When temperatures plummet in the Dallas-Fort Worth or Houston areas, frozen pipes become a real threat to your home. Water expands as it freezes, putting immense pressure on your plumbing until something gives way. If you're facing a burst pipe right now, you need to act fast to minimize water damage and protect your property.
Dealing with a burst pipe emergency? Shut off your main water valve immediately, then call (972) 645-2738 or fill out our online contact form for 24/7 emergency help.
Immediate Steps: What to Do in the First Few Minutes
The moments right after discovering a burst pipe are critical. Your quick response can mean the difference between minor repairs and extensive water damage throughout your home.
1. Shut Off Your Main Water Supply
Your first priority is stopping the flow of water. Locate your main water shut-off valve—it's typically near your water meter, in your garage, or in a utility closet. Turn the valve clockwise until it stops. This cuts off water to your entire home and prevents additional flooding.
2. Turn Off Your Electricity (If Needed)
If water is near electrical outlets, appliances, or your breaker box, shut off the electricity to affected areas at your main circuit breaker. Water and electricity create a dangerous combination, so don't take chances. If you can't safely access your breaker box, call an electrician or emergency services.
3. Open Faucets to Release Pressure
Once the main water is off, open both hot and cold faucets throughout your home. This releases any remaining water pressure in the pipes and allows trapped water to drain out. Leave faucets open until you've had the burst pipe repaired.
4. Document the Damage
Take photos and videos of the burst pipe, water damage, and affected belongings before you start cleanup. This documentation helps with insurance claims and provides a record of what happened. Make sure to capture wide shots of rooms as well as close-ups of specific damage.
Containing the Water and Protecting Your Home
After you've stopped the water flow, focus on limiting damage to your floors, walls, and belongings.
Start by mopping up standing water with towels, mops, or a wet-dry vacuum if you have one. The faster you remove water, the less chance it has to seep into flooring, drywall, or wooden structures. Move furniture, rugs, and personal items away from wet areas to prevent further damage.
If the ceiling is sagging from water accumulation, carefully poke a small hole in the center with a screwdriver to let water drain into a bucket. While this might seem counterintuitive, controlled drainage prevents a larger ceiling collapse. Use fans and dehumidifiers to start drying out affected areas, but avoid using heat sources that could cause warping or create mold-friendly conditions.
Understanding Why Pipes Burst During Freezes
North Texas doesn't experience prolonged freezing temperatures as often as northern states, which means many homes aren't built with the same level of freeze protection. When a cold snap hits, pipes in unheated areas like attics, crawl spaces, or exterior walls are especially vulnerable.
As water freezes, it expands by roughly nine percent. This expansion creates pressure inside the pipe—sometimes over 2,000 pounds per square inch. The pressure doesn't usually cause the pipe to burst at the frozen spot. Instead, pressure builds up between the ice blockage and a closed faucet, causing the pipe to fail at its weakest point. This is why you might find the burst in an unexpected location, away from where the actual freeze occurred.
Older homes with galvanized steel or copper pipes may be more susceptible to bursting than newer homes with PEX plumbing. However, any pipe can fail under the right (or wrong) conditions during a hard freeze.
When to Call a Professional Plumber
Some homeowners attempt DIY pipe repairs, but burst pipes often require professional attention. Here are situations when you should call for emergency plumbing services:
- The burst pipe is inside a wall or ceiling where you can't easily access it
- You're dealing with multiple burst pipes throughout your home
- You notice signs of water damage behind walls, like discoloration or soft spots
- The pipe is part of your main water line or a major supply line
- You're uncomfortable making the repair yourself or don't have the right tools
- You need help assessing the full extent of the damage
A licensed plumber can locate hidden leaks, properly repair or replace damaged sections, and ensure your plumbing system is safe to use again. They can also identify other vulnerable pipes that might freeze and burst if temperatures drop again.
Preventing Future Pipe Bursts in Cold Weather
Once you've dealt with the immediate crisis, take steps to prevent it from happening again during the next freeze.
Insulate Vulnerable Pipes
Pipe insulation sleeves cost just a few dollars and can prevent freezing in exposed pipes. Focus on pipes in unheated spaces like attics, garages, crawl spaces, and along exterior walls. Even simple foam insulation provides a protective barrier against cold air.
Let Faucets Drip During Freezes
When forecasts call for temperatures below freezing, let faucets connected to exposed pipes drip slightly. Moving water is much harder to freeze than standing water. Both hot and cold lines should drip—you only need a pencil-thin stream of water to keep things flowing.
Keep Cabinet Doors Open
For sinks along exterior walls, open cabinet doors to allow warm air to circulate around the pipes. This simple step can raise the temperature around vulnerable plumbing just enough to prevent freezing.
Maintain Consistent Indoor Temperature
Even if you're going out of town, keep your thermostat set to at least 55 degrees Fahrenheit. The money you save on heating doesn't compare to the cost of pipe repair and water damage restoration after a burst.
Disconnect Outdoor Hoses
Before temperatures drop, disconnect garden hoses and drain outdoor faucets. Use insulated faucet covers for additional protection. Water trapped in outdoor faucets or hose bibbs can freeze and cause pipes inside your walls to burst.
What Not to Do After a Pipe Bursts
In the stress of the moment, it's easy to make mistakes that worsen the situation. Avoid these common errors:
Avoid using open flames or high-heat sources to thaw frozen pipes, as this creates a fire hazard and can further damage the pipes. Don't ignore small leaks thinking they'll resolve on their own—they usually get worse. Don't turn your water back on until the burst pipe has been properly repaired, as this will restart flooding. And don't delay calling for help if the damage is beyond your ability to handle safely.
Understanding Your Insurance Coverage
Most homeowners insurance policies cover sudden and accidental water damage from burst pipes, but they typically don't cover damage from lack of maintenance or from gradual leaks. Review your policy to understand your coverage, deductibles, and the claims process.
Contact your insurance company as soon as possible after discovering the burst pipe. They'll send an adjuster to assess the damage and guide you through filing a claim. Keep all receipts for emergency repairs, water removal services, and temporary accommodations if you can't stay in your home during repairs.
The Hidden Dangers of Water Damage
Even after you've cleaned up visible water, moisture can linger inside walls, under flooring, and in other hidden spaces. This trapped moisture creates perfect conditions for mold growth, which can start developing within 24 to 48 hours.
Watch for signs of hidden water damage in the days and weeks following a burst pipe. Musty odors, discolored patches on walls or ceilings, peeling paint or wallpaper, and warped flooring all indicate moisture problems that need attention. Professional water damage restoration services have moisture meters and infrared cameras to detect hidden water that you can't see.
Get Expert Help for Burst Pipes in North Texas
A burst pipe during a freeze can feel overwhelming, but you don't have to handle it alone. Whether you need immediate plumbing services or want to winterize your home before the next cold snap, Bacon Plumbing Heating Air Electric is here to help homeowners throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth and Houston areas.
Our experienced plumbers respond quickly to emergencies and provide reliable repairs that protect your home. Call (972) 645-2738 or contact us online today.
