Iv'e been in Lubbock the last 30 years and have never had issues with pipes freezing but have never had pipes running in the attic. However, I recently purchased a home in Fort Worth. We are back n forth between the two and usually for 7-8 days at a time.

I'm worried about coming home to busted pipes next week as temps are supposed to get down to the teens. I also do not have anyone to check on my house in the metroplex. What is y'alls opinion?

• Turn offf main water valve, drain faucets, water heater and toilets? Would I need to blow out the lines or merely allow them to drain? For the water heater, drain completely?
• Hire a plumber to install heat tape on my pipes in the attic?
• Space heaters in attic? Is that a thing?
• Any other suggestions?

Thanks in advance for any direction.

If you turn off supply, drain all the lines, and keep valves open you should be fine. Expansion of freezing water and pressure is what gets you in trouble.

We have a cabin the the Northwoods of Minnesota. We do the above with PVC lines and have no problems.

Just shut off the water and drain the pipes and leave the faucets open. I'll kill the breaker to my electric water heater as well if I have the water shut off for an extended period of time. This is what we do at our ranch house in the winter. I keep the heat set at 62 so I'm not worried about the water heater freezing up. I guess if your tank is in the attic that may change the process for you though.

Thanks. I like this. Water heaters are in the garage.

Leave your hose bibs open as well. Any hose bibs that have "ball valves" will burst regardless of the status of your water as the ball inside is 100% filled with water when you close it. It will expand and break the housing unless it's a frost free version.

If your garage is unconditioned space, consider draining the water heater. Good opportunity to fish it as well.