Short answer
Insulate attic and exterior-wall pipes, drip faucets on outside walls, open sink cabinets, disconnect hoses, and know where your main shutoff is. Many Texas homes run water lines through attics, which freeze quickly when temperatures drop into the teens.
Why Texas pipes freeze
Builders in warm climates often route supply lines through attics and exterior walls. During the February 2021 storm, prolonged freezing temperatures burst pipes across both DFW and Houston.
Before a freeze
Simple steps that prevent most burst pipes:
- Wrap exposed attic and garage pipes with foam insulation
- Cover outdoor faucets with insulated caps and disconnect hoses
- Know where the main shutoff is and test it
- Keep the thermostat no lower than 55°F, even if you're away
During the freeze
Let faucets on exterior walls drip, open cabinet doors under sinks, and keep garage doors closed. A small steady drip relieves pressure that causes pipes to burst.
If a pipe bursts
Shut off the main water immediately, turn off power to wet areas, and start extraction. Pipes often burst while frozen but don't leak until they thaw, so check the attic and ceilings as temperatures rise.
Questions
At what temperature do pipes freeze in Texas?
Attic and exterior-wall pipes can freeze when outdoor temperatures stay at or below about 20°F for several hours, sooner if pipes are uninsulated or exposed to wind.
Editorial note: this guide is general information for Texas homeowners, not legal or insurance advice. Your policy and local codes decide what applies to you.