In northern climates, homes are engineered with deep basements where water lines run well below the frost line. But in DeSoto, Duncanville, Lancaster, and Cedar Hill, homes are built on concrete slabs with plumbing running through vented attics, uninsulated exterior wall cavities, and garage ceilings.
When sudden arctic cold fronts sweep down through the Great Plains into North Texas—driving temperatures below 28°F for prolonged periods—these exposed pipes are at extreme risk of freezing. Water expands by approximately 9% when it turns to ice. That expansion builds extreme hydrostatic pressure between the ice plug and the closed faucet, ultimately splitting copper and PVC pipes down their seams.
5 Essential Steps to Protect Your Pipes Before a Freeze
Step 1: Disconnect Garden Hoses and Cover Outdoor Faucets
Leaving a garden hose attached to an outdoor spigot (hose bibb) traps residual water inside the valve body inside your wall. When the temperature drops, that trapped water freezes and ruptures the brass casing inside the brick cavity. Disconnect all hoses, drain them, and install insulated foam faucet covers (available at local hardware stores) securely against the exterior wall.
Step 2: Drip Both Hot and Cold Faucets Correctly
Many homeowners drip only cold water, but hot-water supply lines freeze just as quickly. Identify faucets situated on exterior walls (frequently master baths and kitchen sinks). Open both hot and cold handles to maintain a continuous, pencil-thin drip—about 5 to 10 drops per minute. Moving water relieves hydrostatic pressure inside the pipe and prevents ice crystals from forming a solid plug.
Step 3: Open Cabinet Doors Beneath Sinks
Plumbing lines under bathroom vanities and kitchen sinks are often shielded from your home’s central heating by closed cabinet doors. Open cabinet doors during sub-freezing nights to allow warm indoor air to circulate directly around the p-traps and supply risers.
Step 4: Insulate Pipes in Attics and Garages
Water lines running across attic floor joists or through unheated garages should be wrapped with tubular foam pipe insulation or fiberglass wrap. If you have an exterior-mounted tankless water heater, verify that its internal electrical freeze-protection element is plugged in, or install a weatherproof insulated blanket kit.
Step 5: Locate Your Main Water Shutoff Valve Now
Do not wait until a pipe bursts and water is pouring through your ceiling at 2:00 AM to search for your main shutoff. Test your main customer valve in your front flowerbed box or ensure you have a standard water meter curb key ready. Knowing how to cut the water in 60 seconds can prevent tens of thousands of dollars in water damage.
What to Do If Your Pipes Freeze
- Turn On the Faucet: If you turn on a faucet and only a faint trickle emerges, leave the faucet open so expanding steam and water have an escape path as thawing occurs.
- Use Gentle Heat: Thaw the suspected frozen pipe section using a handheld hair dryer, warm towels, or an electric heating pad. NEVER use an open flame torch, kerosene heater, or propane burner.
- Watch for Leaks As It Thaws: The true danger of a frozen pipe often happens during thawing. As ice melts, cracks that formed during expansion will begin gushing water. Have a bucket and towels ready and monitor the area closely.
Freeze Burst Pipe Emergency? Call 24/7
If a pipe ruptures in your attic or walls, immediately shut off your main water valve and call DeSoto Plumbing Pros at (214) 555-0147. Our emergency response crews are equipped with PEX and copper crimp tools to restore water flow fast.