As a major winter storm, named Winter Storm Fern, continues to impact much of the United States with heavy snow, sleet, freezing rain and dangerously cold temperatures, Texans face heightened risks of frozen and bursting pipes as prolonged subfreezing conditions settle across the state.
The National Weather Service reports that more than 100 million people nationwide remain under winter weather alerts, with the storm affecting areas from the southern Plains through the Midwest and into the Northeast. In Texas, an arctic air mass is driving temperatures sharply lower, with wind chills reaching dangerous levels and subzero readings possible in parts of the Panhandle.
Forecast models indicate the Texas Panhandle could receive 5 to 10 inches or more of accumulating snow. Central and northern Texas are expected to see a mix of snow and sleet, while southeast regions, including Houston, are bracing for freezing rain and ice accumulations ranging from 0.10 to 0.30 inches. Extreme cold watches and warnings and winter storm watches and warnings have been issued across much of the state, with temperatures expected to stay below freezing for 60 hours or longer in many areas, significantly increasing the threat to household plumbing systems.
Why frozen pipes are such a serious risk
Pipes commonly freeze when temperatures fall below 32 degrees, with the risk rising sharply when temperatures dip below 20 degrees, particularly for uninsulated or exposed lines. The most vulnerable pipes are typically found in attics, basements, crawl spaces, garages and along exterior walls.
Burst pipes are a leading cause of property damage during extreme cold events, according to the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety and Texas plumbing experts, and often result in thousands of dollars in repair costs and extensive water damage.
How to protect your pipes during extended freezing
Preventive steps taken immediately can significantly reduce the risk of damage, especially with an extended freeze forecast across much of Texas.
Experts from the American Red Cross, Consumer Reports and local utility providers recommend keeping indoor heat consistent by setting thermostats no lower than 55 degrees and ideally between 60 and 68 degrees around the clock, even when residents are away from home. Lowering the thermostat to cut energy costs during an arctic outbreak can backfire, increasing the likelihood of frozen pipes and leading to far more expensive consequences.
Homeowners are advised to let faucets drip slowly, particularly those farthest from the main shutoff valve and those located along exterior walls. A steady trickle of water from both the hot and cold sides helps prevent freezing because moving water is far less likely to ice over than still water.
Opening cabinet doors under kitchen and bathroom sinks allows warm air to circulate around pipes, especially in homes where plumbing runs along outside walls. Garage doors should also remain closed if water lines run through those areas to help retain warmth.
Exposed pipes in unheated areas should be insulated using foam sleeves, UL-listed heat tape or heat cables. Drafts where pipes enter the home should be sealed using caulk, insulation or even towels to prevent cold air from entering and surrounding vulnerable plumbing.
Outdoor plumbing systems also require attention. Garden hoses should be disconnected, drained and stored indoors, and hose bibs should be covered with insulated wraps. Sprinkler and irrigation systems, including underground lines, valve boxes and above-ground heads, should be fully drained using manual low-point drains, automatic drain valves or, ideally, a professional compressed-air blowout to prevent freeze damage to pipes, valves and sprinkler heads.
Residents are encouraged to locate and clearly mark their home’s main water shutoff valve so everyone in the household knows where it is. In an emergency, shutting off the water quickly can significantly limit flooding and property damage if a pipe bursts.
What to do if pipes freeze or burst
If pipes do freeze, experts caution against forcing faucets open or using open flames. Instead, residents should open the affected faucet and gently apply heat using a hair dryer, electric heating pad or hot towels, starting near the faucet and working toward the frozen section. Once water begins to flow, a slow drip should be maintained until temperatures rise.
If a pipe bursts, the main water valve should be shut off immediately. Faucets should be left open to relieve pressure, and a licensed plumber should be contacted as soon as possible. Many homeowners’ insurance policies may cover this type of damage, but officials emphasize that prevention is far less costly than cleanup and repairs.
With the winter storm prompting hazardous travel conditions, the possibility of localized power outages caused by ice-laden power lines, and extended freezing temperatures expected statewide, including potentially severe impacts in the Texas Panhandle, officials are urging residents to prepare now rather than wait until conditions worsen.
Texans are encouraged to continue monitoring National Weather Service updates for their area and take immediate steps to protect their homes and families during this widespread cold event.
This article originally appeared on Amarillo Globe-News: Here’s how to avoid frozen pipes during winter storm
Reporting by Michael Cuviello, Amarillo Globe-News / Amarillo Globe-News
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
