A North Texas cold snap can hit fast and hard, and McKinney is no exception. You want to protect your home, avoid repair bills, and feel ready before the next freeze. In this guide, you’ll get a practical one-weekend plan, simple shopping list, and clear emergency steps tailored to our area. Let’s dive in.
Why freeze prep matters in McKinney
McKinney typically sees freezes from late fall into early spring, with the Dallas-Fort Worth average last freeze around mid-March and the occasional late cold snap after that. You can review those climate normals from the National Weather Service Fort Worth office for context on timing and severity in our region. During extreme events, the North Texas Municipal Water District has asked residents to reduce non-essential water use, which means your freeze plan should balance pipe protection with conservation when requested. Staying informed helps you adjust your approach during rare but severe stretches.
- Learn more about the local freeze window from the National Weather Service Fort Worth office: DFW freeze summary and averages.
- See how regional utilities may adjust guidance during extreme events: NTMWD conservation advisories.
One-weekend action plan
Knock this out in 4 to 10 hours, depending on your home size and access.
Day 1: Exterior and irrigation
- Turn off your irrigation controller. Drain the system or schedule a professional blowout. If you DIY, follow your manufacturer’s steps and protect the backflow preventer with insulation and a weatherproof cover. For method details and when to hire a pro, see this overview of Texas sprinkler winterization and backflow protection: sprinkler winterize and backflow tips.
- Disconnect garden hoses. Drain and store them indoors so water does not freeze inside the line.
- Cover hose bibs. Use foam faucet covers or wrap with insulation as a temporary fix. Cost is typically modest for off-the-shelf covers: faucet insulator guidance and price range.
Day 2: Interior and insulation
- Locate and test your main water shut-off valve. Write its location down and save a quick photo on your phone so the whole household can find it fast.
- Insulate exposed pipes in unheated areas like garages, attics, crawl spaces, and along exterior walls. Foam sleeves are quick to install and cost-effective. For a simple how-to, start here: pipe insulation basics.
- Consider heat tape for chronic problem spots. Self-regulating electric heat trace can help on repeatedly exposed runs. Follow manufacturer directions and use GFCI protection if you add any electric component.
- Reduce drafts. Weatherstrip garage and attic access points and seal gaps where pipes enter the home. On freezing nights, open kitchen and bath cabinet doors so warm air can reach plumbing. Keep your thermostat steady at 55 to 60°F or higher, especially overnight. For safe prevention habits, see the Red Cross guide: preventing frozen pipes and safe thawing.
- Drip only when needed. A slow drip can help on the coldest nights, but if the city or NTMWD requests conservation, follow that guidance first. Check for local updates here: NTMWD advisories.
What to buy and what it costs
- Foam pipe insulation sleeves and wrap: low-cost staples for most homes.
- Outdoor faucet covers: commonly in the 5 to 30 dollar range per cover. See a cost overview here: faucet insulator guidance.
- Self-regulating heat tape: often 15 to 50 dollars or more depending on length and grade.
- Caulk, weatherstrip, and expanding foam: typically modest per item.
- Sprinkler blowout by a pro: varies widely, often 75 to 250 dollars or more by system size. For winterizing context, review this Texas-focused explainer: sprinkler winterize and backflow tips.
- Many homes can complete the basics for under 100 dollars, with costs rising if you add heat tape or hire a sprinkler service. See a homeowner-oriented cost perspective: simple fixes to stop pipes freezing.
If a pipe freezes or bursts
- Suspect a freeze if a faucet slows to a trickle. Leave the faucet open to reduce pressure and help thawing. Apply gentle electric heat at the frozen section with a hair dryer, heating pad, or space heater kept clear of combustibles. Never use an open flame. For step-by-step tips, use this guide: Red Cross frozen pipe advice.
- If a pipe bursts, shut off your main water valve immediately. Turn off electricity to the affected area if safe, call a licensed plumber, and contact your homeowner’s insurance. Document damage and save repair receipts. For a concise checklist, see: what to do when frozen pipes burst.
- During region-wide extreme freezes, follow official advisories from the city and water district. If conservation or boil notices are issued, those instructions come first: NTMWD advisories.
When to hire a pro
- Call a licensed plumber if the frozen section is behind walls, you suspect damage, or any pipe bursts.
- Use a licensed electrician if you install permanent heat trace or if water and wiring are in the same zone.
- Hire an irrigation pro for a pressurized blowout or complex systems. For North Texas sprinkler winterization context, see: sprinkler winterize and backflow tips.
Quick checklist
- Disconnect hoses and cover outdoor spigots.
- Shut off and drain irrigation; insulate the backflow preventer.
- Wrap exposed pipes. Add heat tape only where needed.
- Find and label your main water shut-off.
- On freezing nights, open cabinet doors and keep the thermostat steady at 55 to 60°F or higher.
- Monitor NWS forecasts and any NTMWD or city advisories.
Stay informed during a freeze
Bookmark two sources before the season starts. For timing and severity updates, check the National Weather Service Fort Worth page: DFW freeze summary and averages. For regional water system updates and any conservation requests, follow the district: NTMWD advisories.
Getting your McKinney home ready for winter is a smart weekend investment that can prevent costly repairs. If you want help prioritizing projects or you are planning to sell soon and need a prep plan that aligns with your timeline, reach out to KW 1st Team. We are local, responsive, and ready to help you move forward with confidence.
FAQs
When do freezes usually end in McKinney?
- The Dallas-Fort Worth area’s average last freeze is around mid-March, with occasional late cold snaps after that, per the National Weather Service Fort Worth office.
Should you drip faucets during a North Texas hard freeze?
- A slow drip can help exposed lines on the coldest nights, but if the city or NTMWD asks for conservation, follow those advisories and only drip where necessary.
How do you winterize a sprinkler system in McKinney?
- Turn off the controller, drain lines where possible, and protect the backflow preventer; consider a professional blowout for complex systems.
What thermostat setting reduces frozen pipe risk?
- Keep your thermostat steady at 55 to 60°F or higher during freezing weather and avoid big overnight setbacks so pipes stay warmer.
What is the safest way to thaw a frozen pipe?
- Leave the faucet open and apply gentle electric heat like a hair dryer or heating pad to the pipe; never use an open flame.
What should you do first if a pipe bursts?
- Shut off the main water valve immediately, kill power to the affected area if safe, call a licensed plumber, and contact your homeowner’s insurance.
