Freezing Temperatures in Texas Frequently Lead to Plumbing Damage—Here’s How to Avoid Frozen Pipes

While freezing temperatures affect our area only rarely, cold weather can have major consequences for your plumbing. Plumbing systems in San Antonio, Boerne, and throughout much of Texas are not built for true winter conditions, which means it’s essential for homeowners to know how to protect their pipes to stop them from freezing.

At The Plumbing Bros, a major part of our responsibility as Boerne plumbers is to prevent plumbing problems before they happen. Often, frozen or burst pipes are completely avoidable if preventative steps are taken. Here are some tips homeowners can follow to stop their pipes from freezing during a winter storm in Texas.

How to Stop Pipes from Freezing

The best way to stop pipes from freezing is to protect vulnerable plumbing before temperatures drop: insulate exposed pipes, cover outdoor faucets, let faucets drip during extreme cold, and make sure you know how to shut off your home’s main water supply if something goes wrong. A little prep now can help you avoid burst pipes and costly water damage later.

Here are some more details on the steps to take to winterize your plumbing before a freeze hits.

Identify Vulnerable Pipes

Not all plumbing is equally at risk. Pipes most likely to freeze are those in unheated or poorly insulated areas, including:

• Attics and crawl spaces
• Garages
• Exterior walls
• Outdoor hose bibs and irrigation lines

If a pipe is exposed to cold air, it’s worth taking extra precautions.

Cover Outdoor Spigots and Insulate Exposed Pipes

Use foam faucet covers on outdoor spigots and disconnect garden hoses. Inside your home, wrap exposed pipes with foam insulation sleeves or heat tape, especially in areas with little insulation.

Let Faucets Drip During Extreme Cold

Allowing a slow, steady drip from faucets connected to vulnerable pipes can help prevent freezing by keeping water moving. This is especially important if the power goes out and your home loses heat.

Open Cabinet Doors

Opening cabinets under sinks allows warm indoor air to circulate around pipes, which can make a big difference during overnight freezes.

Know Where Your Main Water Shutoff Is

If a pipe freezes and bursts, shutting off the water quickly can limit damage. Make sure everyone in your household knows where the main shut-off valve is and how to use it.

Set Your Thermostat Consistently

Keep your home at a steady temperature, even overnight. Turning the heat down too low during a cold snap can increase the risk of frozen pipes. Thermostats should never be set below 55 degrees during freezing weather.

Prepare for Power Outages

Texas cold fronts sometimes come with power disruptions. If you lose electricity, dripping faucets and opening cabinets become even more important since your home may cool quickly.

Why Are Pipes Vulnerable to Freezing in Texas?

Unlike homes in colder climates, many homes in Texas weren’t designed with prolonged freezing temperatures in mind. Plumbing is often installed in attics, exterior walls, or other areas that don’t stay warm during cold weather. As KWTX explains, pipes outdoors may be buried at a shallower depth compared to northern climates, and insulation standards are often lighter than in colder states. This leaves pipes more exposed when a sudden cold front moves through.

On top of that, Texas freezes tend to come on fast. When temperatures drop quickly and stay low for several hours, pipes don’t have much time to adjust, increasing the risk of freezing and bursting.

What Temperature Will Freeze Pipes in Texas?

Pipes in Texas can begin to freeze when temperatures drop to around 20°F or lower, especially if those temperatures last for several hours. Even temperatures in the mid-to-high 20s can cause problems for exposed or poorly insulated pipes, particularly in attics, garages, or along exterior walls.

The Risks of Frozen Pipes

Frozen pipes can quickly turn into a serious (and expensive) problem. When water freezes inside a pipe, it expands and puts pressure on the pipe walls. That pressure can cause cracks or full breaks, which often aren’t noticed until the ice starts to thaw.

Once that happens, homeowners may be dealing with water damage to walls, ceilings, or flooring, along with the possibility of mold growth. Emergency plumbing repairs and interrupted water service are also common, especially during widespread cold weather when plumbers are in high demand. Taking preventive steps ahead of a freeze is far easier—and far less costly—than cleaning up after a burst pipe.

How to Tell If Pipes Are Frozen

Frozen pipes aren’t always obvious right away, but there are a few warning signs to watch for: 

• Little or no water coming from a faucet
• Frost or condensation on exposed pipes
• Unusual smells coming from drains or faucets
• Visible bulging or cracking on pipes

If you suspect a pipe is frozen, act quickly to reduce the risk of it bursting.

What to Do If Your Pipes Freeze

If a pipe does freeze, the first step is to shut off your home’s main water supply. This helps limit damage in case the pipe cracks or bursts as it thaws.

If the frozen pipe is visible and easy to reach, gentle thawing may be possible. Using a hair dryer, wrapping the pipe with warm towels, or placing a space heater nearby can help raise the temperature gradually. Avoid anything that produces an open flame, as this can damage the pipe and create a safety hazard.

Even if water flow returns after thawing, it’s still a good idea to call a plumber. Freezing can weaken pipes, and small cracks may not be immediately visible. A professional inspection can catch issues early and help prevent future leaks or failures.

Frozen Pipes? The Plumbing Bros Are Here for You

Our team at The Plumbing Bros hopes your pipes hold steady as this cold front moves through. And if you follow the above tips, your home should be better prepared for the freezing weather. 

If frozen or burst pipes do become an issue, our team is available to provide reliable frozen pipe repair services throughout Boerne and the greater San Antonio metro area. Stay warm, take precautions, and reach out to our team if you need help from an experienced local plumber.