Phone answered 24/7 · DeSoto, TX and nearby communities

Call 24/7: (469) 209-4452
Ten Mile Creek Dry-Out ProsWater Damage Help · DeSoto, TX

How Do You Prevent Pipes From Freezing in Winter?

Last updated October 19, 2026

Call Now (469) 209-4452

The short answer

Insulate Exposed Pipes and Attics

Pipe insulation is your first line of defense. Foam pipe sleeves are easy to install on water lines in unheated spaces like basements, attics, and garages. Pay special attention to pipes near exterior walls or in crawlspaces. For added protection, consider insulating the walls of your attic or crawlspace to keep the ambient temperature above freezing.

The goal is to create a thermal barrier. Insulation slows the heat transfer from the water inside the pipe to the cold air outside. In a humid subtropical climate with hot summers and spring hailstorms, winter cold snaps can still be severe. Insulating these areas helps maintain a consistent temperature, reducing the risk of a freeze even during brief power outages.

Seal Drafts and Maintain Heat

Cold air entering your home accelerates pipe freezing. Check for drafts around dryer vents, electrical wiring, and where pipes enter walls. Use caulk or spray foam to seal these gaps. This simple step keeps your home's heated air from escaping and cold air from reaching pipes inside cabinets or behind walls.

Keep your thermostat set to at least 55 degrees Fahrenheit, even if you are away. Open cabinet doors under sinks to allow warm room air to circulate around the plumbing. If you have a garage with water lines, keep the garage door closed as much as possible during cold weather to retain heat.

  • Set your thermostat no lower than 55F day and night.
  • Open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to let warm air reach pipes.
  • Seal gaps with caulk or foam where pipes enter the home.
  • Keep garage doors closed if water lines run through that space.
  • Use weather stripping on doors and windows to reduce drafts.
  • Consider insulating the interior walls behind sinks on exterior walls.

Let Faucets Drip and Drain Lines

A small, steady drip from faucets connected to vulnerable pipes relieves pressure inside the plumbing system. Moving water is much harder to freeze than static water. Let both the hot and cold lines drip slightly, as the hot water line can also freeze. Focus on faucets that are fed by pipes running through exterior walls or unheated spaces.

If you plan to be away during a cold spell, a more thorough approach is to drain your water system. Shut off the main water supply and open all faucets to drain the lines. Flush toilets to empty the tanks. This eliminates water from the pipes entirely, removing the risk of freezing and bursting while you are gone.

Use Heat Tape for Vulnerable Areas

For pipes in extremely cold locations, such as an uninsulated crawlspace, applying heat tape can provide direct warmth. These electrical cables wrap around the pipe and thermostatically turn on when temperatures drop. It is crucial to follow the manufacturer's installation instructions precisely to avoid a fire hazard. Never overlap heat tape on itself, and plug it into a grounded outlet.

Heat tape is a targeted solution for specific problem spots. It is not a substitute for proper insulation but works well in conjunction with it. Check the tape's condition each fall for any cracks or damage before the cold season begins. Remember that it consumes electricity, so use it only on pipes that are truly at high risk.

Know Your Main Water Shutoff Valve

If a pipe does freeze and burst, your immediate action should be to stop the flow of water. Every homeowner must know the location of the main water shutoff valve, which is usually where the water line enters your home. Turning this valve clockwise will stop water to the entire house, minimizing potential damage while you address the issue.

Test the valve periodically to ensure it turns easily. If the valve is stuck, a plumber can help get it moving again. Keep the area around the valve clear for quick access. Knowing exactly where it is and that it works can save you from extensive water damage in an emergency.

  • Locate your main water shutoff valve now, before an emergency.
  • The valve is typically found where the water line enters the foundation.
  • Turn the valve clockwise to shut off all water to the home.
  • Test the valve once a year to ensure it operates smoothly.
  • Clearly label the valve so anyone in the household can find it.
  • Keep a wrench near the valve if it requires one to operate.

Talk to someone now

Every hour counts once water gets into floors and walls. One call starts the response.

Call Now (469) 209-4452

Frequently asked questions

At what temperature do pipes freeze?

Pipes can start to freeze when surrounding air temperatures reach 20 degrees Fahrenheit or lower. However, uninsulated pipes in exterior walls or drafty spaces can freeze at slightly higher temperatures, especially during sustained cold periods lasting several hours.

What should I do if a pipe bursts?

Immediately shut off the main water supply to your home. Then, call local water damage pros for emergency water extraction and drying. They can help prevent secondary damage like mold and structural issues. Turn off electricity to the affected area if it is safe to do so.

Does homeowners insurance cover burst pipes?

Many policies cover sudden, accidental water damage from a burst pipe, but not damage from a lack of maintenance, like a slow leak. You are typically responsible for the cost of repairing the pipe itself. Policies vary, and your insurer decides what is covered.

Call Now (469) 209-4452