How to Prevent Frozen Pipes

As the Texas winter weather sets in, some of the most common questions homeowners ask are about how to prevent pipes from freezing and how to thaw frozen pipes. After all, whether it’s an unexpected cold snap or a forecasted winter storm, freezing temperatures can cause some pretty serious damage.

But don’t panic. With the proper precautions, you can get ready for the cold weather and protect your home and family. In this handy guide, we’ll explain:

How to keep pipes from freezing
The telltale signs of frozen pipes
The steps to take to thaw frozen pipes

Read on to prepare for the next cold spell like a pro!

When do pipes freeze?

Let’s start with the basics: when to worry about pipes freezing. Most people are aware that water freezes at 32°F (0°C). But at what temp do pipes freeze, and is there a minimum temperature to keep pipes from freezing?

The water in your pipes and supply lines is more insulated than free-flowing water, so it tends not to freeze until the temperature drops to around 20°F (-6°C) or below. Even then, the effect won’t be instant, as it takes 3-6 hours of exposure for water supply lines to freeze completely.

However, some pipes are more susceptible to freezing than others. For example, exposed pipes located in basements, attics, crawl spaces, or along exterior walls are particularly vulnerable.

How to prevent frozen pipes

Thankfully, preventing frozen pipes doesn’t require you to run your heating system at full blast.

In fact, many of the most effective methods focus on how to keep pipes from freezing without heat so you can still manage your energy consumption effectively and reduce your winter electric bill.

Follow these steps to prevent pipe freezing and safeguard your home and loved ones from the cold.

Add insulation

Water pipes with little or no insulation are more likely to freeze. Choosing the correct type of pipe insulation helps keep heat around the pipes, even when the cold air sets in.

Keep the thermostat set above 55° F

Even if you’re away, it’s recommended to set your thermostat to at least 55°F to maintain a steady flow of warm air around your water lines.

Allow faucets to drip

Letting faucets drip is lesson 101 in how to protect pipes from freezing. Even if it’s only a trickle, keeping water moving reduces the chance of freezing, especially for outdoor hose bibs and any pipes connected to an exterior wall.

Open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors

Cold water pipes hidden behind kitchen and bathroom cabinets can solidify quickly. Opening the doors allows warmer air to circulate, preventing frozen pipes that could cause significant damage if they burst.

Seal cracks and holes

Air leaks around windows, doors, and pipes are entry points for the cold. Sealing cracks and gaps with caulk or weather stripping ensures that the warm air stays in and cold air is kept out.

Disconnect and drain outdoor hoses

Disconnect garden hoses and sprinkler systems and drain the water from them before winter sets in to avoid residual water from freezing inside them and causing damage while they’re not in use.

Use pipe heating cables or heat tape

Wrapping pipes in cold and vulnerable areas with heat tape or applying pipe heating cables is a simple yet cost-effective way to keep them warm enough to prevent freezing.

Keep garage doors closed

If your garage is attached to your home, keeping the doors closed will keep your pipes warm by blocking out freezing air that would otherwise infiltrate your system much quicker.

Drain water from swimming pools and swimming pool supply lines

Any water residue could freeze over the cold winter months, causing internal damage that won’t become apparent until you need to start using them again.

How to tell if your pipes are frozen

Learning how to prevent frozen pipes is essential, yet doubt can still creep in from time to time. Even the best-laid defenses might not withstand a particularly severe cold spell.

Not sure if your pipes have already frozen? Here are some telltale signs to watch out for:

No water flow: If no water is released from the faucet when you turn on a tap, it’s a strong sign that the pipe may be frozen.
Visible frost: Frost or condensation on a pipe’s exterior typically indicates an ice buildup inside.
Unusual sounds: Gurgling or banging noises suggest that the water inside your pipes has turned to ice.
Strange odors: A foul smell coming from the faucets may indicate that the water within them has turned stagnant due to a blockage caused by frozen pipes.
Bulging or cracking: You’ll usually see some visible signs of damage before the situation escalates to a burst pipe.
Low water pressure: If the flow has diminished to a cold water drip, this could indicate frozen pipes causing a restriction.
Cold spots: If you feel unusually icy patches near exterior walls or floors, the pipes in that area may be frozen.

If you notice any of these issues with your pipes, frozen water may already be causing internal damage, so it’s essential to act swiftly to minimize damage.

What to do when pipes freeze

Knowing what to do if your pipes are frozen ensures you can act quickly to melt ice buildups and get the water flowing again. Here are the steps to follow:

Turn off the main water supply: If your water lines are still open, a burst pipe could cause flooding and extensive damage.
Open faucets to relieve pressure: This allows the water to flow freely once the pipes thaw.
Utilize ambient warm air: If you haven’t done so already, open any kitchen and bathroom cabinets with pipework behind them, ensuring you remove any household chemicals so they’re out of the reach of children.
Apply heat to frozen sections: Use a portable space heater or electric hair dryer to gently warm sections of frozen pipe.
Be mindful of fire hazards: Never use an open flame or propane heater around flammable materials.
Wrap pipes: For localized thawing, warm towels soaked in hot water or an electric heating pad wrapped around the affected section will speed up the thawing process.
Check for leaks: After the pipes have thawed, check carefully for leaks and cracks that could lead to a burst.
Call a licensed plumber: If you’re unsure of what to do when your pipes freeze, call a professional who knows how to fix frozen pipes without causing further damage and has the proper tools and expertise to deal with any additional issues that arise.

Following these steps could save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars in damage and repairs.

Save on electricity plans with BKVE

Knowing how to prevent frozen pipes isn’t the only way to prepare for the winter months. Choosing the right electricity plan is also a proven way to save money and keep your home and family warm.

At BKVE, we know that every little bit counts when it comes to saving energy. That’s why we keep our homeowner electricity plans simple, straightforward, and gimmick-free.
Try our Bluebonnet plan for 30 days risk-free, and see how much you can save!

Written by Graham Lumley

Graham Lumley is the Growth Product Manager at BKV Energy, a retail electricity provider in Texas' deregulated market, where he has worked since 2023. He analyzes customer usage and billing data, helps develop BKV's fixed-rate plans, and creates tools to simplify Texas electricity shopping. He has written over 200 articles on Texas electricity rates, delivery charges, plan types, energy generation, and more to help Texans understand their bills and pay less. With over 10 years of experience in consumer products, marketing, and energy, he explains the Texas electricity market in plain language.