When a pipe bursts, shut off the main water valve, turn off power to wet areas if safe, and call for extraction and drying. Before a freeze, insulate exposed pipes, drip faucets and know your shutoff.
Why freezes hurt Houston so much
Winter Storm Uri in February 2021 split pipes in homes across the region, and many Houston buildings have uninsulated lines in attics and exterior walls that were never built for hard freezes.
Before a freeze
Insulate exposed pipes, disconnect hoses, cover outdoor faucets, open cabinet doors under sinks and let faucets drip. Know where your main valve is.
When a pipe bursts
Close the main valve, open a low faucet to drain lines, switch off power to wet areas if safe and photograph damage. Do not use heat guns near pooled water.
After it thaws
Frozen pipes often split when they thaw, so a house can seem fine and then flood. See burst pipe water damage in Houston and water extraction.
Start here
Use water damage restoration in Houston to be connected with local help.
Frequently asked questions
Who repairs the pipe?
A licensed plumber.
Is it covered by insurance?
Many policies cover sudden bursts. Review yours.
Sources and further reading
Related services
Burst Pipe Water Damage
Cleanup and drying after a frozen, split or failed pipe.
Learn more
Emergency Water Damage Restoration
Active leaks, flooding and sudden water loss that needs a crew now.
Learn moreGeneral information, not legal, insurance or engineering advice. Water Damage Restoration Houston does not perform the work.