Short answer
Before a hard freeze, insulate exposed pipes, disconnect hoses, open cabinet doors on exterior walls, let faucets drip, and know where your main shutoff is. If a pipe bursts, shut off the main first.Why DFW pipes freeze
Pipes in attics, garages and exterior walls are often uninsulated, because hard freezes are rare here. When one does arrive, like February 2021, those lines split.
Before the freeze
A little prep goes a long way.
- Disconnect garden hoses and cover hose bibs
- Insulate garage and attic lines
- Open sink cabinets on exterior walls
- Drip hot and cold faucets
- Find your main shutoff and test it
If a pipe bursts
Shut off the main, open a faucet to drain pressure, turn off power to wet areas, and call a plumber and a restoration company.
Questions
Does dripping faucets actually help?
Yes. Moving water is less likely to freeze, and an open faucet relieves pressure that builds between ice and the fixture.
This guide is general information for Texas homeowners, not legal, insurance or professional advice. Check your policy and local rules.