How to Keep Pipes From Freezing in Arlington, TX

Arlington does not freeze often, but when it does, pipes in attics, outside walls and garages can split. Winter Storm Uri in February 2021 showed how much damage a few days below freezing can do. The steps below help keep your pipes safe. If a pipe has already burst, shut off your main water valve and call Arlington Leak Pros at (817) 285-5426, 24/7.

Why do pipes freeze in North Texas homes?

Many North Texas homes were built for heat, not cold. Water lines often run through attics, garages and outside walls with little insulation. When temperatures fall into the low 20s or below for hours, water in those pipes can freeze. Ice expands, pressure builds, and the pipe splits.

The split often shows up only when the ice melts and water starts flowing again. That is why many leaks appear a day or two after a freeze, not during it.

Which pipes are most at risk?

The pipes most at risk are those in unheated spaces: attic lines, pipes in outside walls, garage lines, hose bibs, sprinkler backflow preventers and the line where water enters the house. Pipes under sinks on outside walls are at risk too, because cabinet doors trap cold air around them.

• Attic water lines
• Pipes in outside walls
• Garage and laundry lines
• Outdoor hose bibs
• Sprinkler backflow preventer
• Water heater in the garage
• Sinks on outside walls
• Exposed line at the house

How do you prevent frozen pipes?

Keep heat on, let faucets on outside walls drip, open cabinet doors under sinks, and insulate exposed pipes. Outside, disconnect hoses, cover hose bibs and wrap or drain the sprinkler backflow preventer. Know where your main shut-off valve is before the freeze arrives.

1. Keep the heat on, even if you leave town. Do not set it very low.
2. Drip faucets on outside walls, both hot and cold, during hard freezes.
3. Open cabinet doors under kitchen and bath sinks.
4. Disconnect garden hoses and cover hose bibs with foam covers.
5. Protect the backflow preventer on your sprinkler system with an insulated cover, or drain it.
6. Insulate exposed pipes in the attic, garage and crawl spaces with foam sleeves.
7. Close the garage door if water lines or the water heater are inside.
8. Find your main shut-off and make sure it turns easily.

How can you tell if a pipe is frozen?

A frozen pipe usually shows up as a faucet that gives only a trickle or no water at all while other taps work. You may see frost on an exposed pipe or a bulge in the line. Do not wait for it to thaw on its own if you can reach it safely.

Open the faucet so melting water can flow. Warm the pipe slowly with a hair dryer or space heater, starting near the faucet. Never use an open flame. If you cannot find or reach the frozen spot, call a plumber.

What should you do if a pipe bursts?

Shut off the main water valve right away, then turn off the water heater. Cut power to any area with water near outlets or lights. Open faucets to drain the lines, move valuables out of the way, take photos for insurance, and call a licensed plumber to find and repair the break.

See our full list of steps to take during a leak.

Why check for hidden leaks after a freeze?

Not every freeze break is easy to see. A cracked pipe inside a wall, in the attic or under the slab can leak quietly for weeks. After a hard freeze, watch your water meter and bill. If the meter moves with every tap off, a hidden pipe may have split.

Our guide to wall and ceiling leaks covers the signs to look for, and our water bill guide shows how to run the meter test.

How much does it cost to find a freeze-damaged leak?

Basic leak detection in Arlington usually costs about $150 to $400. Slab leak detection runs about $250 to $600, and water line leak detection about $200 to $500. The repair is priced separately, and you get a clear price before any work begins.

See our full leak detection cost table.