Winters in West Texas can be unpredictable, and freezing temperatures can cause serious damage if your home isn’t properly prepared. Frozen pipes are one of the most common winter plumbing emergencies, and they can lead to burst lines, water damage, and costly repairs if not prevented.
At A&R Mechanical, we’ve helped countless Amarillo homeowners protect their homes with smart, proactive plumbing care. Below, we’ll share essential winter plumbing tips to help you prevent frozen pipes and stay safe all season long.
Why Frozen Pipes Are a Big Problem
When water freezes inside your pipes, it expands. That pressure can cause the pipe to crack or burst—even if it’s made of metal or durable plastic. Once the pipe thaws, the water inside can flood your home, damaging walls, flooring, insulation, and furniture.
And the worst part? These emergencies often happen when you’re away or during the middle of the night, turning a small issue into a major headache. The good news is most frozen pipe disasters are entirely preventable with the right preparation.
How to Prevent Frozen Pipes
1. Insulate Exposed Pipes
One of the most effective ways to prevent frozen pipes is by insulating those located in unheated or exterior areas of your home. This includes pipes in garages, basements, crawl spaces, and along exterior walls.
Use foam pipe insulation, heat tape, or heat cables for added protection. These materials are inexpensive, easy to install, and available at most hardware stores.
2. Seal Cracks and Gaps
Cold air can sneak in through small openings in your foundation, walls, or around windows and doors—especially near pipes. Use caulk or expanding foam to seal gaps where cold air might reach vulnerable plumbing.
Also check around dryer vents, cable lines, and other utility entry points. Keeping these areas airtight adds a layer of defense against the cold.
3. Let Faucets Drip During Freezes
On nights when temperatures are expected to dip below freezing, let your indoor faucets drip slightly. A slow trickle of water keeps pressure from building inside your pipes, reducing the risk of freezing.
Focus on faucets connected to vulnerable pipes, such as those near outside walls or in unheated areas.
4. Keep Interior Doors Open
Keep cabinet doors open in kitchens and bathrooms to allow warm air to circulate around plumbing. This is especially helpful for pipes under sinks, where cold air can get trapped.
It’s also wise to keep interior doors open throughout the house to maintain even temperatures, especially if some rooms don’t have their own heat source.
5. Maintain a Consistent Temperature
While it is recommended to lower your thermostat at night or while you’re away, never turn it down too low. Keeping your home at a consistent temperature—preferably no lower than 55°F—can help prevent frozen pipes while you’re away.
If you’re leaving for an extended period, consider having a friend or neighbor check in on your home, or schedule a preventative plumbing inspection before you go.
What to Do if You Suspect a Frozen Pipe
If you turn on a faucet and only a trickle comes out, it may mean a pipe is frozen. In this case, act fast:
- Keep the faucet open so water can flow once the pipe begins to thaw.
- Apply gentle heat to the pipe using a space heater, heat lamp, or hair dryer.
- Never use an open flame, as this can damage pipes and create a fire hazard.
If you can’t locate the frozen section or the pipe has already burst, call a professional plumber immediately. At A&R Mechanical, we offer 24/7 emergency plumbing services and can help you minimize damage and get your system back in working order.
Protect Your Home with Expert Plumbing Help
The best way to avoid winter plumbing emergencies is with preparation. By taking a few simple steps now, you can prevent frozen pipes and enjoy a worry-free season.
A&R Mechanical is here to help Amarillo homeowners with reliable plumbing care, inspections, and winterization services. Whether you need advice on how to winterize your plumbing or you need urgent help during a freeze, we’re available 24/7 with expert support and free estimates.
Contact A&R Mechanical today to schedule a winter plumbing inspection or get immediate help with a frozen pipe emergency. We’re committed to keeping your home safe and warm all winter long.
