Texas winters have become notoriously unpredictable. When temperatures plummet below freezing, our homes—often built for brutal summers rather than harsh winters—are highly vulnerable to frozen and burst pipes.
A burst pipe can cause thousands of dollars in water damage in a matter of minutes. At Hoosier Plumbing, we see the devastating aftermath every winter. Fortunately, most winter plumbing disasters are completely preventable.
Any pipes located in unheated areas of your home (like the attic, garage, crawl spaces, or exterior walls) should be heavily insulated. You can use foam pipe sleeves, fiberglass insulation, or heat tape. Don't leave any gaps!
When the temperature drops below freezing, turn on both the hot and cold faucets that are connected to exposed pipes. A slow drip keeps water moving through the system, which prevents pressure buildup and freezing.
Open the cabinet doors under your kitchen and bathroom sinks to allow the warm air from your home's heating system to circulate around the uninsulated pipes.
The very first thing you must do is shut off the main water valve to your home to stop the flooding. Once the water is off, call a licensed emergency plumber immediately.
