Extreme Cold in Texas: How Freezing Temperatures Affect Your Plumbing in North Texas

If you live in North Texas, you’ve probably noticed this winter feels different.

Daytime temperatures staying below freezing.Nights dropping even colder. Weather reports calling it “extreme cold.”

For Texas, that’s serious.

When temperatures sit around 23°F for days at a time, plumbing systems in Denton, Flower Mound, Lantana, Lewisville, Argyle, and surrounding areas are under real stress — even in homes that have never had plumbing problems before.

As a local, family-owned plumbing company, this is exactly when we start getting the same calls every year:

“My water pressure dropped overnight.”“One faucet stopped working.”“Everything was fine until this freeze.”

Cold like this doesn’t create problems — it exposes weak points fast.

Why Freezing Temperatures Are Hard on Texas Plumbing

Texas homes are not built for extended freezes the way northern homes are.

Most plumbing systems here have:

• Pipes running through attics or exterior walls

• Minimal insulation compared to colder states

• Outdoor faucets exposed to open air

• Shallow pipe burial depths

When temperatures stay below 32°F, pipes don’t get a chance to warm back up — and that’s when freezing, cracking, and bursting happens.

That’s why even a short stretch of extreme cold can cause major plumbing damage in Texas.

Common extreme cold Texas plumbing problems

Here’s what we’re seeing most often during cold snaps like this one.

Frozen Pipes

Pipes don’t always burst right away when they freeze.

Early warning signs include:

• Little or no water from a faucet

• Reduced water pressure

• Only cold water working in certain areas

Many homeowners think the problem “fixed itself” — until the pipe bursts during thawing.

Burst Pipes After Temperatures Rise

This is the most dangerous phase.

When water freezes, it expands and creates small cracks inside pipes.Once temperatures rise and water starts flowing again, those cracks turn into leaks — sometimes massive ones.

This often leads to:

• Water inside walls or ceilings

• Flooded cabinets or floors

• Expensive water damage

Most burst pipe emergencies happen after the freeze, not during it.

Water Heater Problems in Extreme Cold

Cold weather is one of the hardest times of year for water heaters in North Texas.

During freezing temperatures:

• Groundwater enters the tank much colder

• Hot water usage increases

• Water heaters run longer and more often

This exposes issues like:

• Failing heating elements

• Sediment buildup

• Thermostat or gas control problems

If your hot water suddenly doesn’t last as long, extreme cold is often the trigger.

Outdoor Faucet and Hose Bib Damage

Outdoor faucets are especially vulnerable during freezes.

Common problems include:

• Leaking once the faucet is turned on

• Water damage inside exterior walls

• Broken internal components

Even frost-free faucets can freeze if hoses are left connected.

Why Texas Freezes Cause More Damage Than Northern Winters

In colder states, plumbing systems are designed expecting months of freezing weather.

In Texas:

• Freezes are rare

• Systems are built lighter

• Protection is minimal

That’s why a few days at 23°F here can cause more plumbing damage than weeks of colder weather elsewhere.

What Homeowners Should Do During Extreme Cold

If temperatures are still below freezing, these steps actually help:

• Let faucets drip slightly, especially on exterior walls

• Open cabinet doors under sinks

• Keep indoor temperatures consistent, even overnight

• Disconnect hoses from outdoor faucets

• Know where your main water shutoff valve is

If water pressure drops or a faucet stops working, don’t ignore it — frozen pipes can turn into burst pipes quickly.

Don’t Wait Until a Small Issue Becomes a Flood

Plumbing problems during extreme cold rarely start big.

They start small:

• A slow drip

• Low pressure

• A single fixture not working

Then temperatures rise — and the damage shows up.

If you suspect frozen pipes, water heater issues, or any plumbing problem during this cold snap, getting it checked early can prevent major repairs later.

Jensen Plumbing LLC

Done Right the First Time, Every Time.

📍 Serving Denton • Flower Mound • Lantana • Lewisville • Argyle

📞 Call or Text: 214-287-0445🌐 jensenplumbingllc.com