Texas does not freeze often, which is exactly why freezes do so much damage. Many homes have pipes in attics, exterior walls, and crawlspaces with little insulation, and a lot of homeowners have never had to winterize. Winter Storm Uri in February 2021 showed how fast that adds up. Here is how to get your home ready before the first hard freeze.
Which pipes are most at risk?
- Outdoor hose bibs (spigots) and irrigation backflow preventers
- Pipes in exterior walls, especially on the north side of the house
- Lines in attics, garages, and crawlspaces
- Pipes under sinks on exterior walls
- Supply lines to a water heater in the garage
Before freezing weather: a checklist
- Disconnect garden hoses and cover outdoor faucets with insulated covers.
- Insulate exposed pipes in the attic, garage, and crawlspace with foam pipe sleeves. They are inexpensive and sold at any hardware store.
- Wrap or insulate your backflow preventer if you have a sprinkler system, and drain the system if your installer recommends it.
- Close crawlspace vents and garage doors during cold snaps.
- Find your main water shut-off and make sure it turns. If a pipe bursts, you will want to stop the water in seconds, not minutes.
- Consider frost-free hose bibs or heat tape on vulnerable runs, especially in the Panhandle and South Plains, where freezes are harder and more frequent.
During a hard freeze
- Let faucets drip on exterior walls, both hot and cold. Moving water is less likely to freeze.
- Open cabinet doors under sinks so warm air reaches the pipes.
- Keep the thermostat steady, day and night. Do not set it far lower while you are away.
- If you will be gone, keep the heat on and consider shutting off the water at the main.
If a pipe freezes
If a faucet only trickles or nothing comes out, a pipe may be frozen. Leave the faucet open and warm the pipe gently with a hair dryer or space heater kept at a safe distance. Never use an open flame. If you cannot find or reach the frozen section, call a plumber.
If a pipe bursts
- Shut off the water at the main right away.
- Turn off the water heater (gas: set to pilot; electric: switch off at the breaker).
- Open faucets to drain the remaining water.
- Take photos for your insurance claim before cleanup.
- Call a licensed plumber. After a widespread freeze, plumbers get booked up fast, so call early.
A little preparation in the fall costs far less than one burst pipe. If you are not sure how well protected your plumbing is, a licensed plumber can walk through your home and point out the weak spots before winter.