Why Texas pipes are especially vulnerable.
In colder climates, homes are built with pipes deep inside insulated walls. A lot of DFW plumbing runs through attics, exterior walls, and uninsulated spaces because we so rarely freeze. That's exactly why a sudden hard freeze does so much damage here — the pipes were never positioned for it.
Before the freeze: prep checklist.
- Disconnect garden hoses and cover outdoor spigots with foam faucet covers.
- Insulate exposed pipes in the attic, garage, and crawlspace with foam pipe sleeves.
- Know where your main shut-off is — and make sure it actually turns. In a burst, the seconds you save here matter.
- Open cabinet doors under sinks on exterior walls so warm air reaches the pipes.
During the freeze: keep water moving.
Let a couple of faucets drip — a slow, steady trickle of cold water. Moving water is far less likely to freeze, and an open faucet relieves the pressure that actually causes pipes to burst. Keep your heat on even if you're away, set no lower than 55°F.
If a pipe already froze.
Turn off the main shut-off immediately if you suspect a pipe has frozen or burst. Open the faucet it feeds so melting water can escape. You can gently warm an accessible frozen pipe with a hair dryer — never an open flame. If you can't find it, can't reach it, or it's already burst, call us right away.
Need a hand? Call us at 469·407·5370 or book online — we're on call across DFW 24/7.