San Antonio · Freeze prep

Frozen pipes in San Antonio

Hard freezes don't happen often here, so many homes aren't built for them. A few steps before the cold arrives can prevent a burst pipe. If one bursts, we can refer you to an independent water damage company.

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Copper pipe split open after freezing, spraying water inside a cabinet

Pipes that freeze first in San Antonio homes

Water lines in the attic, a common layout in local homes
Pipes on exterior walls, especially behind kitchen and bathroom sinks
Lines in the garage, including the water heater and washer supply
Outdoor hose bibs and the irrigation backflow preventer in the yard
Pipes in pier-and-beam crawlspaces in older areas like Alamo Heights and Terrell Hills

Before the freeze

Find your main shutoff valve now and make sure it turns. It is often near the meter box at the street or where the line enters the house.
Wrap exposed pipes and the backflow preventer with foam insulation or towels and plastic
Disconnect garden hoses and cover outdoor faucets
Open cabinet doors under sinks on exterior walls so warm air reaches the pipes
Keep the thermostat at a steady temperature, day and night
Let a faucet on an exterior wall drip slowly, unless SAWS or your water utility asks people not to during a water emergency
If you will be away, keep the heat on, or shut off and drain the water

If a pipe is already frozen

Open the faucet the pipe feeds so melting water can flow out.
Warm the pipe gently: a hair dryer, warm towels, or a space heater kept well away from anything flammable. Start near the faucet and work back.
Never use an open flame or a torch.
Check the pipe for bulges or splits as it thaws. Be ready to shut the main valve.
If you can't reach the frozen section, call a licensed plumber.

If it bursts

Shut off the main valve, open faucets to drain the system, stay away from water near outlets, and take photos. Then follow our burst pipe steps. Water spreads fast into drywall and flooring, so extraction and drying matter.

What the 2021 storm taught us

During the February 2021 winter storm, thousands of San Antonio-area homes had burst pipes at the same time and repair crews were booked for weeks. Homeowners who knew where their shutoff valve was and documented damage right away were in a much stronger position with insurers.

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Questions homeowners ask

At what temperature do pipes freeze?

Pipes in unheated spaces are at risk when temperatures drop into the low 20s or below for several hours, especially with wind. Attic and exterior-wall pipes can freeze sooner.

Does homeowners insurance cover a burst frozen pipe?

Sudden water damage from a burst pipe is often covered, but policies can exclude freezes in a vacant or unheated home. Check your policy and report the claim quickly.

Should I turn off my water heater during a freeze?

Only if you shut off and drain the water supply. A water heater without water can be damaged. If water is still on, leave it running normally.

Can I call at night or on a weekend?

You can call the referral line any time and we will try to connect you. Same-day and 24/7 emergency services are subject to provider participation, location, technician availability, and demand. Availability is not guaranteed.

Honest disclosure: SATX Water Damage Help is a referral service and is not a contractor. We connect San Antonio-area callers with independent local water damage restoration and mold remediation companies. We do not perform the work and do not guarantee pricing or availability. Calls are routed to independent, licensed service providers who may record calls. Same-day and 24/7 emergency services are subject to provider participation, location, technician availability, and demand. Availability is not guaranteed. Always verify a company's licensing (Texas requires a state license for mold remediation), insurance, and references before hiring.