Look, we get it. You live in Texas. When someone mentions frozen pipes, your first thought is probably "that's a northern thing." And honestly? Most of the year, you'd be right.
But here's the deal: it only takes one cold night to turn your home into a waterlogged mess.
Montgomery County might not see Minnesota-style winters, but we do get those random freezing snaps. You know the ones, where it's 70 degrees on Tuesday and then 25 degrees by Thursday night. Those quick temperature drops catch a lot of homeowners off guard, and that's exactly when pipes decide to burst.
So let's talk about how to keep that from happening to you.
Why Frozen Pipes Are a Bigger Deal Than You Think
When water freezes inside a pipe, it expands. That expansion creates pressure, a lot of it. We're talking hundreds of pounds per square inch pushing against the inside of your plumbing. Eventually, something's gotta give.
And when it does? You're looking at water gushing into your walls, ceilings, or floors. Sometimes it happens while you're asleep. Sometimes it happens while you're at work. Either way, you come home to a disaster.
A single burst pipe can release hundreds of gallons of water in just a few hours. That means soaked drywall, ruined flooring, damaged belongings, and a very real possibility of mold growth if things don't get dried out quickly. If you've ever dealt with water damage restoration, you know it's not cheap and it's definitely not fun.
The good news? Preventing frozen pipes is actually pretty simple. You just need to know what to do before that cold front rolls in.
The "It Won't Get That Cold" Myth
Here's something a lot of Texas homeowners don't realize: pipes can start freezing at temperatures around 20°F, but they can be at risk anytime the thermometer dips below 32°F, especially if those pipes are in unprotected areas.
Think about your garage. Your attic. That exterior wall where your kitchen sink sits. These spots don't stay as warm as the rest of your house, and the pipes running through them are vulnerable even during a "mild" freeze.
We're not talking about needing a week of sub-zero temperatures. One single night in the mid-20s can do the job. And in Montgomery County, we typically get a handful of those nights every winter.
Bottom line: don't underestimate a Texas cold snap.
Simple Steps to Prevent Frozen Pipes
Alright, let's get into the practical stuff. None of this is complicated, and most of it won't cost you more than a few bucks. Here's your game plan:
Let Your Faucets Drip
This is the classic trick, and it works. When temperatures drop below freezing, let a small, steady trickle of water run from faucets that are connected to pipes on exterior walls.
Why does this help? Moving water is harder to freeze than standing water. That little drip keeps things flowing and relieves pressure buildup inside the pipe. Even if ice does start to form, the constant movement gives it somewhere to go instead of causing a burst.
You don't need a stream, just a slow drip from both the hot and cold sides. Yes, it'll bump up your water bill slightly, but trust us, it's a lot cheaper than dealing with flood damage.
Open Those Cabinet Doors
This one's easy to forget, but it makes a real difference. The pipes under your kitchen and bathroom sinks are often tucked away against exterior walls. When the cabinet doors are closed, that warm air from your house can't reach them.
So on cold nights, open up those cabinet doors. Let the heated air circulate around the pipes. It's such a small thing, but it can be the difference between a normal morning and waking up to a flooded kitchen.
If you have little kids or pets, just make sure to move any cleaning supplies or chemicals to a safer spot first.
Insulate Your Outdoor Spigots
Your outdoor faucets (hose bibs) are some of the most vulnerable spots on your entire plumbing system. They're directly exposed to the cold, and they're often connected to pipes that run through unheated areas.
Before winter hits, disconnect any hoses from your outdoor spigots. Drain them out and store them somewhere warmer. Leaving a hose connected can trap water in the faucet and the pipe behind it, which is a recipe for freezing.
Then, grab some foam faucet covers from your local hardware store. They cost a few bucks each and slip right over the spigot. They're not fancy, but they provide a layer of insulation that can make all the difference on a freezing night.
Insulate Exposed Pipes
Got pipes running through your garage, attic, basement, or crawl space? Those are prime candidates for freezing because those areas don't get the same heat as the rest of your home.
Pick up some foam pipe insulation sleeves, they're inexpensive and easy to install. You just slip them over the pipe and you're done. For pipes in extremely cold areas, you might consider heat tape, which uses a small amount of electricity to keep the pipe warm.
Pay extra attention to any pipes near exterior walls, windows, or gaps in your foundation. Those are the spots where cold air sneaks in first.
Seal Up Drafts and Air Leaks
Cold air getting into your home doesn't just make you uncomfortable, it can freeze your pipes. Check around your foundation, basement windows, and any spots where pipes enter or exit the house.
If you find gaps or cracks, seal them up with expanding foam or weatherproof caulk. This keeps the cold out and helps your heating system work more efficiently too. Win-win.
Keep Your Garage Door Closed
If you have water lines running through your garage (and many homes do), keep that garage door shut during cold weather. Garages are typically unheated, and leaving the door open just invites freezing temperatures right to your pipes.
Don't Turn the Heat Down Too Low
We all like to save money on heating, but don't go too far. During cold snaps, keep your thermostat set to at least 55°F, even if you're away from home or sleeping.
If you're traveling during winter, don't turn your heat off completely. A cold, empty house is a perfect setup for frozen pipes. Better yet, have a neighbor or friend check on your place every day or two just to make sure everything's okay.
Know Where Your Main Water Shut-Off Is
This one won't prevent frozen pipes, but it can save you from a much bigger disaster if something does go wrong.
Find your main water shut-off valve and make sure everyone in your household knows where it is and how to use it. If a pipe does burst, being able to cut the water supply quickly can mean the difference between a minor mess and major structural damage.
What If You Think Your Pipes Are Already Frozen?
Okay, so you wake up on a cold morning, turn on the faucet, and nothing comes out. Or maybe just a tiny trickle. That's a sign you might have a frozen pipe somewhere.
Here's what to do:
- Don't panic. A frozen pipe isn't automatically a burst pipe.
- Keep the faucet open. As the ice melts, water needs somewhere to go.
- Try to locate the frozen section. Check exposed pipes in unheated areas first. Look for frost on the outside of the pipe or areas that feel extremely cold.
- Gently warm the pipe. Use a hair dryer, heating pad, or towels soaked in warm water. Never use an open flame or propane torch: that's a fire hazard and can damage the pipe.
- Work from the faucet toward the frozen area. This lets water escape as the ice melts.
If you can't find the frozen section, if the pipe has already burst, or if water starts flooding into your home, it's time to call in the professionals.
When to Call for Help
Sometimes, despite your best efforts, things go wrong. If you're dealing with a burst pipe or water damage from a freeze, don't try to handle it all yourself. Water damage gets worse the longer it sits, and mold can start growing in as little as 24-48 hours.
Getting professionals involved quickly can minimize the damage and help you avoid bigger problems down the road.
Stay Ahead of the Cold
Frozen pipes aren't inevitable: even in Texas. A little preparation before the cold weather hits can save you a massive headache (and a massive repair bill) later.
So the next time you see a freeze warning pop up on your phone, take a few minutes to drip those faucets, open those cabinets, and double-check your outdoor spigots. Your future self will thank you.
Montgomery Water Damage Pros
Website: https://www.montgomerywaterpros.com
Phone: (936) 301-4507
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/montgomerywaterpros