Hose bibs & exterior faucets
The #1 burst point in 2021. We install insulated covers, check for frost-free sillcocks, and make sure interior shutoffs for exterior lines actually hold — then show you how to drain them.
Seasonal: winter
Never relive February 2021
The 2021 freeze burst pipes across Central Texas because our homes weren't built for it — and most still aren't. We winterize Austin and Marble Falls homes with insulation, hose bib protection, and shutoff know-how, so the next hard freeze is a non-event instead of a disaster.
Freeze prep, done right
What we protect before winter
A freeze-prep visit targets the vulnerabilities we saw fail in 2021 — in priority order, so the most likely failures get handled first.
Attic & crawlspace pipes
Water lines running through unconditioned attics are freeze magnets. We insulate exposed runs with foam sleeves and add heat tape where the risk is highest — the lines that would flood your ceilings if they let go.
Shutoff location & labeling
Half the 2021 damage happened because nobody could find the main shutoff while water poured through the ceiling. We locate yours, verify it works, label it, and make sure everyone in the house knows where it is.
Water heater & PRV check
Garage water heaters and pressure regulators take abuse in cold snaps. We verify the heater's in good shape and the PRV is holding — freeze-thaw cycles finish off weak components.
Exposed & exterior-wall lines
Pipes on exterior walls and in unheated garages get insulated or rerouted where practical. Kitchen and bath lines on outside walls are the classic overnight-freeze victims.
Irrigation winterization
Sprinkler lines and backflow assemblies hold water that expands when it freezes — cracking the assembly and the lines. We drain the system and protect the backflow preventer before the first freeze.
During a hard freeze
Your freeze-night playbook
Before bed
Drip faucets on exterior walls (hot and cold), open cabinet doors under sinks on outside walls to let warm air in, cover hose bibs, and know exactly where your main shutoff is. Set the thermostat no lower than usual — the few dollars of heat protect thousands in pipes.
If a pipe bursts
Shut the main valve off immediately — don't hunt for the specific break while water pours. Open faucets to drain pressure, move valuables, take photos for insurance, and call us. We prioritize burst-pipe calls during freeze events.
Burst pipe right now? See our emergency plumbing page. For the warm-weather counterpart, check out summer plumbing prep.
Book in the fall
Winterize before the forecast.
Once a freeze is coming, everyone calls at once. Beat the rush.
FAQ
Freeze questions, answered
What did the 2021 Texas freeze teach us about plumbing?
That Central Texas homes aren't built for sustained sub-freezing temperatures — pipes run through unconditioned attics, hose bibs lack frost protection, and most homeowners didn't know where their main shutoff was. The burst pipes weren't freak accidents; they were predictable failures of unprepared systems. Every recommendation on this page comes from what we repaired in the aftermath.
Should I drip my faucets during a hard freeze?
Yes — a slow drip on faucets served by vulnerable lines (especially on exterior walls) keeps water moving and relieves pressure buildup, which is what actually bursts pipes. Drip both hot and cold on at-risk faucets. It's a small water cost versus a burst-pipe flood.
What pipes should be insulated before winter?
Priority order: hose bibs and exterior faucets (cover them), pipes in unconditioned attics and crawlspaces, pipes on exterior walls, and any exposed piping in the garage. Foam sleeves are cheap and effective; heat tape helps in the most vulnerable spots. We insulate the critical runs during a freeze-prep visit.
What do I do if a pipe bursts during a freeze?
Shut off your main water valve immediately — this is the single most important step, and it's why you should locate that valve before winter. Then open faucets to drain the lines, and call us. Don't wait for the thaw to 'see if it's okay' — a cracked pipe will flood the moment pressure returns.
When should I schedule freeze prep?
Fall — October through early December — before the first hard freeze. Once a freeze is in the forecast, every plumber in Central Texas is booked solid and supply houses run out of insulation. Early prep means calm scheduling and full material availability.
Ready when you are.
Austin: (512) 233-6590 · Marble Falls: (830) 460-3565