4 Ways to Prevent Water Pipes Freezing Over in Texas
What Texas Homeowners & Businesses Need to Know About Frozen Pipes
Texas weather is famous for its unpredictability. One minute it’s sunny, and the next, we are facing a bitter winter storm. When temperatures drop drastically, the risk of water pipes freezing increases significantly for homeowners across the state.
Frozen pipes are not just a minor inconvenience; they can lead to catastrophic bursts and expensive water damage. Because Texas properties aren’t always built for extreme cold, our plumbing is often more vulnerable than homes in northern states. For properties across the state, from Dallas, Houston, San Antonio, Austin, and beyond, taking proactive steps to protect your water lines is essential for maintaining your property value.
Understanding At What Temperature Do Pipes Freeze
Many Texas property owners ask, at what temperature do pipes freeze? While water turns to ice at 32°F, pipes inside insulated walls typically remain safe until outside temperatures drop to around 20°F. However, this can vary depending on wind chill and the quality of insulation.
Exposed house pipes or pipes in unheated areas like attics, garages, crawl spaces, or commercial storage spaces are at risk much sooner. If a cold front brings high winds, freezing happens even faster. To protect your property, it’s important to take the threat of water pipes freezing seriously whenever a freeze warning is issued.
Top Tips on How to Prevent Pipes From Freezing
Learning how to prevent pipes from freezing is crucial for protecting your investment. You don’t need to be a plumbing expert to take these preventative measures. A few hours of preparation can save you thousands of dollars in potential repairs.
- Insulate exposed lines: Visit a hardware store and buy foam pipe insulation for any house pipes located in unheated areas.
- Let faucets drip: A slow drip keeps water moving. Moving water requires much lower temperatures to freeze, preventing pressure buildup in your water lines.
- Open cabinet doors: Allow warm air from your heating system to circulate around the plumbing under your kitchen and bathroom sinks.
- Seal leaks: Check for air leaks near drain pipes and windows, and seal them with caulk or insulation to keep the cold air out.
Don’t Forget Your Drain Pipes and Sewer Lines
While supply lines are under pressure and burst easily, drain pipes and sewer lines can also suffer from the cold, leading to issues with water pipes freezing. If a drain trap freezes, it can crack the pipe. Furthermore, sewer lines that are not buried deep enough can be susceptible to ground freezing.
Ensure you disconnect all garden hoses from the outdoor spigots. If you leave a hose connected, water can back up into the faucet and freeze, causing the pipe inside the wall to burst.
What to Do If Pipes Freeze in Your Home or Business
Despite your best efforts learning how to prevent pipes from freezing, extreme weather in Texas can still win. Knowing what to do if pipes freeze can mean the difference between a simple thaw and a flooded house or commercial property.
- Shut off the water: Immediately turn off the main water valve to your house. This prevents water from rushing out if the freezing water pipes have already cracked.
- Thaw carefully: You can try to thaw the pipe with a hair dryer or space heater. Never use an open flame or blowtorch.
- Check for leaks: Once thawed, turn the water back on slowly and check all house pipes or commercial pipes for leaks.
Trust the Experts at Accurate Leak and Line
At Accurate Leak and Line, we pride ourselves on honesty, integrity, and specialized skills. We are niche-focused experts in plumbing diagnostics, trenchless plumbing repair, and slab leak detection.
- 25 Years in Business: Providing reliable and efficient solutions for Texas homes and businesses.
- Serving Texas Statewide: Franchise locations across Texas, including major metropolitan areas, so you can easily find a location near you.
- Quality, Safety, & Trusted Expertise: Ensuring peace of mind with certified and insured services by Master plumbers that prioritize safety and quality.
If you are dealing with the aftermath of water pipes freezing, trust the team that has provided unrivaled service across Texas. Whether you’re in Hill Country, East Texas, Waco, or key metro areas, if you need a hydrostatic pressure test or complex water line repair, we are here to help.