West Texas cold fronts can arrive quickly. Preparing exposed plumbing before severe or prolonged freezing weather is a practical way to reduce risk, but no single step guarantees that a pipe will not freeze. Your home’s layout, insulation, indoor heat, and pipe exposure all matter.
Find and test your water shutoff
Before cold weather arrives, identify the valve that controls water to your home and make sure the adults in the household know how it works. Locations vary: the valve may be near the meter, where water enters the house, or in a utility or mechanical area. If you are unsure, ask a qualified plumber to help identify it before an emergency.
Protect exposed piping
Look for pipes in unheated garages, attics, crawl spaces, and exterior walls. Appropriate pipe insulation can reduce heat loss when it is installed correctly. Disconnect outdoor hoses before freezing weather, and make sure exterior faucets and their connections are not left under strain.
Use cabinet and faucet measures thoughtfully
During severe freezes, opening cabinet doors below sinks on exterior walls may help indoor heat circulate around plumbing. A small flow of water through vulnerable lines may reduce freeze risk in some homes, but it is not a guarantee and should be balanced with local utility guidance and water conservation.
If a pipe may be frozen
If a faucet stops flowing, do not use an open flame. If it is safe to do so, you may use gentle methods such as warm towels or a hair dryer while keeping electrical equipment dry and supervised. Stop if you cannot locate the frozen section, if there is visible damage, or if water is near electrical equipment.
When to call for help
Contact a licensed plumber promptly if a pipe has burst, you cannot locate the shutoff, safe thawing is unsuccessful, or you see active water damage. Acting early can help limit the scope of a repair.
Visit our burst-pipe repair page to request help with a freeze-related plumbing issue.