As North Texas begins to see warmer days, residents might think the worst is behind them, but the thaw brings its own dangers. This morning, during a walk, Local Profile’s publisher noticed water flowing from a neighbor’s house. With no one home, she turned off the main water and then called the fire department, who arrived to check the property and ensure there were no safety risks.
According to the Plano Fire Department, this was the first call of the day, but as temperatures continue to hover above freezing, more incidents are expected.
Why Pipes Burst
When a pipe freezes, the water inside expands as it turns to ice, creating extreme pressure, sometimes over 2,000 psi, which can bulge or rupture the pipe. The results are often costly: repair costs average between $5,000 and $10,000 and can include flooding and loss of water pressure. Unheated areas like attics, crawl spaces and outdoor faucets are particularly vulnerable.
State Farm reports handling over 20,000 winter water-damage claims from 2024 through June 2025, paying out more than $628 million. Southern states — including Texas, Tennessee and Oklahoma — rank among the top ten for winter water damage payouts, in part because builders in warmer climates often place pipes in less protected areas of the home.
Prevention Tips
Homeowners can take steps to reduce risk. Heating the home, opening cabinets under sinks to allow warm air to reach pipes, keeping a steady drip from both hot and cold taps, and adding insulation to exposed areas can all help prevent freezing. Local governments may also issue water-use guidelines during extreme cold periods.
Act Quickly If A Pipe Freezes
A frozen pipe doesn’t always mean it has burst, but acting fast is key to avoiding serious damage. Weak water flow, such as a trickle from a faucet, can signal a frozen line. Knowing the location of your main shut-off valve is critical: just a few minutes of water from a broken pipe can cause thousands in damage. If isolated shut-off valves are available, use them immediately. Should a pipe rupture, calling a plumber promptly is the best way to minimize harm…