Texas winters have grown increasingly unpredictable. While the state is still known for heat and long summers, increasingly frequent Arctic cold fronts and extended hard freezes have made freezing pipes a real concern for homeowners and businesses across the region.
The winter of 2025-2026 is no exception as weather experts are predicting warm, dry conditions in the next few months with sudden polar plunges.
The 2021 Great Texas Freeze changed how Texans think about cold weather plumbing risks, but it was not an isolated event. Since then, multiple winter storms in 2023 and 2024 and prolonged freezing streaks have reinforced a simple reality. Many plumbing systems in Texas were never designed for sustained cold.
As winter approaches, understanding how freezing pipes occur and how to prevent damage is one of the most effective ways to protect your property and avoid costly repairs.
Recent winters have reminded Texans that extreme cold can strike suddenly and intensely.
The winters of 2023 and 2024 brought repeated Arctic fronts that tested homes and infrastructure across the state. In January 2024, wind chills plunged as low as -20°F in the Texas Panhandle, while Central Texas saw wind chills drop to -6°F. Those are temperatures cold enough for frostbite to occur in minutes.
While these events were severe, they followed the pattern of Texas's most destructive modern winter weather: the February 2021 freeze. That storm brought the coldest temperatures in over 70 years to some parts of the state, with Austin remaining at or below freezing for a record-breaking 144 consecutive hours.
These multi-day freezes are especially hard on plumbing systems. According to plumbing experts, pipes can start freezing in as little as 6 hours at these temperatures, with damage typically occurring after one to three days of sustained cold.
While water begins to freeze at 32°F, research shows that pipes are most at risk when temperatures fall to 20°F or below. At this threshold, especially when cold persists for several hours, heat loss from exposed or poorly insulated plumbing can quickly cause standing water to freeze solid.
As water turns to ice, it expands by approximately 9%, creating extreme pressure inside the pipe. Contrary to popular belief, pipes don't always burst at the frozen spot itself. Instead, ice creates a blockage and continued freezing causes pressure to build up downstream: between the blockage and a closed faucet. The rupture typically occurs in this pressurized section, where there's often little or no ice.
Both metal and plastic pipes are vulnerable. Copper, PVC, and even flexible PEX can fail under prolonged freezing stress, especially in attics, crawl spaces, and exterior walls.
The damage occurs while the pipe is frozen, but the ice blockage temporarily seals the rupture. When temperatures warm and the ice thaws, the plug is released, allowing water to rush through the already-damaged pipe, often resulting in sudden, major flooding that can lead to costly structural damage and mold growth.
Frozen and burst pipes are among the most common (and expensive) causes of winter property damage nationwide. In Texas, the costs can climb even higher because many homes have plumbing routed through attics, exterior walls, or slab foundations that make repairs more complex.
The aftermath of a burst pipe often includes:
According to insurance data, even a minor burst pipe can cause thousands of dollars in water damage, while extensive cases requiring structural or mold remediation can quickly exceed five figures. A few preventive measures before temperatures drop cost far less and can save homeowners from major disruption and expense later.
Did You Know: The average burst pipe claim in Texas was $15,500, according to State Farm.
Taking preventive steps before the first cold front arrives is the most effective way to avoid pipe damage.
When freezing temperatures are forecasted, a few small precautions can make a big difference in protecting your pipes. Stay proactive throughout the cold spell, especially overnight when temperatures drop the lowest.
If you suspect a pipe has frozen, act quickly but avoid risky shortcuts. Safe, gradual thawing can prevent a rupture once water starts flowing again.
Leaving frozen pipes untreated increases the likelihood of bursting as temperatures rise and water pressure builds. Early detection and safe thawing are the best defenses against major water damage.
Some freeze-related plumbing problems are best handled by professionals, especially when pipes are concealed in walls, ceilings, or beneath slab foundations. Attempting DIY repairs can sometimes cause more damage, particularly if pipes have already cracked or burst.
Pilot Plumbing’s licensed technicians can:
For peace of mind this season, contact Pilot Plumbing to schedule a winter readiness inspection for your property in North Houston or Greater Montgomery County. Our experienced team will help ensure your plumbing system is protected and ready for whatever this Texas winter brings.