If you think it doesn’t get cold enough in Texas to freeze your water pipes, think again.
Texas gets freezing temperatures and they are happening more frequently.
Frozen pipes are not only inconvenient, but they can damage your plumbing system and home.
Imagine waking up to a cold house, and when you turn the faucet, nothing comes out. If this happens to you, then it’s likely that your pipes have frozen over.
But we’ve got your back—you’re about to learn the best way to detect this problem before it’s too late, and what you need to do next.
From identifying signs of trouble to understanding why frozen pipes could lead to costly damages, knowledge is key.
Ready? Let’s dive in before the next freeze threatens your peace of mind—and plumbing.
Immediate Actions to Mitigate Damage
You wake up on a frosty morning, turn the faucet handle, and… nothing. Not even a drip. Sounds familiar?
No running water during a cold snap is a classic sign of frozen pipes.
The moment you suspect your pipes have turned into ice, here’s what you need to do:
Shut Off the Water Main
When temps drop and your faucets freeze, acting fast is key. Cutting off the water supply is the critical first step.
The Red Cross emphasizes that shutting off your main valve right away can make all the difference in protecting your home’s infrastructure.
Doing so prevents more water from filling up the pipes while reducing the pressure which can lead to cracks or bursts.
Call Professional McKinney Plumbers When Water Pipes Freeze
Before trying to thaw them yourself, call a professional plumber in McKinney. They will be able to advise on the next steps or recommend professional services that safely warm your pipes to prevent a burst.
Open Your Faucets to Relieve Pressure
Frozen pipes are no joke; they can burst without warning, causing major water damage.
If you take the DIY approach, then the next step might be opening the water taps (even with the water turned off) to encourage thawing and relieve built-up water pressure in the pipes.
Increase Heat Throughout Your Home and Near the Pipes
Ramping up indoor temperatures gradually warms walls where many household pipelines live.
So turn up that thermostat to help thaw frozen pipes! And get out that space heater.
An exposed pipe warms faster, so open cabinet doors, and anything else needed to get heat to frozen water pipes.
Gently Warm Up Frozen Pipes
Your plumber may suggest thawing the pipes by applying heat to them, like with a hair dryer or space heater.
But be careful. This might not work if there is an ice blockage.
You can use a hairdryer or heat lamp to gently warm the frozen section(s) of pipe. Gentle is key!
This slow-and-steady approach helps prevent sudden expansions that can crack a water pipe.
And never use an open flame.
If there’s still no sign of thaw despite your efforts—call Hackler Plumbing. Sometimes it takes a pro to solve the problem and prevent further freezing damage.
Be Aware of Home Insurance During Frozen Pipe Incidents in McKinney
While dealing with this emergency, recognize that your home insurance may be involved at some point, especially if the pipes burst and cause water damage.
Document everything you can during an emergency frozen pipe; collect photos and receipts to include in the claim.
Contacting your insurer ASAP is crucial because they can advise on what fixes will be covered under your policy.
Damage That Frozen Pipes Cause, and How to Prevent It
We’ve mentioned so far that frozen pipes can cause significant damage.
You might think ‘My pipes will thaw and that’s that.’ Unfortunately, this is not always the case.
When water turns into ice it expands and creates pressure in your pipes, which can crack even metal, setting you up for leaks or worse—a burst pipe!
Water damage from burst pipes is one of the most common homeowners insurance claims, costing thousands to fix. Think soaked carpets and warped floors because that H2O won’t stay put—it’ll spread out and soak everything.
By then, you could be dealing with mold growth—compromising air quality and possibly triggering allergies or asthma attacks.
Most home insurance policies cover sudden and accidental water damage. But here’s the catch: negligence can freeze you out of coverage.
Standard policies often require homeowners to maintain heat in their homes or shut off the water supply even while on holiday.
So contact your agent to see if you are covered by insurance.
How to Prevent Frozen Pipes
When there is no emergency, though, there are things that can be done to prevent frozen pipes from happening.
Some preventative maintenance can help.
Here are some tips to prevent water pipes from freezing in the McKinney, Texas climate:
- Insulate Pipes: Use foam pipe insulation to cover exposed pipes, especially in unheated areas like basements, attics, and garages. Insulation helps maintain water temperature and prevents freezing.
- Seal Gaps: Close any gaps near pipes where cold air could enter, particularly where pipes run through walls or floors. Use caulk or insulation to seal these openings.
- Drip Faucets: Allow a slow drip from faucets connected to exposed pipes during extremely cold weather. The movement of water can prevent freezing.
- Open Cabinet Doors: Keep kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors open to allow warmer air to circulate around plumbing, especially if pipes are under sinks against exterior walls.
- Maintain a Consistent Temperature: Keep your home consistently warm, day and night, during cold snaps. Avoid setting back the thermostat at night.
- Disconnect Outdoor Hoses: Remove, drain, and store outdoor hoses. Close inside valves supplying outdoor hose bibs and open the outside hose bibs to drain.
- Use Heating Tape: Apply heating tape or cables to vulnerable pipes as per the manufacturer’s instructions. This tape provides direct heat to pipes, keeping them warm.
Also, finding and treating your plumbing problems before pipes freeze will reduce the risks of further damage. Call in a local plumber to test and assess your system to see if they can find a water leak.
Doing some remodeling? You can also install pipes that are less likely to freeze like PVC, PEX, or a frost-proof spigot for outside taps.
In short, do your best to prevent frozen pipes. It’s cheaper than moving out while repairs are done.
Signs of Nearly Frozen Pipes in McKinney TX
Pipes don’t freeze instantly; they give you signs before they freeze solid.
- The sound of “chattering teeth” when running water.
- Frost build-up on the pipes, like that thin layer of ice on your car window.
- Pipes that are cold to the touch – much colder than normal.
- Unusually cold areas on your walls or floors.
- Decreased water flow.
- Strange clanking noises in your pipes.
Of course, the outside temperature is also a sign. Prolonged cold temps can freeze up your pipes.
No matter what, stay vigilant during colder temps.
Recognizing the early warning signs can save you a ton of trouble.
Catching these hints early means you can take action to prevent pipes from suffering serious damage—keeping your home safe and dry throughout the coldest months.
Hey McKinney, Let’s Recap What To Do If Water Pipes Freeze
When water pipes freeze, the silence of a non-dripping faucet can sound like an alarm bell. Remember this: act fast, keep calm.
Shut off the main valve, and open the faucets slightly. Thawing comes next—turn up the heat and warm the frozen water pipes.
Don’t forget about home insurance either; it might just be your financial lifesaver here.
So check out that insurance coverage.
And don’t hesitate to seek out professional help. Call 214-585-1499
Quick thinking and smart moves are what to do if water pipes freeze—and Hackler is here to help.
FAQs in Relation to What to Do if Water Pipes Freeze
Will frozen pipes thaw on their own?
They might, but you could be in for some real trouble if the temps don’t rise or you don’t take action. Burst pipes that can turn your basement into an unwanted indoor pool.
How do you unfreeze pipes you can’t get to?
For those out-of-reach areas, crank up the thermostat. Or grab yourself a hairdryer and give those pipes a warm-up. Sometimes calling the pros is your best bet.
How likely is a frozen pipe to burst?
Water expands when it freezes—So if water turns solid in your pipes and there’s no exit route, pressure builds up until something gives. And it’s fairly common.
