As temperatures in North Texas rise above freezing this week, homeowners should be aware of a delayed but significant risk: water lines that froze and cracked during the cold snap may lead to extensive water damage as the pipes thaw.
Texas homes are particularly vulnerable to frozen and burst pipes because they are not typically built for prolonged or severe winter weather.
In colder regions of the country, water service lines are installed much deeper underground to prevent freezing. Chicago, for example, requires water lines to be buried at least five feet deep. In Arlington, the minimum required depth is just one foot, increasing exposure during extreme cold.
Pipe placement inside homes also contributes to the risk.
In northern states where harsh winters are common, pipes are more often located within interior, insulated walls. In Texas and other southern states, pipes often run through exterior walls, which can become much colder when temperatures drop. Even pipes inside walls can freeze during extreme cold, and freezing can cause pipes to crack.
The consequences of cracked pipes can be severe.
During Winter Storm Uri in 2021, frozen pipes led to widespread damage across Texas. State Farm, the state’s largest home insurer, paid $343 million in frozen pipe claims in Texas that year—more than it paid for frozen pipe losses in all other top loss states combined.
While Uri was an extraordinary event, frozen pipe damage remains a costly issue even in more typical winters. State Farm reported that during the previous winter, Texas recorded $48 million in frozen pipe and water loss claims, the fourth-highest total nationwide. That amount exceeded the combined losses from colder states such as New York and Michigan.
State Farm says the average frozen pipe claim last year exceeded $30,000, underscoring the importance of prevention and early action, WFAA reported. Homeowners are advised to insulate exterior faucets and allow interior faucets to drip during freezing conditions.
A faucet that runs dry or produces very little water can signal a frozen pipe.
If a frozen or cracked pipe is suspected, safety is critical.
State Farm advises keeping faucets open, calling a plumber if water stops flowing, avoiding using electrical appliances near standing water, and never using an open flame to thaw pipes.
A hair dryer may be used cautiously, starting near the faucet and working toward the frozen section. If a pipe bursts, homeowners should shut off the main water valve and leave faucets open.
Turning off the water supply is especially important as temperatures rise.
A pipe that cracked while frozen may not leak until it thaws. State Farm notes that even a small 1/8-inch crack can leak more than 250 gallons of water per day, “causing flooding, structural damage, and mold growth,” WFAA reported.
The main water shutoff valve is typically located at the water meter and may require a special key or tool to access.
Homeowners are encouraged to locate the valve and practice turning it off before an emergency, rather than trying to do so for the first time as pipes thaw and damage begins.
