How to Prevent Pipes From Freezing During a Cold Snap

Whether you’ve got a winter storm on the way, or you experienced a freeze break in the past - you want to know how to prevent pipes from freezing and avoid a major headache. 

Our Dallas Fort Worth plumbers dealt with nearly 30 frozen pipe calls per day during the most recent cold snap. We’ll overview the most common issues that cause frozen pipes and how to prevent them. We’ll also look at some long term improvements you can do to keep your pipes nice and warm. 

If you’re experiencing a frozen pipe get a hold of our team now by calling 817-905-6513 - we’re available 7-days a week to handle problems like this. 

How much does fixing a burst pipe cost? 

Broken pipes are expensive. The majority of burst pipe repair cost is rarely the plumbing work itself, but all the restoration that happens afterwards. 

Here are the top 3 cost drivers of fixing a burst pipe:

1. Flooring and Water Damage - If your leak is this bad you’re likely best served to file a home insurance claim. Our restoration partner, Bingham Restoration estimates that the average insurance claim from water damage is in the $8,000 - $50,000.
2. Drywall - most of the burst pipes will cause drywall damage or will need to be accessed by removing drywall - drywall spot repairs cost between $400 - $800.
3. Plumbing - fixing the pipe or hose bib that broke and performing a spot repair ranges from $350 - $850.

With that in mind, let’s look at a few ways to keep your home safe in the first place. 

Winter-Proofing Your Home: 4 Permanent Upgrades for Cold Waves

For homeowners looking for long-term solutions to prevent frozen pipes and winter damage, investing in permanent cold weather upgrades is key. Here are the 4 best preventative measures to winterize your home year-round:

Insulate Pipes and Plumbing Systems

Check your attic, basement, crawl space, and exterior walls for exposed pipes. Use materials like these 4:

• Foam pipe sleeves – Pre-cut, easy-to-install insulation
• Fiberglass wraps – More affordable, but trickier to install
• Heat tape or heat cables – Ideal for pipes prone to freezing
• Whole-home pipe insulation solutions – Professional-grade insulation for severe cold areas

Upgrade to Frost-Proof Faucets

Traditional outdoor faucets can freeze, leading to burst pipes inside your walls. Frost-proof hose bibs help prevent freezing by positioning the shutoff valve deeper inside your home, where temperatures remain stable.

Install Smart Thermostats & Water Shut-Off Systems

• Smart thermostats allow remote temperature control, helping to keep your home above freezing even when you're away.
• Whole-home water shut-off systems detect leaks and shut off water automatically to prevent extensive damage.

Seal Air Leaks to Keep the Cold Out

Cold air entering your home can lower pipe temperatures. Common areas to seal include:

• Windows and doors
• Electrical outlets and light switches
• Pipes and vents
• Garage doors and access points

Use caulk, weather stripping, or expanding foam to block drafts and retain heat inside your home.

Emergency Cold Snap Preparations: Short-Term Freeze Protection

Sometimes you don’t have the benefit of long-term upgrades. If a winter storm is going to hit in less than 48 hours, here are 3 ways to avoid the most common causes of burst pipes. 

When an imminent cold wave, cold spell, or arctic blast is on the way, quick action can help protect your pipes from freezing.

 Disconnect and Drain Outdoor Faucets

If we had to pick one thing on our list that caused the most issues with water damage, it would be homeowners leaving their hoses connected during a freeze.

Here are 4 simple steps to disconnect and drain outdoor faucets to prevent freezing:

• Turn off the water supply to outdoor faucets.
• Disconnect hoses.
• Drain any remaining water.
• Use foam faucet covers for extra protection.

Drip or Stream Faucets During Cold Temperatures

Running water is less likely to freeze, so open your faucets enough to let out a steady stream of water. This helps prevent some of the most common reasons for a frozen faucet. A slow, steady drip that’s fairly constant is necessary.

NOTE: Outside walls are the most likely to freeze, so ensure that those faucets along those walls are dripping.

Maintain Indoor Temperatures Above 55°F

Even if you're home, keep your thermostat set to at least 55°F. This will help prevent freezing pipes. 

Avoid lowering the temperature significantly at night, as this increases the risk of freezing.

Dealing with Frozen or Burst Pipes: Emergency Steps During a Cold Air Outbreak

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If your pipes freeze or burst during a cold snap, take immediate action to minimize damage.

If Your Pipes Are Frozen:

1. Keep faucets open to relieve pressure.
2. Apply heat to exposed pipes using a hair dryer, heating pad, or space heater (supervised).
3. Check for burst sections – If you notice leaks when thawing begins, shut off the water supply immediately.
4. Call us for advice – While we may not be able to fix frozen pipes until the weather warms, we can guide you on the next steps.

If You Experience a Pipe Burst:

1. Turn off the main water supply immediately.
2. Put down towels and buckets – As the frozen water thaws, more may leak out.
3. Check surrounding areas for hidden leaks – Water can travel through walls and floors.
4. Call our main phone line: 817-905-6513 – We answer calls 7 days a week.
5. We will schedule a plumber ASAP – If road conditions are unsafe, we’ll provide the soonest possible appointment.
6. For water damage, we can connect you with restoration partners – They’re on standby to assist with cleanup and repairs.

Winterizing a Vacation Home or Preparing for Travel During a Cold Spell

If you’re leaving town for an extended period or have a vacation home in a cold climate, take these additional precautions to avoid winter plumbing disasters.

Shut Off and Drain the Plumbing System

• Turn off the main water supply if the home will be vacant for long periods.
• Open faucets and flush toilets to drain excess water from the pipes.
• Consider blowing out water lines with compressed air for added protection.

Keep Heat Running While Away

• Set your thermostat to at least 55°F to prevent freezing.
• Install a smart thermostat to monitor and adjust temperatures remotely.

Prevent Heat Loss

• Open cabinet doors under sinks to let warm air circulate around pipes.
• Use a space heater in vulnerable areas, such as attics and garages, if they contain exposed plumbing.

Have a Neighbor or Monitoring System in Place

• Ask a neighbor or friend to check on your home to ensure no freezing issues arise.
• Install a smart water leak detector to receive alerts if a pipe bursts while you’re away.

How Long Does It Take For Pipes to Freeze?

Just because the temperature dips below freezing doesn’t mean you need to run for the hose bib. You should be worried if the temperature is below 32°F for more than 48 hours. That’s when our team receives the most frozen pipe calls.

 If a fixture doesn’t have water the pipe is frozen, but you won’t know if it has burst until the weather warms up.

Water expands as it freezes, creating pressure inside pipes that can cause them to burst.

Well-insulated pipes take longer to freeze, which is why proper insulation and temperature control are crucial.

Need Help With Frozen Pipes During a Cold Snap? Call Mother Modern Plumbing

The Great Texas Freeze of 2021 was a historic cold wave that caused billions in damages, proving how vulnerable homes in southern states can be. Learning from these events, is the key. 

Don’t wait until it’s too late—take action now to protect your plumbing from freezing. 

If you need expert advice or emergency plumbing services, Mother Modern Plumbing is here to help.

📞 Call us at 817-905-6513 for fast and reliable service.