Winter in Texas usually isn’t something that keeps us up at night. Remember last year’s snowstorms? Those record-low temps caught most of us completely off guard. Insurance companies tallied up more than $10 billion in property damage across Texas during the freeze, and burst pipes accounted for a significant portion of that cost. People in Lubbock and San Antonio were scrambling for emergency plumbing help—often after the damage was already done.
As we head into another winter season, getting your home’s plumbing ready isn’t just a good idea anymore—it’s essential. Here’s why winter pipe prep matters and what you can do right now to avoid expensive headaches down the road.
Why Frozen Pipes Are Such a Big Deal in Texas
Our Homes Just Aren’t Built for Freezing
Here’s the thing: many Texas homes have plumbing in attics, exterior walls, and other exposed spots. Great for our usual warm weather, not so great when temperatures suddenly nosedive below freezing.
Texas Weather Has a Mind of Its Own
We’re talking about going from 75°F to 20°F in a single day. That kind of temperature shock can freeze your pipes before you even realize there’s a problem brewing.
The Science Behind the Burst
When water freezes, it expands by about 9%. That creates serious pressure inside your pipes—way more than they’re designed to handle. The result? Bursts, leaks, and the kind of water damage nobody wants to deal with.
What You Can Do Right Now to Protect Your Pipes This Winter
- Insulate Those Exposed Pipes
Focus on:
- Plumbing lines in your attic
- Outdoor spigots
- Pipes in unheated garages
- Crawlspace plumbing
Foam sleeves, heat tape, or pipe-wrap products can cut your freeze risk by 70–90%. Pretty solid insurance for a small investment!
- Keep Your Home Warm, Even When You’re Not There
Heading out of town? Keep your thermostat above 55°F. We know it seems wasteful to heat an empty house, but it’s way cheaper than dealing with burst pipes.
- Let Your Faucets Drip When It Gets Really Cold
A little trickle from both hot and cold faucets prevents pressure buildup. You only need about a ¼” stream to make a real difference.
- Open Up Those Cabinet Doors
Your bathroom and kitchen sinks hide pipes in those closed cabinets. Opening the doors during cold nights lets warm air reach them—simple but effective.
- Disconnect and Drain Your Garden Hoses
A frozen hose can create pressure that backfeeds into your home’s plumbing system. Not fun. Disconnect them, drain them, and call it a day.
- Seal Up Cold Air Leaks
Grab some caulk or expanding foam and seal gaps around:
- Vent openings
- Exterior wall penetrations
- Foundation cracks
- Dryer vents
Even a tiny draft can freeze nearby pipes.
- Know Where Your Main Water Shutoff Is
This is huge. If you have an emergency, shutting off the water fast can be the difference between minor damage and a disaster. Find it now, not when you’re panicking.
What To Do If Your Pipes Freeze (Don’t Panic!)
- Turn off your main water supply immediately
- Open your faucets to relieve pressure
- Use gentle heat (hair dryer or space heater) to thaw pipes—never use open flames
- Call a licensed plumber ASAP
Here’s something important: frozen pipes can crack without you seeing anything. Running water through a damaged pipe might cause flooding minutes later, so it’s always better to have a pro check things out.
When You Need Help Fast
Look, despite your best efforts, stuff happens. If you’re in Lubbock or San Antonio and find yourself dealing with frozen pipes, burst lines, or heating issues, give us a call at Leaky’s Plumbing, Heating & A/C. We’re available 24/7 because we know problems don’t follow business hours. Our NATE-certified technicians are ready to help, even at 2 a.m.
Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late
Texas winters might be unpredictable, but your home doesn’t have to be caught off guard. With some smart preventative steps and a trusted team on speed dial, you can seriously reduce the risk of frozen pipes and avoid the costly mess so many folks dealt with last year. Winter’s coming around again, so now’s the perfect time to take action. Give us a call at (806) 454-9688 in Lubbock or (210) 361-6947 in San Antonio to schedule a winter plumbing inspection or to ask any questions about protecting your home. After all, when it comes to your home’s plumbing, it’s always better to be proactive than reactive!
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