How Do You Prevent Frozen Pipes in Keller, TX?
Why pipes burst in North Texas
Water expands when it freezes. Ice blocks the pipe and pressure builds. The pipe often splits at a joint.
Winter Storm Uri in February 2021 caused over $8 billion in insured losses in Texas, says TDI. Texans filed more than 450,000 claims, and many came from broken pipes.
Before the freeze
Prepare while the weather is mild.
- Find your main water shutoff and test it.
- Insulate pipes in attics, garages, and exterior walls.
- Cover outdoor faucets with covers.
- Disconnect and drain garden hoses.
- Seal gaps where cold air enters crawl spaces and walls.
During the freeze
Open cabinet doors under sinks so warm air reaches pipes. Let faucets drip slowly. Keep the thermostat steady, even if you leave town.
TDI offers winter storm tips for your house and pipes. Read them before the next freeze.
If a pipe freezes
If water stops flowing, a pipe may be frozen. Open the faucet. Warm the pipe slowly with a hair dryer. Do not use a flame.
If you find a crack, shut off the main water valve and call a plumber.
After the thaw
Pipes often burst when ice melts and water flows again. Walk through the house. Check ceilings, walls, and floors for wet spots.
Check your water meter. If it moves with all taps off, you have a leak.
When to call a restoration company
Call us if water reached walls, ceilings, or floors. We remove the water, map the wet areas, and dry the structure. We also keep records for your insurance claim.
A quick freeze checklist
Print this list and tape it inside a cabinet.
- Main shutoff location marked and tested
- Outdoor faucets covered and hoses removed
- Attic and garage pipes insulated
- Cabinet doors open under sinks on freezing nights
- Faucets set to a slow drip
- Thermostat steady, not turned down
- Plan for who checks the house if you travel
Where pipes freeze first in Keller homes
Pipes in attics and exterior walls freeze first. Pipes in garages and crawl spaces follow.
Builders put pipes in exterior walls in many North Texas homes. That choice works in mild winters. It fails in hard freezes.
If you lose power
Without power, the home cools fast. Keep faucets dripping. Shut off the main water valve and drain the lines if the outage lasts. Ask a plumber how to do this safely for your home before winter.
Which faucets should drip?
Choose faucets that sit on exterior walls or far from the main line. Those pipes face the most cold. A slow drip keeps water moving, which helps stop ice.
A thin stream is enough. You do not need a gush. Open the cold side, and open the hot side too if the pipe runs through a cold wall.
Is it safe to open cabinets with kids and pets?
Open doors help warm air reach pipes. But cabinets hold cleaners that can harm children and pets.
Move those products to a high shelf first. You can also use a child lock on a nearby cabinet. Put the cleaners back after the freeze.
What about sprinklers and outdoor pipes?
Outdoor lines freeze fast. Remove hoses and cover each hose bib. Turn off the sprinkler system before a freeze. Ask an irrigation pro to drain the lines if you do not know how.
Check the backflow device too. It sits above ground in many yards and has little shelter.
How can I tell a pipe froze while I slept?
Look for these signs when you wake on a cold morning.
- A faucet gives a trickle or no water
- Frost on a pipe you can see
- A bulge or crack in a pipe
- Odd sounds, like banging or gurgling
- A damp spot on a wall or ceiling near a pipe
Should I wrap pipes with foam or tape?
Foam sleeves are easy to fit on exposed pipes. Heat tape adds warmth, but follow the maker's directions. Use only products rated for pipes.
Seal gaps where pipes enter the house. Cold air sneaks through small holes. A little caulk or foam helps.
What should I do when the freeze ends?
Do not relax yet. Ice can crack a pipe without any leak until the thaw. Walk the house and look for wet spots. Listen for running water.
If you find water damage, shut off the main valve and call a plumber. Then call a restoration company to dry the walls and floors.
What if I plan to be away for the winter?
Shut off the main water valve and drain the lines if a plumber says it fits your home. Leave the heat on at a steady setting.
Ask a trusted person to check the house after each freeze. A quick look can stop a small leak from growing.
Common questions
At what temperature do pipes freeze?
Pipes in unheated spaces can freeze when the air stays below 32 degrees for hours. Wind makes it worse.
Should I leave the heat on when I travel?
Yes. Set it to a steady, safe temperature. Shut off the main water if you leave for long.
Does insurance cover frozen pipe damage?
Most policies cover sudden burst pipe damage. Check yours.
Sources
- Texas Department of Insurance: winter storm tips for your house and pipes
- Texas Department of Insurance: does insurance cover burst pipe damage
Related help in Keller
Keep reading
Next, read What Should You Do When a Pipe Bursts in Your Keller Home?. You may also like Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Water Damage in Texas? and Why Do Keller Homes Get Slab Leaks? Clay Soil Explained.
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