Feb 9, 2026
As freezing temperatures linger across north Texas, plumbers are warning residents about a costly problem many homes in warmer climates aren’t built to handle: frozen pipes. When temperatures dip, the water in pipes can freeze, expand and burst, causing damage that require costly repairs.
Unlike homes in colder regions, houses and apartment buildings in warmer climates often have pipes running along exterior walls or through uninsulated spaces. When temperatures stay below freezing for extended periods, those systems can fail.
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Master plumber David Butler with Milestone Electric, A/C and Plumbing says water heaters are also under strain during deep freezes.
“When it gets this cold, it seems water heaters tend to fail more frequently,” Butler told NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth News (1). “We’ve got a lot of water heaters and tankless water heaters that are starting to leak and burst.”
The result has been an uptick in emergency service calls and mounting repair costs for residents across the region, according to NBC.
Climate change could cause more weather-related damage
A single frozen pipe can cause hundreds, or even thousands of dollars in damage, depending on where it bursts and how long water flows before it can be shut off.
According to Consumer Affairs, the average cost to repair frozen pipes is around $500, but costs can reach $5,000 (2). Beyond plumbing repairs, homeowners may face soaked drywall, ruined flooring, mold remediation and temporary displacement.
Frozen pipes can resolve on their own — but if you notice dripping water or hear trickles in your walls, make sure to turn off the water to your home and consider calling a professional.
Insurance coverage can vary widely by region, but burst pipe claims may depend on whether homeowners took “reasonable precautions,” such as keeping the heat on during cold weather.
These incidents also reflect a broader trend.
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Much of the U.S. has experienced more extreme and unpredictable winter weather in recent years, even in places that historically saw only brief cold snaps.
That extreme weather is part of broader conversations about climate risk and rising insurance costs, particularly in states already dealing with higher premiums from storms, floods and wildfires. Experts estimate that climate change is costing U.S. households as much as $1,000 a year (3).
In short, unpredictable weather events don’t just disrupt daily life; they can expose costly gaps in preparedness and coverage. Now is the time to review your homeowners insurance and check what it covers. Many policies cover burst pipes, including water damage, cleanup and the cost of temporary housing. Renters insurance may cover your belongings if they are damaged by water.
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How to protect your home from cold-related damage
If a pipe freezes or bursts, turn off the water to your home and then document everything. Take photos and videos as soon as it’s safe, and keep any damaged pipe sections if possible. Your insurers may want proof that the failure was weather-related.
However, the best defense is preparation. If you aren't used to freezing temperatures, here's how you can protect your home in cold weather:
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Drip faucets — leaving the faucet turned on slightly, creating a slow, steady drip of water — during freezing weather, especially those on exterior walls.
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Know where your main water shut-off is, so you can take quick action if a pipe bursts and limit damage caused by leaking water.
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Open cabinets under sinks. This can allow warmer air to circulate around pipes and can help prevent freezing.
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Keep thermostats around 70 degrees. Note that fire suppression systems can’t be trickled like faucets, and those can fail as well during freezing temperatures.
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Check for warning signs. Listen for running water, watch for low pressure and inspect water heaters for leaks.
Finally, make sure you know what your homeowners insurance covers. As this recent freeze shows, even brief cold snaps can have long-lasting financial consequences — especially in locations where winter weather rarely dips below freezing.
Article sources
We rely only on vetted sources and credible third-party reporting. For details, see our editorial ethics and guidelines.
NBC 5 DFW News (1); Consumer Affairs (2); Brookings (3)
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Danielle is a personal finance writer based in Ohio. Her work has appeared in numerous publications including Motley Fool and Business Insider. She believes financial literacy key to helping people build a life they love.
