After days of freezing temperatures, Austin finally warms up. You’re relieved—until you hear water gushing inside your walls. Your pipes survived the freeze, but failed during the thaw. Service Wizard explains why December’s temperature swings are your plumbing’s biggest enemy—and how to protect your home before disaster strikes.
The December Thaw: Central Texas Plumbing's Hidden Danger
After 50+ years of keeping Central Texas homes comfortable, Service Wizard has noticed a predictable pattern: plumbing emergencies spike not during the freeze itself—but during the thaw that follows.
Here’s the truth: More pipes burst during the thaw than during the freeze itself. Central Texas weather doesn’t stay cold—it swings wildly. A hard freeze followed by a rapid warm-up creates the perfect conditions for pipe failure. Ice expands inside your pipes, creating microscopic cracks and weak points. When temperatures rise and ice melts, water pressure surges through those damaged areas. That’s when the flooding begins.
Understanding How the Freeze-Thaw Cycle Destroys Pipes
The science behind pipe failures explains why the thaw is so dangerous:
The Freeze: Water freezes and expands 9%, creating enormous pressure. Ice forms blockages that trap water between the ice and closed faucets.
The Pressure: Trapped water has nowhere to go. Pressure builds to 2,000+ PSI—enough to split copper, burst PEX, and crack PVC joints.
The Thaw: Ice melts, releasing the pressure. But the damage is done—cracks, splits, and weakened joints now allow water to escape.
The Flood: Full water pressure returns through damaged pipes. Flooding can begin slowly or catastrophically—often when you’re not home to notice.
Warning Signs That Need Immediate Professional Attention
- Water Gushing or Spraying: Shut off your main water immediately and call for professional plumbing repair
- Ceiling Water Stains: Water appearing on ceilings indicates a leak above—often from attic pipes
- Wet Walls or Floors: Moisture inside walls means hidden pipe damage requiring immediate attention
- No Water Flow: Complete loss of water after a freeze may indicate a blockage or major break
- Reduced Water Pressure: Partial pressure loss often signals a leak somewhere in the system
- Running Water Sounds: Hearing water when nothing is on means water is escaping somewhere
The True Cost of Burst Pipe Damage
Here’s what actually happens when pipes fail during a December thaw
$5,000-$70,000
Average cost of water damage restoration from burst pipes
250 Gallons/Day
Water loss from a single 1/8″ pipe crack—per day you’re away
93%
Of water damage from frozen pipes could have been prevented
Quick Prevention Steps You Can Take Right Now
These simple actions can dramatically reduce your risk of pipe damage—often in just minutes.
Disconnect Garden Hoses
Water trapped in hoses backs up into pipes and freezes. Disconnect all hoses and drain outdoor faucets before any freeze warning.
Cover Outdoor Faucets
Use insulated covers on all hose bibbs. These inexpensive covers can prevent the most common source of freeze damage.
Open Cabinet Doors
Let warm air reach pipes under sinks on exterior walls. This simple step keeps vulnerable pipes above freezing temperature.
Drip Your Faucets
A slow drip on the coldest nights keeps water moving through pipes, preventing ice blockages from forming.
Keep Heat On
Never set your thermostat below 55°F, even when traveling. The energy cost is nothing compared to water damage.
Know Your Shut-Off
Locate and test your main water shut-off valve now. In an emergency, knowing where it is can save thousands in damage.
Planning Holiday Travel? Take These Extra Steps
If you’re leaving town during December—even for a few days—your empty home is at the highest risk for undetected damage.
Before You Leave
- ✓ Keep heat at 60°F minimum—higher if severe cold is forecast
- ✓ Open all cabinet doors under sinks on exterior walls
- ✓ Disconnect and drain all garden hoses
- ✓ Know where your main water shut-off is located
- ✓ Consider shutting off water at the main if gone a week or more
While You’re Away
- ✓ Have someone check your home daily during freezing weather
- ✓ Give your house-checker access and shut-off instructions
- ✓ Install a smart water leak detector that alerts your phone
- ✓ Monitor weather forecasts for your area
- ✓ Have a plumber’s number saved in case of emergency
Most Vulnerable Pipe Locations in Central Texas Homes
Our plumbers find freeze damage most often in these locations:
Attic Water Lines: Many 1980s-2000s homes have water supply lines running through unconditioned attics. Texas builders didn’t anticipate hard freezes.
Exterior Wall Pipes: Pipes in outside walls—especially north and west-facing—are exposed to the coldest temperatures with minimal insulation.
Garage Water Heaters: Unheated garages expose water heaters and supply lines to freezing temperatures.
Outdoor Faucets (Hose Bibbs): Standard hose bibbs aren’t freeze-proof. Water trapped behind the valve freezes and cracks the pipe inside your wall.
Crawl Space Plumbing: Pier-and-beam homes have pipes exposed to freezing air under the house.
Real December Thaw Disasters from Austin Homes
These are actual scenarios Service Wizard plumbers have responded to during past December thaws:
💧 The Christmas Vacation Catastrophe – Round Rock, 2022
The Situation: Family left December 22nd for a week-long trip to visit relatives. Pipes in exterior wall froze during a 19°F night. Thawed two days later while they were still gone.
The Reality: Returned home to find ceiling collapsed, hardwood floors buckled, and standing water throughout first floor. $47,000 in damage. Christmas decorations destroyed.
The Prevention: A pre-winter pipe inspection would have identified the vulnerable exterior wall pipes. Simple insulation and leaving heat on with a neighbor checking daily would have saved everything.
🏠 The Attic Pipe Nightmare – Pflugerville, 2023
The Situation: Water supply lines running through attic (common in 1990s-era homes). Hard freeze, then rapid thaw three days later. Homeowner was at work.
The Reality: Pipe split in attic flooded down through ceiling into master bedroom, home office, and living room. Electronics destroyed. Mold remediation required. Family displaced for 6 weeks during repairs.
The Prevention: Attic pipe insulation and heat tape installation would have prevented the entire disaster.
❄️ The Outdoor Faucet Failure – Cedar Park, 2021
The Situation: Hose bibb wasn’t winterized. Ice formed, cracked the pipe behind the wall. Homeowner thought everything was fine after the freeze ended.
The Reality: Water slowly leaked inside wall for 3 days before visible damage appeared. By then, mold had started. Insurance claim complicated because damage was “gradual.”
The Prevention: An insulated hose bibb cover and proper shut-off procedure. Or a frost-free hose bibb upgrade.
Service Wizard's Pre-Winter Plumbing Inspection
Don’t wait for the thaw to reveal hidden damage. Our licensed plumbers perform a comprehensive inspection to protect your home before freezing weather arrives.
Freeze Prevention Systems
- ✓ Exterior wall pipe location mapping
- ✓ Attic and crawl space pipe inspection
- ✓ Pipe insulation assessment and recommendations
- ✓ Hose bibb winterization and shut-off verification
- ✓ Heat tape installation evaluation for vulnerable areas
- ✓ Main water shut-off valve testing and location marking
- ✓ Irrigation system backflow and line assessment
- ✓ Water heater location and freeze risk evaluation
System Health & Reliability
- ✓ Water pressure testing (high pressure increases burst risk)
- ✓ Pipe material and age assessment
- ✓ Joint and connection integrity check
- ✓ Corrosion and wear inspection
- ✓ Water heater condition and drain valve test
- ✓ Supply line inspection under sinks and toilets
- ✓ Washing machine hose condition check
- ✓ Whole-home leak detection recommendations
Bonus Service: We’ll show you exactly where your main water shut-off is and make sure it works—because knowing how to stop water flow quickly can save thousands in damage. That’s the magical touch! ✨
Benefits of Pre-Winter Plumbing Protection
Protect Your Home
Prevent catastrophic water damage that can cost tens of thousands to repair. A small investment in prevention saves your floors, walls, and belongings.
Travel Worry-Free
Leave for the holidays knowing your plumbing is protected. No anxious calls home, no cutting trips short, no nasty surprises when you return.
Insurance Peace of Mind
Document your prevention efforts. Insurance claims for “preventable” damage can be reduced or denied. Proactive maintenance protects your coverage.
Save Money
Prevention costs a fraction of emergency repairs. Avoid emergency plumber rates, water damage restoration, and temporary housing expenses.
Protect Memories
Water damage destroys irreplaceable items—family photos, heirlooms, holiday decorations. Some things money simply can’t replace.
Stay on Schedule
Pipe damage means weeks of repairs and displacement. Prevention keeps your life on track without the chaos of emergency restoration.
Why Central Texas Homeowners Trust Service Wizard
For over 50 years, we’ve been keeping Central Texas homes comfortable through every season. When plumbing problems threaten your home, you need a team that combines deep expertise with honest, respectful service.
The Service Wizard Difference:
- Licensed Master Plumbers: Our team holds the highest plumbing certifications in Texas.
- Full-Service Solutions: We handle HVAC and plumbing, so we understand how your whole home works together.
- Honest Recommendations: If a simple fix will solve your problem, that’s what we’ll recommend. We never oversell.
- Transparent Pricing: You’ll know exactly what any repair or improvement will cost before we begin—no surprises.
- Happy Money Promise: 100% satisfaction guaranteed or your money back, period.
- The Magical Touch: We treat your home like our own, cleaning up completely and respecting your space.
- Same-Day Service Available: When you need us, we’re there.
Don't Wait Until the Thaw Reveals the Damage
The best time to prevent freeze damage is before the freeze happens. Schedule your pre-winter plumbing inspection now—not after you hear water running inside your walls.
- Time to address any vulnerabilities we find
- Flexibility to schedule at your convenience
- Opportunity to install proper insulation before cold weather
- Peace of mind well before temperatures drop
- Avoid the rush when freeze warnings are issued
A proactive inspection now is far better than an emergency call during the holidays.
Frequently Asked Questions
At what temperature do pipes freeze in Central Texas?
Pipes typically begin freezing when temperatures drop below 20°F for several hours. However, pipes in vulnerable locations—attics, crawl spaces, exterior walls—can freeze at higher temperatures, especially with wind chill. In Central Texas, our combination of sudden temperature drops and homes not built for extreme cold means pipes can freeze faster than you’d expect.
Why do pipes burst during the thaw instead of the freeze?
When water freezes, it expands and creates pressure. This pressure builds up between the ice blockage and closed faucets. The pipe often develops cracks or weak points during the freeze—but the ice acts like a plug, holding back the water. When temperatures rise and the ice melts, full water pressure rushes through those damaged areas, causing the actual burst and flooding.
Should I drip my faucets during a freeze?
Yes—a slow drip (about 5 drops per minute) keeps water moving through pipes, which helps prevent freezing. Focus on faucets served by pipes in vulnerable areas: exterior walls, attics, and crawl spaces. Both hot and cold lines should drip. The small increase in your water bill is nothing compared to burst pipe damage.
Can PEX pipes freeze and burst?
PEX is more freeze-resistant than copper or PVC because it’s flexible and can expand somewhat. However, PEX can and does burst under extreme conditions. The fittings and connections are often the weak points. Don’t assume PEX plumbing means you’re safe—proper winterization is still essential.
What should I do if I find a burst pipe?
First, shut off your main water supply immediately—every minute counts. Then open faucets to drain remaining water from the system. If water is near electrical outlets or your electrical panel, shut off power to affected areas. Call a plumber right away, and begin removing water and valuables from the affected area. Document everything with photos for insurance.
Will my homeowner's insurance cover burst pipe damage?
Most policies cover sudden, accidental water damage from burst pipes. However, coverage can be reduced or denied if the damage is deemed preventable—like if you turned off heat while traveling, or if gradual leaks went unaddressed. Review your policy, maintain your plumbing, and document your prevention efforts.
How much does pipe insulation cost?
DIY foam pipe insulation is available at most hardware stores and is very affordable. Professional installation for a typical home’s vulnerable areas is a modest investment, especially when compared to average water damage costs of $5,000-$70,000. Pipe insulation is one of the best investments you can make in protecting your home. Contact us for a free estimate on winterizing your plumbing.
What areas does Service Wizard serve?
Service Wizard proudly serves all of Central Texas including Austin, Round Rock, Hutto, Pflugerville, Cedar Park, Leander, Georgetown, Buda, Kyle, Dripping Springs, Lakeway, Bee Cave, West Lake Hills, and surrounding communities. We offer same-day service in most areas.
Protect Your Home Before the Next Freeze
Central Texas weather is unpredictable—but your plumbing protection doesn’t have to be. Schedule your pre-winter inspection now, before the next freeze catches you off guard.
Serving Central Texas families with “A Magical Touch” since 1968
