Texas winters are usually mild, which is exactly why hard freezes do so much damage — homes and pipes here are not built for deep cold, and when a sudden freeze hits, pipes burst across the region. This guide covers preventing frozen-pipe damage and responding fast when it happens.
Why Texas pipes are vulnerable
In colder climates, pipes are typically buried deeper and homes are built with hard freezes in mind. In Texas, pipes often run through attics, exterior walls, and unheated spaces with less insulation, because deep freezes are rare. So when an unusual cold snap arrives, water in those exposed pipes can freeze, expand, and split the pipe. The damage often is not discovered until the thaw, when the split pipe begins gushing water into the home.
How to prevent frozen pipes
Before a freeze, disconnect and drain garden hoses, insulate exposed pipes in the attic and exterior walls, and know where your main water shutoff is. During a hard freeze, let faucets drip slightly — moving water resists freezing — open cabinet doors under sinks to let warm air reach the pipes, and keep the home heated even in unused rooms. These simple steps prevent a large share of freeze-related pipe bursts that DFW homes suffer during cold snaps.
What to do when a pipe bursts
The instant you discover a burst pipe, shut off your home's main water supply — this is why knowing its location in advance is so important. Then shut off electricity to affected areas if water is near anything electrical. Document the damage with photos and video for your insurance claim (a burst pipe is typically a covered, sudden event), and call a water damage restoration company for emergency extraction and drying. The faster the water is removed and the structure dried, the less you face mold and structural damage.
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Find a water damage restoration company in DFWFrequently Asked Questions
Why do so many Texas pipes burst in freezes?
Texas homes and pipes are generally not built for hard freezes — pipes often run through attics and exterior walls with less insulation — so an unusual cold snap can freeze and split them.
Should I let my faucets drip during a freeze?
Yes, a slight drip helps. Moving water resists freezing, so letting faucets drip during a hard freeze is a simple, effective way to reduce the risk of a burst pipe.
Is burst-pipe damage covered by insurance?
Usually yes. A pipe bursting is a sudden, accidental event, which standard Texas homeowners policies typically cover, subject to your deductible.