How to Protect Your Pipes During a Texas Freeze

Our winters are mild most of the time — and that's the problem. Homes here often have pipes in attics, exterior walls, and crawl spaces with minimal insulation, so when a real freeze rolls through, those pipes are exposed. Frozen pipes can burst, and a burst pipe can do serious damage in a hurry.

Before the freeze

• Disconnect and drain garden hoses, and cover outdoor faucets with insulated covers
• Insulate exposed pipes in attics, garages, and crawl spaces with foam pipe sleeves
• Seal gaps where pipes pass through exterior walls
• Know where your main water shut-off is and make sure it works
• If you'll be away, leave the heat on and consider shutting off the main and draining the lines

During the freeze

• Let faucets on exterior walls drip slowly — moving water is harder to freeze
• Open cabinet doors under sinks on exterior walls so warm air reaches the pipes
• Keep the thermostat consistent, day and night

If a pipe freezes

If you turn on a faucet and only a trickle comes out, a pipe is likely frozen. Keep the faucet open, and gently warm the frozen section with a hair dryer or towels soaked in hot water — never an open flame. If you can't locate or reach the frozen section, or if a pipe has already burst, shut off the main water valve and give us a call.