San Antonio, TX
Frozen pipes in San Antonio
Updated · Editorial team; not yet technically reviewed
Short answer
San Antonio freezes are rare, which is why homes are less protected when they come. SAWS maintains its mains, but every pipe past the water meter is the owner's. If a pipe bursts, shut the water off at the valve next to the meter, a quarter turn clockwise, then call a plumber. SAWS advises dripping faucets, opening sink cabinets, and not applying heat to thaw pipes.
What's different in San Antonio
SAWS maintains about 13,000 miles of water and sewer mains, but pipes beyond the meter into homes and businesses are the property owner's responsibility. [1]
To stop a leak, find the shutoff valve near the meter, remove the cover and clear debris, and turn the valve a quarter turn clockwise; then call a plumber. [1]
SAWS recommends checking several faucets to find frozen lines, opening cabinet doors under sinks, opening doors to unheated rooms, letting faucets drip, and not applying heat to pipes to thaw them. [2]
Why San Antonio pipes freeze
- Pipes in exterior walls, attics and garages with little insulation.
- Exposed hose bibs and irrigation backflow assemblies above ground.
- Slab homes where supply lines rise through exterior walls.
Before the next hard freeze
Find your meter valve
Clear the box now so you can reach it in an emergency.
Cover outdoor faucets and backflow devices
Insulated covers or towels and plastic.
Know the drip plan
Drip faucets on exterior walls during the freeze.
If a pipe burst
See what to do after a burst pipe and how to thaw frozen pipes. After repairs, ask SAWS about a leak adjustment.
What San Antonio homeowners usually check next
- SymptomNo water in the house
Common questions
Who repairs a burst pipe at a San Antonio house?
The owner; pipes past the SAWS meter are private.
How do I shut off water at a SAWS meter?
Turn the valve near the meter a quarter turn clockwise after clearing the box.
Should I drip faucets in a San Antonio freeze?
Yes, SAWS recommends letting faucets drip.
Can I use a heat gun on frozen pipes?
SAWS advises against applying heat to pipes to thaw them.
How many miles of mains does SAWS maintain?
About 13,000 miles of water and sewer mains.
Why open sink cabinets during a freeze?
It lets warm room air reach pipes on exterior walls.
How do I tell which San Antonio pipe froze?
Check several faucets; the ones without water are on the frozen line.
Do I need to protect my backflow device in a freeze?
Yes, above-ground assemblies freeze easily; cover and insulate them.
Can I get a bill credit after a freeze leak?
Ask SAWS about a leak adjustment after the repair is done.
What should I do before the next freeze?
Locate and clear your meter valve, and cover outdoor faucets.
More plumbing help in San Antonio
- Pipe Repair in San AntonioSAWS Plumbers to People: free repairs of leaking faucets, toilets and broken pipes for income-qualified homeowners, who qualifies, and what isn't covered.
- Backflow Testing in San AntonioSAWS backflow testing rules for San Antonio: the June 30 annual deadline, the codes behind it, reminder notices, and what a 10-day notice means.
- Toilet Installation in San AntonioSAWS toilet rebates in San Antonio: the current high-efficiency toilet rebate, which toilets qualify, SAWS's history of free toilet programs, and installation tips.
- Water bill suddenly high in San AntonioA high SAWS bill usually means a leak. How to find it, which leaks SAWS reviews for a credit, the 60-day deadline after repair, and the paperwork it wants.
- Sewer Line Repair in San AntonioSan Antonio sewer clogs: a licensed plumber clears your side, and if the blockage is past your property, SAWS may reimburse costs. Marking, the call and paperwork.
- Drain backing up in San AntonioWhy San Antonio drains back up: grease causes nearly 70% of local sewer blockages, the surprising sources of it, safe checks, and how to get rid of grease.
- Water Line Repair in San AntonioSAWS's service line inventory: over half of 600,000 lines unidentified, yearly letters to unknown, lead or galvanized lines, and free inspections for pre-1989 homes.
- Frozen Pipe Repair: the full guideHow to tell if a pipe is frozen, how to thaw it safely, what not to do, and how to protect vulnerable pipes before the next hard freeze.
- Plumbing in San AntonioLocal water, housing and climate conditions, and the calls San Antonio homes need most.
How other cities handle it
- Frozen pipe and water line help in St. PaulFrozen pipes in St. Paul: what Saint Paul Regional Water Services covers, why frozen meter damage is billed to owners, prevention steps, and what to do first.
- Frozen water lines in AnchorageFrozen service lines in Anchorage: AWWU's rule that customers thaw lines from the main, the key box and thaw wire you must keep exposed, and what AWWU maintains.
- Frozen water service lines in MinneapolisFrozen water lines in Minneapolis: owners own the line from the main to the meter, who pays to thaw it, the City's contractor list and emergency number.
- Frozen pipes and water meters in BuffaloFrozen meters in Buffalo: the Water Board rule that owners protect meters from freezing, charges for damage, shutoff if unpaid, and prevention.
- Frozen pipes and meters in PhiladelphiaFrozen pipes in Philadelphia: keep the meter area above 40°F, trickle a faucet, shut off outdoor lines, check neighbors first.
- Frozen pipes in DallasFrozen pipes in Dallas: DWU's freeze prep, the private shutoff you're responsible for, required sprinkler freeze sensors, and what to do in a water emergency.
- Frozen pipes in Houston: why the city says don't dripFrozen pipes in Houston: Houston Public Works' prep tips, why it has advised against dripping faucets (pumps, not towers), and shutting off and draining instead.
Sources (2)
- SAWS, Reports no outages from freeze; warns about residential frozen pipes · checked 2026-10-03
- SAWS Newsroom, Winter preparation tips for upcoming freeze · checked 2026-10-03