When temperatures drop in North Texas, frozen pipes become a serious threat to homeowners. A sudden cold snap can cause pipes to freeze, crack, or burst—leading to flooding, water damage, and expensive repairs. Knowing how to prevent frozen pipes in Burleson before it’s too late can save you stress, money, and major disruptions to your home.
The key is preparation. Pipes rarely burst without warning, and a few proactive steps can make all the difference when winter weather arrives.
Why Frozen Pipes Are Such a Big Problem in Burleson
Burleson homes aren’t always built for prolonged freezing temperatures. Many pipes run through attics, exterior walls, garages, or crawl spaces where insulation is limited. When water freezes inside a pipe, it expands, putting extreme pressure on the pipe walls. That pressure is what causes pipes to crack or burst—often without being noticed until temperatures rise and water starts pouring out.
According to the Fortified Home, pipe failures during winter are one of the most common causes of water damage claims in the U.S., especially in regions that don’t experience freezing weather regularly.
Common Areas Where Pipes Freeze First
If you want to prevent frozen pipes, start by knowing where problems usually begin. The most vulnerable areas include:
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Pipes in exterior walls
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Attics and crawl spaces
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Garages
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Outdoor hose bibs
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Under-sink pipes near exterior walls
These locations are often exposed to cold air and lack adequate insulation.
Warning Signs Your Pipes May Be Freezing
Frozen pipes don’t always burst immediately. Watch for these red flags during cold weather:
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Little to no water flow from faucets
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Frost forming on exposed pipes
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Unusual smells from drains
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Strange noises when turning on faucets
If you notice reduced water pressure or no flow at all, act quickly. Frozen pipes can rupture at any moment once pressure builds.
How to Prevent Frozen Pipes Before the Cold Hits
Preparation is the most effective defense. These proven steps can help protect your plumbing system before temperatures drop.
Insulate Exposed Pipes
Pipe insulation is inexpensive and highly effective. Foam sleeves or heat tape can be installed on exposed pipes in attics, garages, and crawl spaces. This added barrier helps maintain temperature and reduces freezing risk.
If your home has older plumbing or recurring issues, a professional inspection may reveal areas that need upgrades or even repiping services to improve long-term reliability.
Seal Drafts and Air Leaks
Cold air sneaking into your home can freeze pipes faster than expected. Seal gaps around windows, doors, vents, and where pipes enter walls. Even small drafts can significantly lower temperatures near plumbing lines.
Keep Your Home Warm—Even When You’re Away
Never turn your heat completely off during winter. Set your thermostat to at least 55°F, even if you’re leaving town. Interior warmth helps protect pipes in walls and ceilings.
Opening cabinet doors under sinks can also allow warm air to circulate around pipes during especially cold nights.
Let Faucets Drip During Freezing Weather
Allowing faucets to drip slightly keeps water moving, making it less likely to freeze. This is especially helpful for fixtures connected to exterior pipes. The small increase in water usage is far less costly than repairing burst pipes.
Disconnect and Drain Outdoor Hoses
Outdoor faucets are extremely vulnerable to freezing. Disconnect hoses, drain them, and shut off exterior water lines if possible. If your home doesn’t have frost-proof hose bibs, consider upgrading before winter arrives.
What to Do If You Suspect Frozen Pipes
If you think a pipe is frozen:
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Keep the faucet open to relieve pressure
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Apply gentle heat using a hair dryer or warm towels
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Never use open flames or high heat
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Call a professional if you can’t locate or safely thaw the pipe
If a pipe bursts, shut off your main water supply immediately and contact a plumber right away. Quick action can limit damage and prevent mold growth.
How a Professional Plumber Can Help
A licensed plumber can help you prevent frozen pipes by identifying weak points in your plumbing system and recommending solutions before winter hits. Services like leak detection can also uncover existing cracks or vulnerabilities that make pipes more susceptible to freezing.
Superior Plumbing helps Burleson homeowners prepare for winter with insulation recommendations, system inspections, and emergency response when pipes freeze or burst.
Real Testimonial
“We had pipes freeze during a cold snap last year and didn’t want a repeat. Superior Plumbing inspected our system, insulated problem areas, and gave us peace of mind before winter hit. Highly recommend.” – Mark D.
Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late
Frozen pipes rarely give a second chance. Once temperatures drop, damage can happen fast—and repairs are often far more expensive than prevention.
If you want to prevent frozen pipes in your Burleson home, now is the time to act. Superior Plumbing offers expert inspections and preventative services to help protect your plumbing system before winter weather arrives.
Call today to schedule a winter plumbing check and stay one step ahead of the cold.