How to Prevent Winter Plumbing Problems: Expert Tips from Auger Pros Plumbing

Name: AugerPros Plumbing and Drain
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By Auger Pros Plumbing
📞 214-206-6580 | 🌐 www.augerpros.com

When winter rolls into North Texas, homeowners often focus on keeping their families warm and cozy—but your plumbing system also needs attention during the colder months. Even though our Texas winters are milder than up north, we still get sudden cold snaps that can cause major headaches for homeowners. From frozen pipes to water heater breakdowns, winter can be tough on your plumbing if you’re not prepared.

At Auger Pros Plumbing, our licensed professionals have helped thousands of homeowners in the Dallas-Fort Worth area avoid costly winter plumbing disasters. Here’s a breakdown of the most common cold-weather plumbing issues and how to prevent winter plumbing problems before they start.

1. Frozen Pipes

Frozen pipes are the number one plumbing emergency we see when temperatures dip below freezing. Water expands as it freezes, creating extreme pressure that can burst pipes—especially in attics, garages, and exterior walls. The damage can be extensive, leading to flooding, drywall damage, and expensive repairs.

How to Prevent Frozen Pipes:

Insulate all exposed pipes in unheated areas such as crawl spaces, attics, and garages. Foam insulation sleeves or heat tape work great for this.
Let faucets drip slightly overnight when temperatures are expected to fall below freezing to keep water moving.
Open cabinet doors under sinks, especially on exterior walls, to let warm air circulate around pipes.
If you plan to travel during winter, keep your thermostat set to at least 55°F to prevent freezing while you’re away.

Taking these simple precautions can save you from one of the most stressful and costly winter plumbing emergencies.

2. Water Heater Failure

When cold weather hits, your water heater has to work harder to provide hot water. If it’s already struggling due to age or sediment buildup, winter may be the time it finally gives out. No one wants an ice-cold shower on a freezing morning!

How to Prevent Water Heater Problems:

Flush your water heater annually to remove sediment and improve efficiency.
Check the temperature setting. Keep it at around 120°F for optimal performance and energy savings.
Insulate your water heater tank and the first few feet of connected hot water pipes to reduce heat loss.
If your unit is more than 10 years old or showing signs of wear, schedule a professional inspection or consider a replacement before winter arrives.

A well-maintained water heater not only prevents breakdowns but also saves on energy costs throughout the season.

3. Outdoor Faucet and Hose Bib Damage

Outdoor faucets, also known as hose bibs, are extremely vulnerable to freezing. If you leave hoses connected or fail to protect your spigots, water trapped inside can freeze and expand—causing cracks and leaks that often go unnoticed until spring.

How to Prevent Outdoor Faucet Damage:

Disconnect and drain garden hoses before the first freeze.
Install insulated faucet covers on all outdoor spigots.
Consider upgrading to frost-proof hose bibs for long-term protection.

A few minutes of preparation can prevent burst pipes and water damage inside your walls.

4. Clogged Drains

Winter holidays often mean extra cooking, cleaning, and hosting guests—putting extra strain on your drains and garbage disposal. Grease, oil, and food scraps can harden quickly in colder temperatures, leading to tough clogs.

How to Prevent Clogged Drains:

Never pour grease or cooking oil down your sink. Instead, let it cool and dispose of it in the trash.
Use drain strainers to catch food particles and debris.
Run hot water and dish soap down your drain after washing dishes to help flush out any grease.
Schedule a professional drain cleaning before winter to keep your pipes clear and free-flowing.

These simple habits can go a long way toward preventing slow drains and backups during the busy winter season.

5. Sump Pump and Yard Drain Problems

Texas winters can bring heavy rain, and if your sump pump or yard drains aren’t functioning properly, you could end up with flooding in your yard or foundation issues.

How to Prevent Drainage Problems:

Clean out gutters and yard drains to ensure proper flow.
Test your sump pump to make sure it activates correctly.
Keep discharge lines free of debris and ice to prevent water backup.

A well-maintained drainage system keeps excess water away from your home’s foundation and prevents expensive damage.

Protect Your Home—Call Auger Pros Plumbing

The best way to prevent winter plumbing problems is through proactive maintenance and preparation. A quick inspection from a licensed plumber can help identify weak spots, insulate vulnerable pipes, and ensure your system is ready for colder temperatures.

At Auger Pros Plumbing, we specialize in helping homeowners across the DFW area prepare for winter. Whether you need pipe insulation, a water heater tune-up, or drain cleaning, our expert team is ready to help you protect your home from costly winter damage.

Don’t wait until a pipe bursts or your hot water disappears—schedule your winter plumbing inspection today!

📞 Call Auger Pros Plumbing at 214-206-6580
🌐 Visit www.augerpros.com

Stay warm, stay safe, and remember—the best way to handle a plumbing problem is to prevent it before it starts.