WHAT PLUMBING PROBLEMS SHOULD YOU WATCH FOR DURING A NORTH TEXAS WINTER?
If you live in North Texas, particularly in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, you know how quickly temperatures can drop when a cold front rolls in. One day it might be a pleasant 70°F, and by the next, you're scraping ice off your windshield. That kind of extreme temperature swing can wreak havoc on your home's plumbing system, and it's all too common to only realize the danger when water is already pooling on the floor.
This guide highlights the five most common plumbing problems you should watch for during a North Texas winter and how to avoid them.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
In North Texas, sudden hard freezes can cause all sorts of plumbing problems, including frozen pipes and pipe joints, burst pipes, hidden leaks, and overworked water heaters, even in newer homes built on slab foundations.
Texas homeowners should be checking exposed pipes in their garage, attic, exterior walls, and outdoor faucets before and during a freeze warning to avoid an emergency situation.
Taking some simple precautions like dripping your faucets during hard freezes, insulating exposed pipes, and knowing where your main water supply shutoff valve is can prevent an expensive plumbing nightmare this winter.
If you do need help, we offer fast, local emergency plumbing service across 26+ North Texas cities. Our team of licensed, insured plumbers is backed by six iron-clad protections, including price matching and a one-year satisfaction pledge.
For official freeze-prep guidance, check the National Weather Service and Ready.gov.
1. FROZEN PIPES AND BURST PIPES
Frozen and burst pipes are the two biggest winter plumbing issues we see in North Texas. When water freezes inside a pipe, it expands and creates a huge amount of pressure on the pipe walls. That pressure can crack or rupture copper, CPVC, and even flexible PEX at the joints or fittings. If that happens, the pipes could release hundreds of gallons of water per hour, causing major damage in a matter of minutes.
COMMON PLACES WHERE PIPES MIGHT FREEZE:
Pipes in garages and attics that are exposed to the elements
Supply lines along exterior walls, like kitchen and bathroom sinks
Outdoor faucets and hose bibs
Crawl spaces under raised parts of the home
WARNING SIGNS TO WATCH OUT FOR:
Sudden drop in water pressure or no flow from certain faucets
Frost visible on exposed pipes
Banging or thumping noises when you turn on taps in cold weather
If a pipe on your property has frozen but hasn't burst yet, turn off the main water supply, open nearby faucets to let the pressure out, and warm the pipe up slowly with a hair dryer or towels.
If a pipe does burst, shut off the main water supply immediately, cut the electricity to affected areas if it's safe to do so, start extracting water, take photos of the damage, and find a reliable same-day plumbing repair service.
Need help ASAP? Call Military Plumbing to schedule a same-day arrival.
2. RISK TO EXPOSED PIPES IN GARAGES, ATTICS, AND EXTERIOR WALLS
Pipes in areas that aren't heated are another major source of winter plumbing problems in North Texas. If you've got supply lines running through a garage that isn't insulated, water lines crossing your attic over bedrooms, or pipes along the outside edge of slab foundations, a significant winter temperature drop can be disastrous.
FOLLOW THESE STEPS TO PROTECT THESE PIPES:
Insulate any exposed pipes in unheated areas like your garage using foam insulation sleeves (these cost around $0.50–$1.50 per linear foot)
Apply heat tape to sections that are exposed to the cold air
Seal any gaps around foundation penetrations and hose bibs to stop cold air from blowing in
If you have kitchen and bathroom sinks on exterior walls, these will need a bit of extra attention. Cabinet doors trap cold air against supply lines, especially on nights when the National Weather Service predicts the temperature is due to drop below 28°F. Open the cabinet doors under your sinks during cold nights to let warm air circulate around your plumbing, and keep the thermostat set to at least the mid-60s, even overnight.
Insulating your pipes is a cost-effective way to prevent damage during cold snaps, and it's a preventative measure that's worth doing. Our Mission Ready Plan members can schedule proactive, professional inspections where we identify potential weak spots and either recommend upgrades or complete minor protection work before the next freeze hits.
3. FROZEN OUTDOOR FAUCETS, HOSE BIBS, AND SPRINKLER LINES
Your property's outdoor plumbing, including exterior faucets and irrigation lines, is particularly prone to freezing because they're out in the elements. Frozen exterior pipes are especially susceptible to expensive damage that you probably won't even notice until the warmer months.
DO THIS BEFORE THE FIRST FREEZE:
Disconnect garden hoses and drain outdoor hoses before temperatures drop too low
Cover your outdoor faucets with insulated covers
Check that frost-free hose bibs are properly sloped to drain water away from the house
Shut off the irrigation backflow valve, drain or blow out above-ground sprinkler systems, and insulate backflow preventers.
Winterizing your irrigation systems is a must to prevent all of these freeze issues. It's not just the main house that's at risk either: outdoor kitchens, pool equipment lines, and standalone spigots on detached garages or sheds are just as likely to be affected. Dallas Water Utilities suggests doing pre-emptive plumbing checks before it gets cold, and the EPA's WaterSense program has some additional guidance on using water outside.
4. DRIPPING FAUCETS, CLOGGED DRAINS, AND HIDDEN LEAKS
You don't have to wait until the pipes in your house have burst to worry about winter plumbing problems. Slow drains, dripping faucets, and hidden leaks are real problems that can quietly drive up your water bill and set you up for some costly repairs down the line.
When it's freezing outside, it's a good idea to let your faucets drip to relieve pressure and help prevent ice from forming. You'll keep water moving with a slow drip about the thickness of a pencil lead from faucets on exterior walls or those served by pipes running through the attic or garage. Try to run both the hot and cold sides at the same time.
COLD WEATHER DRAIN TIPS:
Don't pour grease down the drain! It'll solidify when it gets cold and clog your drain.
Use drain strainers in the shower and the tub to catch all that hair and food that would otherwise go down the drain.
Run some cold water before and after you use the garbage disposal to make sure the line is clear.
Avoid using chemical drain cleaners, as they can damage your plumbing. Give us a call if you get a clog that's really stubborn.
If you're looking for a plumber specialising in drain cleaning, we have the right equipment to find hidden leaks and clear your winter clogs without causing any extra damage to your home.
5. WATER HEATERS AND WHOLE-HOUSE PLUMBING STRESS
Your water heater works overtime in the winter because the water that comes into the house is going to be really cold; sometimes down to the low 50s in North Texas. That means the heater has to work hard to get the water to the temperature you want it at, and efficiency goes down because of the sediment that builds up in the tank during the winter months (especially when you live in a hard water area like we do).
SIGNS YOUR WATER HEATER IS STRUGGLING:
Your shower water temperature is lukewarm even on the highest temperature setting.
It takes a long time to get hot water to the tap.
You hear popping or rumbling noises (that's sediment building up at the bottom of the tank).
The pilot light on your gas unit keeps going out.
WHAT TO DO:
Set your water heater thermostat to 120°F for efficiency and safety, per U.S. Department of Energy guidance
Get your heater flushed out once a year to remove sediment and get it running smoothly.
Wrap the first few feet of the hot and cold pipes coming out of the heater with insulation.
If your water heater is older than 10 years, get a pro to take a look at it. They may recommend installing a new heater.
Water heaters in garages, closets, or outside spaces are vulnerable to damage from the cold when the connections freeze up. We offer annual water heater flushes and whole-house checks as part of our Mission Ready Plan, which also gives you priority scheduling, waived service fees on completed work, and VIP access to our team.
FAQ
At what temperature should I start worrying about frozen pipes in North Texas?
Water freezes at 32°F, so when it's going to be below 28°F for a few hours, you should be concerned about frozen pipes, especially if it's going to be freezing temperatures overnight with wind chill. When the National Weather Service issues a hard freeze advisory for DFW, follow the steps in this guide to avoid a plumbing emergency.
Which faucets should I drip during a hard freeze?
During a hard freeze in Texas, focus on dripping the faucets that are outside, particularly those on the exterior walls, or the ones that are served by pipes running through attics, crawl spaces, or garages. Run both the hot and cold sides at the same time if you can, but at a nice slow drip. Dripping alone isn't enough, though! You'll also need to get some insulation in place and keep your house at a warm enough temperature to protect your plumbing during freezing weather and extended cold.
What does your Mission Ready Plan do for winter plumbing protection?
If you're a Mission Ready Plan member, you get proactive maintenance like a whole house plumbing checkup every year and a free water heater flush to remove sediment buildup and catch any winter risks early. You'll also get priority scheduling during freeze events, waived service fees on completed work, and the peace of mind that comes with having a trusted, local plumbing team ready to handle your needs all winter long.
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