Why Texas homes are at risk
Many North Texas homes have pipes in attics, garages and exterior walls, and they are not built with the insulation common in colder climates. A long hard freeze can freeze and split those pipes, and the damage often shows up when they thaw.
Before the freeze
- Disconnect garden hoses and cover outdoor faucets with insulated covers
- Insulate exposed pipes in the attic, garage and crawl spaces
- Wrap and protect your sprinkler backflow preventer
- Find your main water shutoff and make sure it turns
- Keep the thermostat steady, even overnight and when away
During the freeze
- Let faucets on outside walls drip slowly, hot and cold
- Open cabinet doors under sinks on exterior walls
- Keep the garage door closed if water lines run through it
If a pipe freezes or bursts
If a faucet has no water, a pipe may be frozen. Keep the faucet open and warm the area gently with a hair dryer or space heater kept at a safe distance. Never use an open flame.
If a pipe bursts, shut off the main water valve right away and call a licensed plumber. Turn off power to any area where water is near outlets or electrical equipment.