Protecting Your Home: Seasonal "Deep Freeze" Prep Lessons from the 2021 Winter Storm

Ryan Dillard
Jan 6
2 min read

The 2021 winter storm was a wake-up call for homeowners across Texas. Before then, many of us viewed "winterizing" as something only people in the North had to worry about. Today, we know better. A sudden deep freeze can lead to burst pipes, flooded foundations, and thousands of dollars in restoration costs.

As the temperature drops, here is how you can use the lessons we learned to keep your plumbing safe this season.

1. Identify Your Home’s "Vulnerable Zones"

Not all pipes are created equal. The pipes most likely to freeze are those exposed to the outside air or located in unheated interior spaces.

Attics and Crawlspaces: In TX and OK, many water lines run through the attic. Without proper insulation, these are the first to go.
Exterior Walls: Pipes running to kitchen sinks or bathrooms located on the outer perimeter of your home have less "buffer" from the cold.
Outdoor Faucets (Hose Bibbs): Leaving a garden hose attached is the #1 cause of a burst pipe, as it traps water inside the faucet assembly.

2. The Great Debate: "The Drip" vs. "The Shut-Off"

During a record-breaking freeze, you have two primary strategies to prevent pressure buildup.

The Drip Method

When temperatures stay below 20°F for more than 4 hours, you should "drip" your faucets.

How it works: You aren't just trying to keep the water moving; you are relieving the pressure. If a pipe freezes, the pressure created between the ice blockage and the faucet is what actually causes the pipe to burst.
Which faucets? Focus on those on exterior walls. A slow, steady drip—about 5 to 10 drops per minute—is sufficient.

The Shut-Off Method (Best for Vacant Homes)

If you are traveling during the holidays, the safest bet is to shut off the main water valve.

Turn off the main water supply.
Open every faucet in the house to drain the lines completely.
Flush all toilets to empty the tanks.

3. How to Safely Thaw a Pipe (And What NOT to Do)

If you turn on the tap and only a trickle comes out, you likely have a frozen pipe. Act fast, but act safely.

DO: Open the faucet. As the ice melts, water needs a place to go.
DO: Use a hair dryer, a portable space heater (kept at a distance), or towels soaked in hot water wrapped around the pipe.
DON'T: Never use an open flame, such as a blowtorch or propane heater. This is a massive fire hazard and can damage the pipe material.
DON'T: Use an electric heater in standing water or near leaks.

4. Post-Storm Check: Searching for "The Silent Leak"

Once the thaw begins, the danger isn't over. Small cracks in pipes may not leak while frozen, but they will spray water the moment they warm up. Check your water meter; if the dial is spinning while no water is running, you have a leak.

Is Your Home Ready for the Next Big Freeze?

Don't wait for the "Winter Weather Warning" to hit your phone. Pre-season maintenance is the only way to guarantee your pipes are insulated and your main shut-off valve is actually functional.

Would you like us to ensure your home is winter-ready? Schedule a Professional Winterization Inspection with Roto-Rooter today!