If a pipe is frozen, open the faucet, shut off the main valve and thaw it slowly with warm air, never an open flame. If a pipe has burst or an ice dam is leaking inside, shut off the water, move people away from sagging ceilings and call right away. Burst pipes and wet insulation need drying fast.
What frozen pipes, ice dams and winter storm damage involves
Winter storms in Texas are rare but severe. Homes are built for heat, not hard freezes, so pipes in attics, exterior walls and garages freeze and split. Winter Storm Uri in February 2021 showed how many buildings can fail at once. Frozen pipes often split when they thaw, so a house can seem fine during the freeze and flood later in the day.
Ice dams form when heat escaping from a roof melts snow, and the water refreezes at the cold eaves and backs up under shingles. They are uncommon in Houston but can happen in North Texas, the Panhandle and West Texas after heavy snow. Roofs can also be hit by hail or fallen limbs during storms, which opens the roof to rain and later to ice. Any of these can send water into attics, ceilings and walls.
Signs you may need this service
- Faucets slow to a trickle or stop during a freeze
- Frost on exposed pipes or a pipe that bulges
- Ceiling stains or drips after snow melts
- Icicles and a ridge of ice along the eaves
- Missing or cracked shingles after hail or a branch hit
- Sound of running water after temperatures rise
What happens step by step
- For a frozen pipe not yet burst: open the faucet, shut off the main valve and thaw slowly with a hair dryer or warm towels, never an open flame
- For a burst pipe: shut off the main valve, turn off power to wet areas if safe and call for extraction and drying
- For an ice dam leak: protect belongings, place buckets, keep people away from sagging ceilings and avoid chipping ice or climbing on an icy roof
- For a roof hit by hail or a limb: photograph the damage, tarp the opening when safe and call a roofer
- Call for drying of wet insulation, ceilings and walls
- Document everything for your claim and keep receipts for emergency repairs
Why this matters in Houston
In Houston and across Texas, freeze events are short, so many homes have uninsulated lines and no frost protection. During a freeze, crews and plumbers get overloaded, so call as early as it is safe. Watch for warnings from the National Weather Service, such as a Hard Freeze Warning, Winter Storm Warning or Ice Storm Warning, and see our Texas weather alerts page.
Mistakes that make damage worse
- Using a torch or open flame to thaw a pipe
- Chipping ice off a roof with tools, which damages shingles
- Assuming no leak means no damage after the thaw
- Waiting for temperatures to rise before shutting off the water
Cost considerations
Costs depend on how many rooms are wet and how long water ran. Plumbing and roof repairs are billed by licensed trades, while drying and cleanup are billed separately. Ask your insurer about burst pipe, ice and wind or hail coverage and any separate deductibles.
How this connects to the rest of your recovery
Most Houston losses involve more than one issue, so read this alongside burst pipe water damage and roof and ceiling leak water damage. Our main page on water damage help in Houston shows every situation we cover and how the process works.
Property owners in League City, Baytown and Galveston regularly ask about this kind of loss. Local conditions in each area differ, so check the page for your city to see ZIP codes and the causes we see most often there.
Helpful guides
- Winter Storm Water Damage in Texas: Frozen Pipes, Ice Dams and Roof Damage
- Burst Pipes in a Houston Freeze: What to Do Before and After
Related services
Burst Pipe Water Damage
Cleanup and drying after a frozen, split or failed pipe.
Learn more
Roof and Ceiling Leak Water Damage
Drying and cleanup after leaks through the roof, attic or ceiling.
Learn more
Storm and Hurricane Water Damage
Wind driven rain, roof damage and flooding from tropical storms.
Learn more
Emergency Water Damage Restoration
Active leaks, flooding and sudden water loss that needs a crew now.
Learn moreFrequently asked questions
What should I do right now if a pipe is frozen?
Open the faucet, shut off the main valve and thaw the pipe slowly with a hair dryer or warm towels. Never use a flame. If it has already split, call for help.
Are ice dams a problem in Houston?
They are uncommon in Houston but can occur in North Texas, the Panhandle and West Texas after heavy snow.
Is roof damage from snow and ice covered by insurance?
Often when it is sudden and covered under your policy, but coverage varies. Report promptly and ask about deductibles.
My roof was hit by hail or a limb. Do I need to act now?
Yes. Tarp the opening when safe, photograph the damage and call a roofer. Water entering through the opening soaks insulation and ceilings.
Is urgent help available during winter storms?
The phone line is open 24/7, but demand is high during winter storms. Call early.
Where can I see live winter weather alerts?
The National Weather Service at weather.gov and the FEMA app show alerts. See our Texas weather alerts page.
Water Damage Restoration Houston is not the contractor. The independent company that arrives sets its own pricing, licenses and terms and does the work. See our disclaimer.