Winter Freeze Prep (and Thaw) for Pipes in Central Texas

Central Texas rarely sees prolonged freezing weather, but when a cold blast arrives, unprotected plumbing is at risk. Austin-area homes often have exposed attic and garage plumbing, slab-on-grade foundations and hose bibs that weren’t designed for extended sub 28°F temperatures. A burst pipe can spill hundreds of gallons per hour, damaging walls, cabinets and flooring. This guide explains how to prepare for freezes, safely thaw frozen lines and check for damage afterwards in Austin, Round Rock, Georgetown, Pflugerville, Cedar Park, Leander, Lakeway, Bee Cave, Dripping Springs, Buda, Kyle, San Marcos, Hutto and Bastrop.

Why Central Texas pipes struggle in freezes

Unlike northern climates, many Central Texas homes have plumbing routed through attics, crawlspaces and exterior walls. Sudden temperature swings combined with occasional hard freezes allow water to freeze and expand inside pipes. Hose bibs, laundry lines in garages, and PEX or copper runs in uninsulated attics are particularly vulnerable. Soil shifts from rapid freeze‑thaw cycles can also stress buried supply lines and cause leaks in slab foundations.

24–48 hours before a freeze

• Insulate vulnerable lines: Wrap attic and garage piping, outdoor kitchens and hose bibs with foam insulation. Add faucet covers to hose spigots.
• Shut exterior valves and drain: If your hose bibs have interior shutoff valves, close them and open the exterior spigots to drain any water.
• Open cabinets and drip: Allow warm air to reach sink pipes by opening cabinet doors. Drip the cold water at the farthest fixture from your meter (a steady drip – not a stream).
• Know your main shutoff: In Round Rock and Cedar Park, shutoffs are often in street‑side meter boxes. Older Austin bungalows may have indoor valves. Locate yours before the freeze.
• Water heaters: Verify that temperature is set between 120–125 °F. Make sure the expansion tank is properly charged.
• Well or pump systems: In areas like Dripping Springs and Bastrop, insulate exposed well components and pressure switches and install heat tape with a GFCI outlet.

During sub‑freezing temperatures

• Maintain indoor temperatures at 60–65 °F or higher.
• Keep garage doors closed to help protect laundry and water heater lines.
• Drip at least one faucet on each supply branch. If possible, drip both hot and cold lines.
• Never use open flames to warm pipes. Use space heaters or hair dryers on low settings instead.

Safe thawing if lines freeze

1. Shut off the main: If you suspect a burst pipe, turn off the main supply before thawing. If lines are simply frozen, leave the main on for a gentle thaw.
2. Warm the space: Open cabinets and use a space heater or hair dryer on low to warm the pipe starting at the faucet and working back toward the frozen section.
3. Watch for leaks: As water begins to flow, monitor for drips and hissing that signal a split pipe. If you find one, keep the water off and call us immediately.

After the freeze: a quick inspection

• Check the meter: With all faucets off, watch the meter for movement. A spinning meter could indicate a hidden leak.
• Look and listen: Watch for new water stains on ceilings (common in West Lake Hills split‑level homes), listen for hissing behind walls, and feel for warm spots on concrete slabs (typical of slab leaks in Buda and Kyle).
• Inspect outdoor plumbing: Examine irrigation backflow housings, vacuum breakers and hose bibs for hairline cracks and leaks.

When to call a professional

You should call a licensed plumber if you see no water after thawing, find a visible pipe split, notice saturated drywall or ceilings, or encounter error codes on your tank‑style or tankless water heater. Flint Plumbing offers emergency freeze repair and leak detection across the Austin metro area.

Local notes

• Lakeway & Bee Cave: Elevation changes in the hills can cause pressure fluctuations; consider checking your pressure‑reducing valve and thermal expansion tank.
• Georgetown: Mature trees often lead to root intrusion and offset joints; freeze‑thaw soil movement can exacerbate leaks in older clay sewer lines.
• Pflugerville & Hutto: New subdivisions often place shutoffs at the curb. Confirm your shutoff location before a freeze to save time in an emergency.

Schedule your freeze prep or repair today

If you’re worried about a hard freeze or already dealing with a frozen or burst pipe, Flint Plumbing can help. Our licensed team (License M‑42279) provides same‑day service for Austin, Round Rock, Buda, Kyle, Dripping Springs and surrounding cities. Contact us today at (512) 971‑2445 or book online with the blue button below.

Frequently Asked Questions

How cold should it be to drip faucets?

Drip your faucets when forecast lows are at or below 28 °F for two or more hours. A slow drip helps keep water moving so it won’t freeze solid.

Which faucet should I drip?

Use the faucet farthest from your water meter and, if possible, one on each plumbing branch to ensure water is flowing through most of the system.

Can PEX pipes freeze without bursting?

PEX is more flexible than copper or PVC and can tolerate mild freezing better, but it can still fail under extreme conditions. Insulate and drip PEX lines just like any other.

Is a space heater safe to thaw pipes?

Yes, when used carefully. Keep it attended, pointed away from combustibles and never use an open flame to thaw pipes.

What indoor temperature should I maintain?

Keep your thermostat at or above 60–65 °F during a hard freeze. Closing interior doors and opening cabinet doors can help warm air circulate around pipes.