Pipes burst everywhere. Don't let it happen to you.

Why Texas Is Vulnerable

Less insulation:
Homes built for heat, not cold. Pipes often in exterior walls, attics.

Lack of preparation:
Northern states are ready. Texas gets caught off guard.

Extended cold snaps:
Brief freezes are survivable. 24-48 hours of sub-20°F is dangerous.

Before a Freeze

When forecast shows freeze:

Know your shutoffs

- Main water shutoff (usually near meter)
- Individual shutoffs for outdoor faucets

Insulate exposed pipes

- Foam sleeves from hardware store
- Attic, garage, crawl space pipes
- Outdoor faucet covers

Open cabinet doors

- Under sinks on exterior walls
- Lets warm air circulate

Drip faucets

- Both hot and cold lines
- Moving water resists freezing

Keep heat on

- Never below 55°F, even if away
- Open interior doors for circulation

During a Freeze

Maintain:

• Keep dripping faucets


• Monitor for pressure drops


• Check exposed pipes if possible


• Keep garage door closed

Warning signs of frozen pipe:

• No water from faucet


• Frost on visible pipe


• Strange smells from drains

If Pipes Freeze

DO:

Turn off water at main

Open the frozen faucet

Apply gentle heat (hair dryer, heat lamp)

Work from faucet toward frozen area

Call a plumber if unsure

DON'T:

• Use open flame


• Use high heat (can cause thermal shock)


• Leave unattended while thawing

If Pipes Burst

Immediately:

Shut off main water

Turn off water heater

Open faucets to drain

Document damage (photos)

Call emergency plumber

Contact insurance

Finding Emergency Help

During a freeze event, plumbers are SLAMMED.

Tips:

• Call multiple companies


• Get on callback lists


• Ask about temporary patches


• Consider mutual aid (neighbors with plumbing skills)

Fixly: Our AI can help find available plumbers even during emergencies.

Freeze Damage Costs

Insurance: Most policies cover sudden burst pipes. Document everything.

Long-Term Protection

After a freeze event:

Insulate all vulnerable pipes

Install pipe heating cables for exterior runs

Consider recirculating pump

Add secondary shutoffs

Spend $200 on prevention. Save $10,000 on damage.