How to Protect Pipes From Freezing Before a Hard Freeze
North Texas homes are not built for long freezes. Simple steps before the cold can prevent a burst pipe.
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Call for emergency water extractionHow to protect pipes from freezing in North Texas
To protect pipes from freezing: disconnect hoses and cover outdoor faucets, insulate exposed pipes in the attic, garage and exterior walls, open cabinet doors under sinks on outside walls, keep the heat on day and night, and let faucets drip during the coldest nights. Know where your main shut off is before the freeze arrives.
Hard freezes are rare here, which is exactly why pipes are vulnerable. Many homes in DeSoto and nearby cities have supply lines in exterior walls, attics and garages with little insulation. The February 2021 winter storm burst pipes across North Texas, and many breaks only leaked when the ice thawed.
Watch the National Weather Service Fort Worth forecast. When a hard freeze warning is issued, work through the list below.
Key points
- Disconnect garden hoses and cover outdoor faucets.
- Insulate exposed pipes in attics, garages and crawl spaces.
- Open sink cabinets on exterior walls and keep the heat steady.
- Drip hot and cold faucets on the coldest nights.
Before the freeze
- Outdoor faucets. Disconnect hoses, which trap water in the faucet, and add an insulated cover.
- Exposed pipes. Wrap pipes in the garage, attic and any crawl space with foam sleeves. Pay attention to lines near the water heater in the garage.
- Irrigation. Shut off and drain the sprinkler system and its backflow preventer.
- Gaps. Seal drafts where pipes pass through exterior walls.
- Shut off valve. Find it and test it. Our main water shut off valve guide shows where to look.
During the freeze
- Keep the thermostat at the same temperature day and night. Do not let the house drop low overnight.
- Open cabinet doors under kitchen and bathroom sinks on exterior walls so warm air reaches the pipes.
- Let a slow drip run from faucets on exterior walls, both hot and cold. Moving water is harder to freeze and a drip relieves pressure.
- Keep the garage door closed, especially if the water heater or supply lines are in the garage.
- If you leave home, keep the heat on and ask someone to check the house.
If a pipe freezes
Low or no water pressure at a faucet during a freeze often means a frozen section. Leave the faucet open and warm the pipe gently with a hair dryer, a heat lamp kept at a safe distance or warm towels. Never use an open flame. If you cannot reach the frozen section, call a plumber.
After the thaw: check for leaks
Ice can split a pipe without leaking until it melts. As temperatures rise, walk the house: listen for running water, check ceilings under attic lines, look at the garage around the water heater and watch the water meter with everything turned off. If water appears, shut off the main right away. See frozen pipe water removal for what happens next.
Written for homeowners and renters in DeSoto, TX and nearby cities. This guide is general information, not legal, insurance or engineering advice. See our editorial policy for how guides are researched and reviewed.
Freezing pipe questions
At what temperature do pipes freeze in Texas homes?
Exposed pipes are at risk when outdoor temperatures fall into the low 20s or below for several hours. Pipes in uninsulated exterior walls, attics and garages freeze first.
Should I drip faucets during a freeze?
Yes, on the coldest nights, for faucets on exterior walls. A slow drip of both hot and cold relieves pressure and keeps water moving. Follow any city requests to limit dripping if water supply is strained.
Should I turn off my water when I leave during a freeze?
If you will be away, shutting off the main and draining the lines lowers the risk. Keep the heat on. Turn off or set the water heater to vacation or pilot mode.
Does insurance cover burst pipes from freezing?
Usually, as a sudden loss, but some policies exclude freeze damage if the home was vacant and the heat was not maintained. See our guide on Texas homeowners insurance and water damage.
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