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When temperatures drop across the Dallas-Fort Worth area, your plumbing system faces challenges that can lead to burst pipes, water damage, and costly repairs. While North Texas doesn't experience the prolonged freezing conditions of northern states, our occasional hard freezes catch many homeowners off guard. Knowing which parts of your plumbing are most vulnerable helps you take action before problems develop.
Don't wait until pipes freeze—call (214) 817-3755 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a pre-winter plumbing inspection today.
Why North Texas Freeze Events Are Different
North Texas experiences unique freeze conditions that make plumbing protection tricky. Unlike areas with consistent winter weather, our region can swing from mild temperatures to hard freezes within 24 hours. This rapid temperature change doesn't give homeowners much time to prepare. Many homes in the Dallas-Fort Worth area were built with warmer climates in mind, meaning insulation around pipes may be minimal. These factors combine to create situations where pipes that seemed fine yesterday can burst overnight.
Outdoor Faucets and Hose Connections
Your outdoor water sources are among the first casualties when temperatures plummet. Exterior faucets, also called hose bibs or spigots, sit exposed to freezing air with minimal protection. Water trapped inside these fixtures expands as it freezes, creating enough pressure to crack the valve or the pipe behind it. Even if you've turned off the water, residual moisture can cause damage.
Before freeze warnings arrive, disconnect all garden hoses and drain them completely. Water left in hoses can freeze and push ice back into the faucet, damaging the connection point. Install insulated faucet covers, available at most hardware stores, to provide an extra layer of protection. If your home has frost-free outdoor faucets, verify they're properly installed with a slight downward slope so water drains away from the house.
Exposed Pipes in Unheated Spaces
Garages, attics, crawl spaces, and exterior walls often house pipes that lack adequate insulation. These areas experience temperatures much closer to outdoor conditions, putting pipes at risk during cold snaps. Pipes carrying water to kitchen sinks on exterior walls are particularly vulnerable, as are supply lines in unfinished attic spaces.
Walk through these areas before winter weather hits and identify any visible pipes. Wrap exposed pipes with foam insulation sleeves or heat tape designed for plumbing applications. Keep garage doors closed during freezing weather, especially overnight when temperatures drop lowest. If you have pipes in your attic, consider adding extra insulation around them or in the attic space itself to maintain warmer temperatures.
Your Home's Water Lines and Connection Points
The water lines running beneath your home and connecting to the street face freeze risks at specific junction points. Where pipes transition from underground to above-ground locations, they're exposed to temperature fluctuations. Pipe joints, connections, and valves are weaker than solid pipe runs, making them more likely to develop leaks when stressed by freezing conditions.
Check the area where your main water line enters your home. This spot often lacks proper insulation, especially in older houses. Look for any gaps in your home's foundation or exterior walls where cold air could reach pipes. Seal these openings with caulk or expanding foam insulation. If you know where your main water shut-off valve is located, make sure you can access it quickly in case a pipe does burst.
Under-Sink Plumbing in Exterior-Wall Kitchens and Bathrooms
Kitchen and bathroom sinks located on exterior walls face a hidden danger during freezes. The cabinet enclosure that hides pipes from view also traps cold air against them when temperatures drop. These pipes don't benefit from heated interior air circulation, making them susceptible to freezing. Bathrooms with exterior walls are especially vulnerable because people often close cabinet doors to keep the space looking tidy.
During freeze warnings, open cabinet doors beneath sinks on exterior walls. This allows warm air from your heated living space to circulate around the pipes. If your bathroom or kitchen feels particularly cold near exterior walls, let faucets drip slightly—just enough to see a thin stream. Moving water is much harder to freeze than standing water. Place a towel or bucket beneath dripping faucets to avoid wasting water while protecting your pipes.
Swimming Pool and Sprinkler System Lines
If you have a pool or irrigation system, these specialized plumbing services components need winterization attention. Pool plumbing includes pumps, filters, heaters, and underground pipes that circulate water. Sprinkler systems have backflow preventers, valve boxes, and irrigation lines—all containing water that can freeze. These systems weren't designed for North Texas freeze events because they're meant to operate during warmer months.
Drain your pool equipment according to manufacturer guidelines before the first freeze warning. Lower water levels below skimmers and return lines. Remove drain plugs from pumps, filters, and heaters so residual water can escape. For sprinkler systems, use compressed air to blow water out of the lines if possible. At minimum, insulate above-ground components like backflow preventers with insulation blankets or foam covers. Many homeowners overlook these systems until damage occurs, but taking preventive steps saves money on repairs.
Water Heater and Connection Points
Your water heater works harder during cold weather, and its connections face increased stress. The cold water inlet pipe brings frigid water into the tank, where it must be heated to your desired temperature. This temperature differential creates expansion and contraction in pipes and fittings. If your water heater sits in an unheated garage or exterior closet, the entire unit faces freeze risks.
Check the area around your water heater for drafts or cold air infiltration. Insulate both the hot and cold water pipes extending from the unit using foam pipe insulation. If the water heater itself is in an especially cold location, consider adding an insulation blanket designed specifically for water heaters. Don't cover the thermostat, temperature-pressure relief valve, or any vents. Make sure you know how to quickly shut off water to the heater in case connections develop leaks.
Preparing for Extended Freeze Events
When weather forecasts predict multiple days of freezing temperatures, your plumbing needs extra attention. Extended cold gives freezing conditions more time to penetrate your home's defenses. Consider these additional steps:
- Maintain consistent indoor temperatures: Keep your thermostat at the same temperature day and night, even if you usually lower it to save energy
- Allow cabinet doors to stay open: Keep doors open beneath sinks and in areas with plumbing throughout the freeze period
- Let faucets drip: Run a thin stream from faucets on exterior walls, particularly overnight
- Check your attic temperature: If your attic feels as cold as outdoors, pipes up there need immediate attention
Extended freezes also mean you should know where your main water shut-off valve is located. If a pipe bursts, every second counts. Shutting off water quickly minimizes damage to your home. Keep DNA Plumbing Heating and Air's number saved in your phone so you can reach emergency plumbing help immediately if needed.
What Happens When Prevention Isn't Enough
Even with careful preparation, North Texas freeze events can surprise us. Pipes can freeze and burst despite your best efforts, especially during record-breaking cold snaps. If you discover a frozen pipe, don't panic. Turn off water to that area if possible. Never use open flames or high-heat sources to thaw pipes, as this creates fire hazards and can damage plumbing. Instead, use a hair dryer on low heat or warm towels.
If you find water damage or suspect a burst pipe, shut off your main water supply immediately. Document the damage with photos for insurance purposes. Call a professional right away—attempting DIY repairs on burst pipes often leads to bigger problems. Water damage spreads quickly through walls, floors, and ceilings, so fast response matters.
Protect Your North Texas Home This Freeze Season
Taking time to inspect and protect vulnerable plumbing spots before temperatures drop can help you avoid the stress and expense of freeze-related damage. The Dallas-Fort Worth area's unpredictable winter weather means staying prepared is your best defense. Walk through your home with this checklist in mind, address weak spots before freeze warnings arrive, and know who to call when you need professional help.
Ready to winterize your plumbing system? Contact DNA Plumbing Heating and Air at (214) 817-3755 or through our online contact form to schedule an inspection. Our team can identify vulnerable areas in your home's plumbing and help you prepare for whatever North Texas winter brings.