"It doesn't get that cold in Lubbock." That's what many new residents think—until the first hard freeze hits and their pipes burst at 3 AM, flooding their home with hundreds of gallons of water. The truth is, while Lubbock doesn't experience prolonged deep freezes like northern states, our sudden temperature drops and poorly insulated homes create perfect conditions for frozen pipe disasters.
At Cotton City Plumbing, we respond to dozens of frozen pipe emergencies every winter. The damage is often catastrophic: ruined floors, destroyed drywall, soaked furniture, and repair bills ranging from $5,000 to $50,000 or more. The heartbreaking part? Nearly all of it is preventable with simple, inexpensive precautions. This comprehensive guide will show you exactly how to protect your Lubbock home from frozen pipe damage.
The Cost of Frozen Pipes
$5,000+
Average insurance claim for burst pipe damage
250 gallons/hour
Water discharge from a 1/8" crack in a pipe
Why Lubbock Homes Are Vulnerable
Lubbock's climate creates a unique perfect storm for frozen pipe damage. Unlike northern states where homes are built with deep frost lines and heavy insulation, West Texas homes are designed for our scorching summers, not our occasional hard freezes. This leaves us especially vulnerable when temperatures drop.
The Lubbock Freeze Pattern
Lubbock typically sees 10-20 nights per winter where temperatures drop below 32°F, with 3-5 nights dropping below 20°F. The danger zone is when temperatures stay below freezing for 6+ consecutive hours—usually overnight. Our coldest months are December through February, with January being the highest risk period.
High-Risk Areas in Your Home
- •Attics: Pipes running through unheated attics are extremely vulnerable, especially if insulation is inadequate
- •Exterior walls: Pipes in walls facing north or exposed to wind are at high risk
- •Crawl spaces: Unheated crawl spaces allow cold air direct access to pipes
- •Garages: Water lines to garage sinks or water heaters are often unprotected
- •Outdoor faucets: Hose bibs and sprinkler system lines are first to freeze
Proven Prevention Strategies
Before Winter Arrives (September-November)
1. Insulate Vulnerable Pipes
Pipe insulation is cheap insurance. Foam pipe sleeves cost $1-3 per foot and can prevent thousands in damage. Focus on:
- • All pipes in attics, crawl spaces, and garages
- • Pipes in exterior walls (if accessible)
- • The first 6 feet of pipe after it enters your home from outside
Pro tip: Use foam sleeves rated for your climate zone. In Lubbock, R-3 to R-4 rated insulation is recommended.
2. Seal Air Leaks
Cold air infiltration is a major cause of frozen pipes. Seal gaps and cracks where pipes enter your home:
- • Around pipes entering through exterior walls
- • In crawl space vents (or install closeable vent covers)
- • Around attic hatches and pull-down stairs
- • In rim joists and sill plates
Use expanding foam sealant for larger gaps and caulk for smaller cracks. This also improves energy efficiency year-round.
3. Disconnect and Drain Outdoor Hoses
Water trapped in hoses and outdoor faucets will freeze and can crack the faucet or even burst pipes inside your wall. Before the first freeze:
- • Disconnect all garden hoses and drain them
- • Shut off interior valves feeding outdoor faucets (if equipped)
- • Open outdoor faucets to drain remaining water
- • Install insulated faucet covers ($3-5 each at hardware stores)
4. Know Your Main Water Shutoff
In an emergency, you need to shut off water immediately. Locate your main water shutoff valve now (usually near the water meter or where the main line enters your home). Make sure everyone in your household knows where it is and how to operate it. If it's stuck or difficult to turn, call Cotton City Plumbing to replace it before you need it in an emergency.
When a Freeze Is Forecast (24-48 Hours Before)
Critical Actions to Take Tonight
When Lubbock's forecast shows overnight lows below 28°F or sustained temps below 32°F for 6+ hours, take these steps before bed:
1. Let Faucets Drip
Open faucets fed by vulnerable pipes to a pencil-lead-thin stream (both hot and cold sides). Running water is much harder to freeze than standing water. Focus on:
- • Faucets on exterior walls
- • Faucets in unheated areas (garage, utility room)
- • The faucet farthest from your water heater
Yes, this wastes water, but it's far cheaper than repairing burst pipes. A dripping faucet uses about 1-2 gallons per day; a burst pipe can discharge 250 gallons per hour.
2. Open Cabinet Doors
Open cabinet doors under sinks on exterior walls to allow warm air circulation around pipes. Remove any stored chemicals if you have small children or pets.
3. Maintain Indoor Heat
Keep your thermostat at 55°F or higher, even if you're away from home. The cost of heating is nothing compared to burst pipe damage. If you're leaving town during winter, either maintain heat or have a plumber winterize your home (drain all pipes).
4. Close Crawl Space Vents
If your home has a crawl space with vents, close them when freezing weather is forecast to prevent cold air from reaching pipes.
5. Add Heat to Problem Areas
For known trouble spots (pipes that have frozen before), add supplemental heat:
- • Use a space heater in the room (never leave unattended)
- • Install heat tape or heat cable on pipes (follow manufacturer instructions carefully)
- • Leave a light bulb on in cabinets under sinks (60W incandescent generates enough heat)
What to Do If Your Pipes Freeze
Despite your best efforts, pipes can still freeze. Here's how to respond safely:
STOP: Do NOT Do These Things
- ✗Use open flames (blowtorch, propane heater) to thaw pipes—this causes fires and can burst pipes
- ✗Use high-heat devices like heat guns at maximum setting—pipes can burst from rapid temperature change
- ✗Leave the situation unattended—frozen pipes can burst as they thaw, causing flooding
Safe Thawing Steps
- 1.
Turn off the main water supply
If a pipe has burst, this prevents flooding. If you're not sure, turn it off anyway as a precaution.
- 2.
Open the affected faucet
This relieves pressure and allows water to flow once the pipe thaws.
- 3.
Apply gentle heat
If the frozen section is accessible, use:
- • Hair dryer on low setting, moving constantly along the pipe
- • Hot towels wrapped around the pipe (replace as they cool)
- • Space heater warming the room (not directly on pipes)
Start from the faucet end and work toward the frozen section.
- 4.
Call Cotton City Plumbing
If you can't locate the frozen section, can't access it safely, or if pipes have burst, call us immediately at (806) 441-4110. We have professional thawing equipment and can assess for damage.
When to Call Cotton City Plumbing
Call us immediately if:
- ✓You have no water throughout the house and suspect frozen pipes
- ✓You hear water running but can't locate the source (possible burst pipe in a wall or ceiling)
- ✓You see water stains, bulging drywall, or dripping from ceilings
- ✓Frozen pipes are in walls, ceilings, or other inaccessible areas
- ✓You're uncomfortable attempting to thaw pipes yourself
We offer 24/7 emergency service because frozen pipes don't wait for business hours. Our licensed plumbers have professional-grade thawing equipment and can quickly restore your water while minimizing damage.
Protect Your Home This Winter
Don't wait for a freeze to discover your pipes are vulnerable. Call Cotton City Plumbing today for a winter plumbing inspection. We'll identify at-risk pipes and recommend affordable prevention measures.
Licensed & Insured M-44446 | Serving Lubbock & the South Plains Since 2019