Avoid Frozen Pipes This Winter

Protecting Your Plano Home from Frozen Pipes This Winter

Winter has arrived in Texas, bringing freezing temperatures that pose a serious threat to your home’s plumbing system. While we bundle up in warm clothes and crank up the heat, it’s crucial to remember that your pipes need protection too. As your trusted Plano plumbing experts since 1990, Staggs Plumbing (Texas Master Plumber License #M-17697) has seen firsthand the devastating damage that frozen pipes can cause to North Texas homes.

When temperatures in Plano dip into the 20s and teens at night—which happens an average of 15-20 nights each winter—your pipes become vulnerable to freezing. The cost of emergency frozen pipe repairs can range from $500 to $5,000, not including potential water damage restoration that can exceed $20,000.

Understanding the Real Risks: Why Frozen Pipes Matter

Frozen pipes create two major problems for homeowners. First, they block water flow throughout your home, leaving you without access to essential water services. More critically, when water freezes inside pipes, it expands by approximately 9%, creating pressure that can cause pipes to crack or burst completely.

Imagine returning from a holiday vacation to find your home flooded with thousands of gallons of water. This nightmare scenario affects over 250,000 American families each winter, with the average insurance claim for burst pipe damage exceeding $15,000. Even a small crack in a pipe can release 250 gallons of water per day—enough to cause significant structural damage, mold growth, and destruction of personal belongings.

Addressing Your Top Concerns About Pipe Freezing

Your 5-Step Winter Pipe Protection Plan

With over 34 years serving Plano homeowners, we’ve developed a proven strategy to prevent frozen pipes. These preventive measures take less than an hour to implement but can save you thousands in repairs:

Interior Protection Steps

• Open cabinet doors: Allow warm air to circulate around pipes under kitchen and bathroom sinks, especially those on exterior walls
• Maintain steady dripping: Let both hot and cold faucets drip slowly (about 5 drops per minute) to relieve pressure and prevent freezing
• Keep heat consistent: Set your thermostat no lower than 55°F, even when away—the $20-30 in heating costs far outweighs potential damage

Exterior and Vulnerable Area Protection

• Insulate exposed pipes: Check attics, basements, crawl spaces, and garages for uninsulated pipes—add foam pipe insulation (costs under $2 per foot)
• Protect outdoor faucets: Disconnect all garden hoses and install insulated faucet covers (available for $3-5 at local hardware stores)

The Master Plumber’s #1 Prevention Tip

After three decades of emergency calls during Texas cold snaps, here’s our most valuable advice: Always shut off your main water valve when leaving home overnight during freezing weather. This simple 30-second action is your absolute best insurance against catastrophic water damage.

To properly shut off your water supply, locate your main valve (typically in the garage or near the water heater), turn it clockwise until fully closed, then open all faucets to drain remaining water from the lines. This eliminates the risk of flooding, regardless of what happens to your pipes while you’re away.

Emergency Response: What to Do If Pipes Freeze

Despite your best efforts, pipes may still freeze during extreme cold snaps. Here’s your immediate action plan:

Signs of Frozen Pipes

• Water barely trickling from faucets
• Unusual sounds when turning on taps
• Visible frost on exposed pipes
• Strange odors from drains (blocked sewer vent)

Immediate Steps to Take

If you suspect frozen pipes, leave affected faucets open to allow water movement as pipes thaw. Apply gentle heat using a hair dryer or space heater to exposed frozen sections—never use open flames or torches. Monitor carefully for any signs of leaks as pipes thaw.

For major leaks or suspected pipe bursts, immediately shut off your main water valve and call 972-833-8660 for emergency service. As Plano’s trusted plumbing experts with 24/7 emergency response, Staggs Plumbing can quickly assess damage, perform necessary repairs, and help prevent future freezing issues.

Protect Your Investment Today

Don’t wait for temperatures to drop below freezing to take action. Schedule a winter plumbing inspection with Staggs Plumbing to identify vulnerable pipes and implement professional-grade protection. With our Master Plumber expertise (License #M-17697) and 34 years serving North Texas, we’ll ensure your home stays safe and dry all winter long. Call 972-833-8660 today for your personalized pipe protection consultation.