How to Protect Your Pipes from Freezing in The Woodlands TX

How to Protect Your Pipes from Freezing in The Woodlands, TX

Winter in Texas might not be like up north, but when it gets cold — it really gets cold. ❄️
And if you’ve lived in The Woodlands, TX for a while, you probably remember that one freeze that left half the neighborhood with burst pipes.

The truth is, even one freezing night can cause major plumbing damage if you’re not ready.
Here’s how to keep your pipes safe, your water running, and your repair bill low this winter.

Why Frozen Pipes Are Such a Big Problem

When water freezes inside a pipe, it expands — and since pipes can’t stretch, they eventually burst.
That means leaks, flooding, and thousands of dollars in water damage. 💸

The worst part? It usually happens in spots you can’t see, like behind walls or under floors, so you won’t even know until it’s too late.

Where Pipes Freeze First

In The Woodlands, these are the danger zones every winter:

• Outdoor faucets and garden hoses

• Attics, garages, and crawl spaces

• Pipes running along exterior walls

• Poorly insulated water lines under the house

If your home’s older or has pipes in exposed areas, you’re at higher risk.

Simple Ways to Protect Your Pipes

You don’t need to be a plumber to keep your home safe — just a few easy steps can make all the difference:

1. Insulate Exposed Pipes 🧣
   Use foam pipe sleeves or even old towels around pipes in attics, garages, and crawl spaces.

2. Disconnect Hoses 🚿
   Always remove garden hoses before freezing weather hits — water left inside can back up and burst the faucet line.

3. Drip Your Faucets 💧
   On cold nights, let a slow drip run. Moving water is less likely to freeze.

4. Keep Cabinets Open 🚪
   Especially under kitchen and bathroom sinks — it lets warm air circulate around the pipes.

5. Seal Drafts & Gaps 🧱
   Cold air sneaking in through cracks near pipes can drop temps fast — use caulk or insulation foam to seal them up.

6. Know Where Your Main Shutoff Valve Is 🚨
   If a pipe bursts, shutting off water immediately can save you from a full-blown flood.

What to Do If Your Pipes Freeze

If you turn on a faucet and nothing comes out — don’t panic (yet).

✅ Step 1: Turn off the water supply immediately.
✅ Step 2: Open nearby faucets to relieve pressure.
✅ Step 3: Use a hairdryer or space heater to gently warm the frozen area (never use an open flame).
✅ Step 4: Call a licensed plumber if the pipe bursts or you can’t locate the frozen section.

Trying to DIY a major freeze repair can cause more damage if done wrong.

Why Hire a Professional Before Winter

A local plumber in The Woodlands can help you get ahead of the problem. They’ll:

• Inspect for weak or exposed pipes

• Add insulation in vulnerable areas

• Winterize your outdoor plumbing

• Check your water heater and shutoff valves

Professional prep now can save you thousands later — especially during surprise Texas freezes.

Final Thoughts

Freezing weather in Texas might not last long, but its effects sure do.
By taking a few simple steps today, you can protect your pipes from freezing in The Woodlands, TX, and avoid the stress (and cost) of burst pipes later.

If you want peace of mind before the next cold front, call Plumbers The Woodlands.
We’ll inspect, insulate, and prepare your plumbing system so your home stays warm, dry, and leak-free all winter long. ❄️💧