Key Takeaways
- What to do if pipes freeze: Turn off your water, open faucets, safely warm the pipe, and check for leaks.
- What happens if pipes freeze: Ice expands inside pipes, building pressure that can lead to a rupture.
- What to do when a pipe bursts: Shut off the water, drain the lines, call a plumber, and contact CT Restoration for water cleanup and insurance assistance.
- Pipes freeze most often in uninsulated areas, such as attics, garages, crawl spaces, and exterior walls.
- Frozen pipes are more common in North Texas cold snaps.
- Never use torches/open flames for thawing.
If your pipes freeze, shut off your home’s main water supply immediately to prevent the pipes from bursting. Next, open nearby faucets to relieve pressure and begin thawing the frozen section with safe heat (hair dryer, space heater; never an open flame). If the pipe is cracked, leaking, or has already burst, call a professional plumber, and then contact CT Restoration for emergency water cleanup and insurance guidance.
Here is a more in-depth look at each of these steps so that you can address frozen pipes with as little damage to your home as possible.
Why This Matters, Especially in North Texas
Most homes in North Texas weren’t built for deep freezes. Pipes run through attics, garages, and exterior walls with minimal insulation. When temperatures suddenly drop to the low 20s or teens, plumbing systems can freeze fast.
That’s why knowing what to do when a pipe freezes can prevent expensive damage and days or weeks of disruption.
The good news: If you act quickly, many frozen pipes can be thawed before they burst.
Step-by-Step: What To Do If Pipes Freeze
1. Shut Off Your Main Water Valve
This is the fastest way to reduce pressure and prevent a burst. Your shut-off valve is typically:
- Outside near your foundation
- In a closet or mechanical room
- Near the meter box
If you’re unsure, contact your local utility provider for guidance.
2. Open Faucets to Relieve Pressure
Turn on both hot + cold handles at nearby sinks. Even a trickle helps relieve pressure as ice melts.
3. Try to Locate the Frozen Pipe
Likely spots include:
- Attics
- Garages
- Crawl spaces
- Exterior walls
- Under kitchen or bathroom cabinets
Signs of a frozen pipe:
- No water or low flow from a faucet
- Frost on the pipe
- Cold walls or flooring
- Unusual bulging or condensation
4. Thaw the Pipe Safely
Once you locate the frozen portion, gently warm it. Typically, the safest options are to use a:
- Hair dryer
- Space heater
- Heating pad
- Warm towels
Start at the faucet end and move toward the frozen area. This helps water escape as it melts.
Never use blowtorches, propane heaters, grills, or open flames. They can damage pipes, warp fittings, and start fires.
5. Inspect for Leaks
As water flow returns, look for:
- Cracks
- Drips
- Damp drywall
- Staining
- Pooled water
Frozen pipes sometimes thaw and then burst. If you notice damage, turn the water off again and call a plumber.
What Happens If Pipes Freeze?
When temperatures drop suddenly, especially during North Texas cold snaps, the water sitting inside your plumbing can begin to freeze. That might not sound like a big deal at first, but what happens next is where the real danger begins.
Here’s what’s going on inside your pipes and why pipes burst in the winter:
- Water temperature drops below 32°F: As the temperature in and around the pipe falls, the water inside starts to solidify.
- Water expands as it freezes: Water is unusual. Unlike most materials, it expands when it freezes. That expansion puts outward pressure on the inside of the pipe.
- Ice begins blocking the water flow: As ice builds, it creates a plug inside the line. This blockage prevents water from flowing normally.
- Pressure builds between the ice and faucet: With water still trying to move through the line, pressure begins to increase between the ice blockage and the nearest fixture. That pressure has nowhere to go, so it pushes outward on the pipe walls.
- The pipe eventually ruptures: Once pressure exceeds what the pipe can handle, it splits. This can happen even in copper, PEX, or PVC lines. No material is immune if pressure gets high enough.
Frozen Pipes Often Burst Away From the Ice Block
Many homeowners assume the rupture happens where the pipe is frozen. In reality, that’s not usually the case.
A frozen plug is rigid and often acts like a stopper. The pipe is most likely to burst downstream, where pressure is trapped between the plug and the faucet. These areas are often weaker (like near joints, fittings, or older pipe sections), which is why they fail first.
The Burst May Not Be Obvious at First
Another thing many people don’t expect: A pipe can crack quietly while it’s still frozen, and you might not see any water yet.
The ice temporarily seals the damaged section. But once temperatures rise and the ice melts, water begins to escape rapidly through the rupture. That’s when flooding can start, sometimes behind walls, under cabinets, or in the attic.
By the time water becomes visible, the leak may have already:
- Saturated insulation
- Damaged drywall
- Seeped into the flooring
- Dripped down into lower levels
- Created ideal conditions for mold
This delayed damage is why it’s so important to act quickly when you suspect a frozen pipe, even if you don’t see water right away.
How To Prevent Pipes From Freezing
Texas winter weather is unpredictable, but preparation helps.
Before a Freeze
- Insulate exposed pipes
- Install outdoor faucet covers
- Seal exterior wall cracks
- Close foundation vents
- Disconnect garden hoses
- Add insulation to attic/garage
During a Freeze
- Keep the heat at 55–60°F minimum
- Open cabinets under sinks
- Let faucets trickle
- Close garage doors
- Protect well systems or irrigation lines
A small drip may slightly increase your water bill, but it’s much cheaper than burst-pipe repair and water restoration.
After Pipes Thaw: What To Do Next
Once you’ve restored flow:
- Inspect walls, ceilings, cabinets, and flooring for moisture.
- Watch for new dripping or wet spots.
- Run faucets for a few minutes to flush sediment.
- Note any unusual sounds or pressure changes.
If anything seems off, call a plumber right away.
Don’t Face A Burst Pipe Alone
When a frozen or burst pipe turns your home upside down, CT Restoration is ready to respond right away. Our certified team tackles residential water and flood damage restoration with professionalism and the latest industrial tools.
We coordinate directly with your insurance company, documenting damage and managing communication to reduce stress and out-of-pocket surprises. From the first call to the final walkthrough, we work step-by-step to protect your home, restore what’s damaged, and support you long after the job is done.
If you’re dealing with water damage from a frozen or burst pipe, reach out to CT Restoration now. We’re here 24/7 to help bring your home back to life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do frozen pipes always burst?
No, but pressure makes bursting much more likely if left frozen.
How long does it take pipes to freeze?
In ~20°F temperatures, pipes can freeze in just a few hours.
Will frozen pipes thaw on their own?
Yes, but it’s risky. Pressure can build and lead to a burst. It’s better to intervene early.
Should I use a torch to thaw frozen pipes?
No. Open flames are dangerous and can damage your plumbing.
How do I know if a pipe burst?
Watch for:
- Sudden water loss
- Water stains
- Dripping sounds
- Pooled water
- Running the meter while the water is off
Is water damage from frozen pipes covered by insurance?
Usually, as long as you act quickly. CT Restoration can help document and file your claim.
Why does this happen so often in North Texas?
Because our homes aren’t built like those in northern states. Many pipes lack insulation and run along exterior walls, garages, and attics, which makes them more vulnerable to temperature swings.