Protecting Your Pipes from Freezing in Texas Winters

Texas winters have become increasingly unpredictable in recent years, with extreme cold snaps posing a significant threat to residential and commercial plumbing systems.

The “Great Texas Freeze” of 2021 served as a stark reminder of the potential for widespread damage when pipes freeze and burst.

“A deep freeze impacted parts of the continental United States, remarkably engulfing the entire state of Texas. Every county in the state as far south as the Rio Grande River and northeastern Mexico was placed under a Winter Storm Warning, with many experiencing wind chill values below zero,” reported The National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI) . “Throughout central Texas, including Austin and Waco, six to nine consecutive days of freezing temperatures broke records for the longest freezing streak in the state’s recorded history.”

One plumber told the New York Times after the freeze left pipes bursting across the greater Houston area that “these homes are not built for the cold down here, and things were not prepared for the extreme cold.”

As the year winds down and the holidays are just ahead on the calendar, it's crucial for Texans to understand the risks and take proactive measures to protect their plumbing.

The Changing Face of Texas Winters

Texas has experienced a noticeable shift in winter weather patterns over the past decade.

While the state is known for its warm climate, recent years have seen more frequent and severe cold snaps.

“While Texas may not be best known for its winter weather, parts of the Lone Star State began 2024 colder than Antarctica and shattered decades-old temperature records,” reported KXAN. “In 2024, wind chill values in the Texas Panhandle rivaled the 1899 record with reports of wind chill values up to -20 degrees below zero in the region. Amarillo not only broke daily temperature records set in 1930 and 1972, as reported by KAMR Local 4 News Meteorologist Maria Pasillas, but experienced below-freezing temperatures for a continuous 97 hours.”

So, how cold can it get in your part of Texas, here are National Weather Service recorded all-time low temperatures for some cities:

• Abilene 9 below zero.
• Amarillo 16 below zero.
• Austin 2 below zero.
• Beaumont 10 degrees.
• Brownsville 12 degrees.
• Corpus Christi 11 degrees.
• Dallas-Fort Worth 8 below zero.
• Del Rio 10 degrees.
• El Paso 8 below zero.
• Galveston 8 degrees.
• Houston 5 degrees.
• Lubbock 17 below zero.
• Midland-Odessa 11 below zero.
• San Angelo 4 below zero.
• San Antonio 0 degrees.
• Waco 5 below zero.
• Wichita Falls 12 below zero.

The Great Texas Freeze in 2021 wasn’t just about low temperatures but constant temperatures below freezing that puts stress on pipes around the state.

“The Arctic cold front made its way to southeast Texas on February 14. This day was the turning point where the front became a historic winter event. The rest of the state was placed under a Winter Storm Warning, a Wind Chill Warning, and a Hard Freeze Warning. The warnings continued on Monday, February 15. Constant precipitation that day led to the coldest night of the Great Freeze, though the warnings extended for the rest of the week,” said the NEIC. “The Great Freeze lasted 8 days, 23 hours, and 23 minutes, with the last Hard Freeze Warning expiring on Saturday, February 20th at 9 a.m.”

This extreme weather event caused widespread pipe freezing and bursting, leading to significant property damage and disruption of water services.

The company Groundworks found in a survey of Texas residents that 16 percent had pipes freeze and burst in the storm and State Farm Insurance company saw claims for frozen and burst pipes rise from 75 the year before to almost 30,000 claims!

The Science of Freezing Pipes

Pipes can freeze when the water inside reaches 32°F, the freezing point of water.

However, the risk of freezing increases when temperatures drop below 28°F or what some call a “hard freeze” and it becomes very common for pipes to freeze when temperatures dip below 20°F, according to Freeze Miser.

“Your pipes are at risk of freezing any time temperatures drop below 32°F. However, it’s much more common for pipes to freeze when temperatures dip below 20°F,” explains Freeze Miser. “The longer the weather remains below freezing, the more likely it is that your pipes can freeze if not properly protected and winterized. In these temperatures, the water inside your pipes can expand, causing pressure that leads to ruptures.”

Freezing may make sense … but why do the pipes often burst?

“Water has a unique property in that it expands as it freezes. This expansion puts tremendous pressure on whatever is containing it, including metal or plastic pipes. No matter the strength of a container, expanding water can cause pipes to break,” says the Red Cross.

All a pipe must do is develop a crack under this stress to lead to water damage when they thaw.

The Potential for Damage

When pipes freeze and burst, the damage can be extensive and costly. Homeowners can face repair bills ranging from $5,000 to tens of thousands of dollars, depending on the extent of the damage.

“When temperatures plummet, the risk of your pipes freezing and bursting skyrockets. In fact, burst pipes are one of the most common causes of property damage during frigid weather and can cause thousands in water damage—easily $5,000 or more, according to the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety,” says Consumer Reports.

Beyond the immediate plumbing repairs, water damage can affect walls, floors, ceilings, and personal belongings, potentially leading to mold growth if not addressed promptly. Some estimate that water damage and mold cost the insurance industry $2.5 billion per year, and the average cost of a home water damage insurance claim is $6,965.

Protecting Your Plumbing System

Here are some steps you can take to protect your plumbing system for the coming Texas winter:

Preventive Measures

• Insulate Pipes: Focus on pipes in unheated areas like attics, crawl spaces, and exterior walls. Use pipe sleeves or heat tape for added protection.
  
  
• Seal Leaks: Close off air leaks near plumbing to maintain warmer temperatures around pipes.
  
  
• Insulate Outdoor Fixtures: Don't forget about outdoor hose bibs, irrigation backflow devices, and pool equipment. Use insulated covers or heat tape for these exposed elements.
  
  
• Maintain Indoor Temperature: Keep your home's temperature at 55°F or higher, even when you're away.
  
  
• Winterize Irrigation Lines: Winterize your irrigation lines and backflow device by draining water from them and making sure exposed elements are protected.
  
  

During a Cold Snap

• Let Faucets Drip: A trickle of water through the faucet can prevent freezing. Focus on faucets served by exposed pipes.
  
  
• Open Cabinet Doors: Allow warm air to circulate around plumbing under sinks and in exterior walls.
  
  
• Keep Garage Doors Closed: This helps protect water lines that may run through this area.
  
  
• Disconnect Garden Hoses: Remove, drain, and store hoses before winter arrives.
  
  
• Use Space Heaters Cautiously: They can help warm areas with pipes but follow all safety precautions.
  
  
• Monitor Your Water Pressure: A sudden drop could indicate a frozen pipe.

Thawing Frozen Pipes

Sometimes, even the best preventive measures cannot protect your plumbing from extreme cold. So if you suspect a frozen pipe:

• Turn on the faucet to allow water to flow as the pipe thaws.
  
  
• Apply heat to the frozen section using an electric heating pad, hair dryer, or portable space heater (keeping it away from flammable materials).
  
  
• Never use an open flame device to thaw pipes.
  
  
• If you can't locate or access the frozen area, call a professional plumber immediately.
  
  

The Role of Professional Plumbing Services

While many preventive measures can be taken by homeowners, professional plumbing services play a crucial role in protecting your pipes from winter damage.

A professional plumber such as Pilot Plumbing can:

• Conduct a thorough inspection of your plumbing system to identify vulnerable areas.
  
  
• Provide expert insulation services for pipes in hard-to-reach areas.
  
  
• Install freeze-prevention devices like heat tape or pipe heating cables.
  
  
• Offer emergency services if pipes do freeze or burst.
  
  

As Texas winters become more unpredictable, taking steps to protect your plumbing system is more important than ever. By implementing preventive measures and knowing how to respond during a cold snap, you can significantly reduce the risk of frozen and burst pipes.

For peace of mind, contact Pilot Plumbing today to schedule a winter readiness inspection for your home or business in the North Houston and Greater Montgomery County area. Our team of experienced professionals can help ensure your plumbing system is prepared to withstand whatever Mother Nature throws its way.