Texas Cold Snap? Protect Your Pipes from Freezing and Bursting

When winter temperatures drop below freezing, your home’s pipes are at risk of freezing, cracking, or even bursting. This can lead to costly repairs and significant water damage. When water freezes inside a pipe, it expands, increasing pressure and potentially causing the pipe to fail. At Pilot Plumbing, we bring years of expertise to help Texas homeowners prevent and address frozen pipe issues. In this guide, we’ll share professional tips and insights to keep your plumbing safe this winter.

How to Prevent Frozen Pipes

The best way to avoid frozen pipes is preparation. Follow these expert-recommended steps:

1. Keep Your Thermostat Above 55 Degrees
   Maintain indoor temperatures to ensure pipes stay warm enough to avoid freezing.
2. Insulate Pipes
   Focus on pipes in unheated areas like attics, crawl spaces, and garages. Use foam insulation sleeves, heat tape, or other insulating materials with an R-value of at least 3.0. Temporary solutions like towels, pool noodles, or bubble wrap work in a pinch but upgrading to proper insulation is best for long-term protection. Try to apply at least one inch of insulation to pipes in crawl spaces or unheated attics for maximum protection.
3. Drip Faucets
   Allow faucets to run at a slow, steady stream during freezing weather. Drip from the faucet farthest from your main valve, as moving water helps prevent freezing and pressure buildup.
4. Seal Cracks and Gaps
   Use caulk or spray foam to block drafts around windows, doors, and walls near plumbing lines to reduce cold air exposure.
5. Warm Cabinets and Vanities
   Leave cabinet doors open to allow warm air to circulate around pipes under sinks, especially in kitchens and bathrooms.
6. Drain Outdoor Water Lines
   Shut off inside valves that supply outdoor spigots.
7. Open outdoor spigots to drain any remaining water
   Leave outside valves open to allow for expansion if residual water freezes.
8. Store Garden Hoses
   Remove, drain, and store garden hoses to avoid damage to spigots and ensure proper drainage of outdoor water lines.
9. Know Your Shut-Off Valves
   Locate your main water shut-off valve in case of emergencies. It is typically in a basement, garage, or outdoor box near the street. Mark it with fluorescent tape for easy identification during an emergency.

How to Thaw Frozen Pipes

Despite your best efforts, pipes can still freeze during extreme conditions. If you suspect a frozen pipe, take these steps:

1. Turn Off the Water
   Shut off the main water supply to prevent flooding if the pipe bursts.
2. Apply Heat Safely
   Use a hairdryer, heating pad, or space heater to gently thaw the frozen section. Start near the faucet and work your way toward the frozen area. Never use an open flame.
3. Open Faucets
   Open the affected faucet to allow water to flow as the ice melts, which helps relieve pressure in the system.

If the frozen pipe is behind a wall or in a hard-to-reach area, contact a professional plumber immediately.

What to Do If Pipes Burst

If a pipe bursts, quick action is essential to minimize damage:

1. Shut Off Your Water
   Turn off the main water valve immediately to stop the flow of water.
2. Document Damage
   Take photos of the affected area for insurance claims.
3. Call Pilot Plumbing
   Our team is available 24/7 to provide emergency plumbing repairs and restore your home quickly.

Schedule Your Winter Plumbing Checkup

Don’t wait until freezing temperatures cause costly damage to your home. Schedule a professional plumbing inspection with Pilot Plumbing today. With nearly two decades of experience serving Texas homeowners, we are your trusted experts for preventative maintenance and emergency plumbing services.

Visit our website at PilotPlumbing.com or call us at (936) 788-6829 to prepare your home for winter with confidence.