Get your pipes ready before the first hard cold snap, not the night it arrives. Texas A&M AgriLife says pipes can freeze and burst at 20 degrees or below, and an AgriLife specialist advises taking precautions anytime it dips below freezing.
Which pipes are most at risk?
AgriLife points to outdoor hose bibs, pool and sprinkler lines, and pipes in attics, garages and crawl spaces. Pipes against exterior walls with little insulation are at risk too, and those with northern exposure face more of it.
What can you do ahead of time?
- Unhook and drain your hoses, and store them in a shed or garage.
- Cover outdoor faucets. Texas A&M put covers at around $4 in 2024, which is small next to a repair bill.
- Wrap exposed pipes with pipe sleeves or UL-listed heat tape.
- Find your main water shutoff, so you can reach it quickly if a line breaks.
- Buy supplies early. AgriLife warns that insulation and parts can run short right before a freeze.
If you have a sprinkler system, see our sprinkler winterizing post too.
What should you do when a freeze is coming?
- Keep the garage door closed if water lines run through it.
- Open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors so warm air reaches the plumbing.
- Keep the thermostat steady day and night.
- Leaving town? Keep the heat on, no lower than 55 degrees.
Should you drip your faucets?
AgriLife says running water slightly does help during prolonged freezes. Local advice varies on the details. Round Rock suggests a slow drip from both hot and cold faucets, and KUT reported that Austin emergency managers recommend dripping only one faucet. Check with your water provider. Our utilities post explains who serves different parts of the area.
What if a pipe freezes anyway?
AgriLife says to keep the faucet open and warm the frozen section with a heating pad, hair dryer, portable space heater or towels soaked in hot water. Do not use a blowtorch, a kerosene or propane heater, or any other open flame.
What about pets and plants?
Round Rock’s reminder covers the “four Ps”: people, pets, plants and pipes. Texas A&M says to keep pets inside, and to move potted plants indoors or into a garage. For plants that stay outside, move them to the south side of the house if you can, water them well and pile on mulch, leaves or hay.
Looking at homes before winter?
When you tour a house, it is worth asking where the shutoff is and how the outdoor faucets are protected. Our Neighborhoods guide can help you compare areas, and you are welcome to ask us what to look for.
Frequently asked questions
- At what temperature do pipes freeze in Texas?
- Texas A&M AgriLife says pipes can freeze and burst when it reaches 20 degrees or below, and its specialist advises taking precautions anytime temperatures dip below freezing.
- Should you drip your faucets during a freeze?
- AgriLife says running water slightly helps during prolonged freezes. Advice varies on how many faucets, so check with your water provider.
- What should you set your thermostat to if you leave during a freeze?
- AgriLife says to leave the heat on, no lower than 55 degrees, and to open cabinet doors where there is plumbing.
- How do you thaw a frozen pipe?
- AgriLife says to keep the faucet open and apply heat with a heating pad, hair dryer or hot towels. Never use a blowtorch or other open flame.
Sources
- Texas A&M AgriLife: Preventing and thawing frozen pipes
- Texas A&M: How to prepare for winter weather
- City of Round Rock: Winter safety and preparedness tips
- KUT: How to prepare for freezing temperatures
Thinking about moving to Bastrop? Start with our moving guide and neighborhood guide, or send us a question.
