Rollingwood, TX Pipe Repair & Frozen Pipe Prevention Tips

Estimated Read Time: 10 minutes

Frozen pipe repair is urgent when temperatures plunge in Central Texas. If you experienced the 2021 winter freeze, you know a burst line can flood rooms in minutes. This guide shows you how to prevent frozen pipes, safely thaw them, and what to do if one bursts. We also explain when to call a licensed pro, how repairs work, and how to save with current offers and membership perks.

Why Pipes Freeze And Burst

Water expands when it freezes at 32°F. Inside a pipe, forming ice plugs increase pressure between the blockage and a closed faucet. That pressure can split copper, PEX, or CPVC lines. The burst often happens in a warm area, not where the ice forms, which surprises many homeowners.

Key risk zones in Central Texas:

1. Uninsulated attic or garage lines serving hose bibs and outdoor kitchens.
2. Pipes near exterior walls, especially on the north side of the home.
3. Crawlspace and slab penetrations where wind can drive cold air into chases.

During Winter Storm Uri, millions of Texans lost power, and thousands of homes suffered pipe breaks. Short cold snaps can cause the same damage on a smaller scale. Prevention is faster and cheaper than emergency demolition and dry‑out.

Fast Prevention Checklist Before A Freeze

When a freeze warning hits, move quickly. These simple steps can prevent costly damage:

1. Drip strategic faucets
2. • Choose one hot and one cold on the highest level. A slow drip relieves pressure.
2. Open the cabinets
3. • Let warm air reach sink lines on exterior walls. Remove childproof locks.
3. Insulate and cover
4. • Foam sleeves on exposed pipes and covers on hose bibs add critical protection. The U.S. Department of Energy notes pipe insulation can raise hot water temperature by 2 to 4°F and reduce heat loss, which helps delay freezing.
4. Shut and drain outdoor lines
5. • Close the shutoff to hose bibs and irrigation zones, then open the bib to drain.
5. Seal drafts
6. • Use pipe wrap or rags to block cold wind at sill plates, garage walls, and penetrations.
6. Maintain indoor heat
7. • Keep the thermostat at 55°F or higher, even if you leave home.

If you have a tankless water heater, check your manual for freeze protection mode. Make sure it has power during a cold snap.

Upgrades That Make A Difference In Austin Homes

Consider these improvements to reduce future risk:

1. Insulate attic and garage plumbing runs with closed‑cell foam sleeves rated for low temperatures.
2. Install frost‑free hose bibs with interior shutoffs. These are designed with longer stems so the shutoff is inside conditioned space.
3. Add heat cable to vulnerable sections that have a history of freezing.
4. Reroute exterior wall lines into conditioned space during remodels.
5. Replace failing or corroded segments. PEX can tolerate some expansion better than rigid copper, though no material is immune to bursting under prolonged pressure.

Local tip: In many Austin neighborhoods with slab‑on‑grade foundations, hose bib lines run through the garage wall. That zone is often the first to freeze, especially on the north side facing the wind.

How To Safely Thaw A Frozen Pipe

If a faucet has slowed to a trickle or stopped flowing, act methodically:

1. Open the affected faucet slightly
2. • Opening the valve relieves pressure and helps melting ice move.
2. Identify the cold section
3. • Feel along the line for very cold spots, often near exterior walls or where pipes are exposed to drafts.
3. Warm the pipe gradually
4. • Use a hair dryer, space heater, or warm towels. Start near the faucet and move toward the coldest section.
4. Never use open flame
5. • Torches can ignite framing and damage soldered joints or PEX fittings.
5. Watch for leaks
6. • As ice melts, hidden cracks may appear. If you see water, shut the water off immediately and call a licensed plumber.

Pro move: Locate your main water shutoff before a storm. If you have a curb stop key, keep it handy. Knowing how to shut off water can save thousands in damage.

What To Do If A Pipe Bursts

A burst releases several gallons per minute. A crack as small as 1/8 inch can leak more than 250 gallons per day. Quick action matters:

1. Shut off the main water supply. If you have a whole‑home shutoff inside, use it. Otherwise, close the street valve.
2. Cut power to nearby circuits if water is near outlets or appliances.
3. Open faucets to drain remaining pressure.
4. Move furniture and valuables, then start mopping and wet‑vac work.
5. Call SALT Plumbing Air & Electric for 24/7 emergency service. We can isolate the break, perform the repair, and coordinate dry‑out and restoration partners if needed.

We provide same‑day response, and our technicians arrive with stocked trucks to handle most repairs on the first visit. We stand behind the fix with a lifetime guarantee on repairs and installation.

Professional Frozen Pipe Repair Options

Every home is different. Our licensed plumbers choose the least invasive, most reliable fix for your situation:

1. Spot repair
2. • Cut out the damaged section and install new PEX, copper, or CPVC with proper fittings. Pressure test before closing walls.
2. Rerouting
3. • Move vulnerable lines away from exterior walls or garages into conditioned spaces to eliminate repeat issues.
3. Manifold and shutoff upgrades
4. • Add isolation valves to critical zones like kitchens, baths, and outdoor lines for easier maintenance.
4. Trenchless solutions for underground breaks
5. • If a freeze or ground shift damages an exterior main or sewer, trenchless pipe replacement avoids digging up your yard. It is faster, cleaner, and cost effective compared to traditional excavation.
5. Drain system recovery
6. • Hydro‑jetting removes ice‑related debris and mineral scale that reduces flow. For eco‑sensitive homes, we offer organic drain cleaning options.

Before any additional work, we review an updated estimate and get your approval. Transparent pricing and clear communication reduce stress when you are managing a water event.

How We Diagnose Hidden Freeze Damage

Not all damage shows immediately. Our process finds the problems you cannot see:

1. Visual and thermal scanning to spot cold spots and moisture.
2. Pressure testing to confirm system integrity before closing walls.
3. Video inspection for drains and sewers if backups or slow flow are present.
4. Appliance checks for water heaters, filtration, and softeners that may have cracked housings or fittings after a freeze.

Finding a pinhole leak early prevents mold, warped flooring, and drywall collapse. Members receive priority scheduling for these post‑freeze inspections.

Costs, Timelines, And Insurance Tips

Pricing depends on location, material, access, and scope. Typical considerations:

• Spot repairs inside walls are usually completed the same day, followed by a pressure test.
• Multiple bursts may require phased work and temporary water service to critical fixtures.
• Garage and outdoor line reroutes can often be finished in one visit, weather permitting.
• Underground main or sewer damage may qualify for trenchless replacement to avoid landscape repairs.

Insurance basics:

1. Sudden and accidental water damage is often covered, but frozen pipes due to neglect can be excluded in some policies. Document everything.
2. Take photos and videos before cleanup. Keep damaged pieces the adjuster may request.
3. Mitigate further damage immediately. Insurers expect reasonable steps to protect the property.

We can provide invoices, photos, and a written scope to help streamline your claim.

SALT+ Membership: Priority Protection For Freeze Season

The SALT+ Membership is designed for year‑round reliability. Benefits include:

1. Priority service and faster response during peak weather events.
2. Exclusive member discounts on eligible repairs.
3. Routine maintenance checks that catch weak spots before temperatures drop.
4. 24/7 support for urgent issues.

Members often combine these perks with proactive upgrades like pipe insulation, frost‑free bibs, and isolation valves, so their homes are better prepared when the next cold front arrives.

DIY vs. Pro: When To Call For Help

DIY is fine for dripping faucets, cabinet doors, and safe warming with a hair dryer. Call a pro when you see any of the following:

• No water at multiple fixtures.
• Water stains, bulging drywall, or active dripping.
• Cracked fittings or split pipe jackets.
• Frozen sections you cannot access safely.
• A water heater or filter housing that split during the freeze.

SALT Plumbing Air & Electric has served Austin since 1984. We are local experts on hard water, slab foundations, and the wind‑chill pockets that catch homeowners off guard. We answer the phone 24/7 and arrive ready to solve the problem the right way.

Special Offer: Save On Frozen Pipe Repair

• Save $62 on eligible plumbing repairs. Use offer before 2025-12-03. Conditions apply and cannot be combined with other offers.
• SALT+ Members save up to 15% to 20% on eligible repairs year‑round. Membership must be active at time of service.

Call (512) 559-4206 or schedule at https://callsalt.com/ and mention the $62 OFF plumbing offer or your active SALT+ Membership.

What Homeowners Are Saying

"Carlyle found the source of a leak in our water filter; we were convinced it was the service line to the house. He saved us over $1000, time and digging up the yard for no reason. Great work of doing his diligence on providing the right service."
–Austin

"I worked with SALT and Aarron Gauna to fix a leaking toilet. Aarron was great to work with and does amazing work. He clearly explained everything, showed me what had gone wrong with a previous repair from another plumber and fixed everything. I highly recommend working with Aarron and SALT for plumbing needs."
–Round Rock

"Aaron came out in less then 24 hrs after I called about a continous flow leaking hosebib outside. He replaced it professionally and was a pleasure to work with."
–Georgetown

"Exemplary service. They arrived on-time and fixed a variety of unrelated problems. They had everything required to finish the job on their truck and solved everything with a can do attitude."
–Cedar Park

Frequently Asked Questions

How cold does it have to be for pipes to freeze in Austin?

Prolonged exposure near or below 32°F can freeze pipes, especially with wind. Uninsulated garage or exterior wall lines can freeze during overnight lows.

Should I turn off water if I am leaving during a freeze?

Yes. Shut off the main and drain key faucets. Keep heat at 55°F or higher and open sink cabinets on exterior walls.

Can I use a space heater to thaw a pipe?

Yes, with caution. Keep it away from combustibles and monitor constantly. Never use a torch or open flame on plumbing.

Will PEX prevent burst pipes?

PEX tolerates some expansion better than copper, but it can still fail under pressure. Insulation, heat, and dripping are still important.

Do you offer trenchless solutions for exterior breaks?

Yes. We provide trenchless pipe replacement for damaged water or sewer lines to avoid major excavation and speed repairs.

Final Takeaway

Frozen pipe repair is a race against time, but prevention and quick action keep damage low. For Austin and Central Texas homes, focus on insulation, airflow, safe thawing, and fast shutoff when needed. If a line cracks or you cannot restore flow, call SALT Plumbing Air & Electric for 24/7 help.

Call (512) 559-4206 or book at https://callsalt.com/. Mention the $62 OFF plumbing offer or your active SALT+ Membership for extra savings on frozen pipe repair in Austin, Round Rock, Georgetown, Cedar Park, Leander, and nearby areas.

Ready To Protect Your Home?

• Call now: (512) 559-4206
• Schedule online: https://callsalt.com/
• Save today: $62 OFF plumbing repairs before 2025-12-03, or up to 15%–20% off with SALT+ Membership

Get fast, licensed help backed by a lifetime guarantee and local expertise.

About SALT Plumbing Air & Electric

Family owned and serving Austin since 1984, SALT Plumbing Air & Electric delivers fast, licensed service across plumbing, HVAC, and electrical. We offer same‑day response, 24/7 emergency help, and a lifetime guarantee on repairs and installations. Our SALT+ Membership gives priority scheduling, exclusive discounts, and routine maintenance. We use advanced methods like trenchless pipe replacement and eco‑friendly drain treatments, all with transparent pricing and a customer‑first promise.