Serving Kaufman, Dallas, Collin, Hunt, Rockwall, & Van Zandt Counties
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DFW Homeowners: Don’t Let Freezing Temperatures Turn Into a Plumbing Emergency!
Winter in North Texas can be unpredictable. One day, we’re enjoying sunshine and 70-degree weather, and the next, temperatures are dropping below freezing!
While the Dallas-Fort Worth area may not experience the harsh winters of northern states, our sudden temperature drops can cause serious damage to residential plumbing systems.
At PlumbER, we know firsthand how quickly a frozen pipe can turn into a burst pipe, leaving homeowners with costly repairs, water damage, and a whole lot of stress.
The good news? A little preparation can go a long way toward protecting your home!
Unlike homes in colder climates, many Texas homes weren’t designed for extended periods of freezing temperatures.
Pipes located in attics, exterior walls, garages, crawl spaces, and other unheated areas can be especially vulnerable.
When water inside a pipe freezes, it expands. As ice forms, pressure can build inside the plumbing system, potentially causing pipes or fittings to crack or burst.
And here’s something many homeowners don’t realize: You may not discover a burst pipe until temperatures begin to rise and the ice thaws!
That’s when a small plumbing problem can quickly become a major water damage disaster.
Before freezing weather arrives, disconnect all garden hoses from outdoor faucets.
Leaving a hose attached can trap water inside the faucet assembly, increasing the risk of freezing and damage.
Install insulated outdoor faucet covers for additional protection.
Pipes in unheated areas are especially susceptible to freezing.
Check plumbing in your:
Proper pipe insulation can help reduce the risk of freezing, especially during sudden North Texas cold snaps.
When temperatures are expected to remain below freezing for an extended period, allowing a small, steady trickle of water from vulnerable faucets may help reduce the risk of freezing.
Pay special attention to fixtures supplied by pipes running along exterior walls.
Remember: Dripping faucets is an additional precaution, not a guarantee against frozen pipes.
Open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors when plumbing is located along exterior walls.
This allows warm air from inside your home to circulate around the pipes.
Be sure to move household cleaners and chemicals out of reach of children and pets.
Even if you’re leaving town, don’t turn your heat completely off!
Keep your thermostat set to at least 55°F, and consider a higher setting if your home has vulnerable plumbing or extreme cold is expected.
Maintaining a consistent indoor temperature can help protect pipes inside your walls and cabinets.
This might be the most important tip on our list!
If a pipe bursts, knowing how to shut off your home’s water supply quickly can save you thousands of dollars in potential water damage.
Locate your main water shutoff valve before an emergency happens, and make sure everyone in your household knows where it is.
Many DFW homes have water lines and water heaters located in the attic.
During extended freezing temperatures, these areas can become dangerously cold, especially if pipes aren’t properly insulated.
Have vulnerable plumbing inspected and address insulation concerns before winter weather arrives.
If you turn on a faucet and only a trickle of water comes out, you may have a frozen pipe.
Here’s what to do:
1. Turn off your main water supply if you suspect a frozen or damaged pipe. This can help limit flooding if a pipe has cracked.
2. Never use an open flame to thaw pipes. Torches, propane heaters, and other open flames can cause fires and damage your plumbing.
3. Use gentle heat only when safe. For accessible, undamaged pipes, gentle warming may help. Never use electrical heating devices around standing water.
4. Check for signs of leaks. Look for wet drywall, water stains, dripping sounds, or unexplained moisture.
5. Call a licensed plumber. If you’re unsure where the pipe is frozen, suspect damage, or cannot safely thaw it, professional help is your best option.
If your home has older plumbing or you’ve experienced repeated pipe failures, it may be time to consider upgrading your water lines.
At PlumbER, we specialize in full-home fresh water repipes using Uponor PEX-A piping.
PEX-A offers several advantages over traditional rigid piping materials:
While no plumbing material is completely freeze-proof, properly installed and protected PEX-A can be an excellent option for North Texas homeowners.
Whether you’re dealing with a frozen water line, a burst pipe, or you’re simply concerned about your home’s aging plumbing, the team at PlumbER is ready to help.
We proudly serve homeowners throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, providing professional residential plumbing services.
Our services include:
We also offer FREE estimates on full-home fresh water repipes, backed by our 25-year warranty on qualifying repipe installations.
Texas weather can change in a hurry, but protecting your home doesn’t have to be complicated.
A few simple precautions today could help you avoid major plumbing headaches tomorrow.
And if freezing temperatures leave you with a plumbing problem, you know who to call!
Call PlumbER at 214-538-8008
PlumbER — Your North Texas Residential Plumbing Specialists
Licensed Plumbing Contractor | Texas Master Plumber License M44950
Stay warm, North Texas — and keep that water flowing! 💧
