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With a nation-wide freeze forcing Houston into an extreme state in January 2026, homeowners were forced to cope with the consequences of burst pipes, water damage, and mold threats. The bursting of pipes can be a great danger and it is necessary to act immediately, in order to make the impact as less substantial as possible and avoid the further inconvenience. In this guide, we will discuss what must be done immediately when you know that one of your pipes has burst and how to best handle the water damage in your Houston home.
Shut Off the Water Supply
The first step that you should take in case you find a burst pipe is to cut off the flow of water to your house. It will prevent the water flow and stop the additional harm. Find the main water shutoff valve of your house and turn it out. The primary valve is usually situated:
- At the water meter (in the front yard, or under the house).
- In the garage or the basement (where houses have an interior shutoff).
- Crawl space or outside (homes that have exterior shutoffs).
Turn Off the Electricity
Electricity and water do not make good, nor should water be allowed to get close to electrical points as this may result in electrical risks. In the event that the water has found its way to regions or places where there are electrical outlets, appliances or wiring, switch off the electricity at the main electrical panel. This will aid in avoiding electrocution and additional destruction of your electric system in the house.
Cost breakdown of repairing burst pipes and water damage in Houston.
Table: Estimated Costs for Repairing Burst Pipes & Water Damage in Greater Houston (2026)
| Service | Estimated Cost | Description |
| Plumbing Repair (Burst Pipe) | $200 – $1,500+ | Cost depends on the location, pipe material, and severity of the damage. |
| Water Extraction | $500 – $2,500 | Professional water removal using industrial-grade equipment. |
| Drying and Dehumidification | $400 – $1,000 | Includes the use of high-powered fans and dehumidifiers to dry affected areas. |
| Mold Remediation | $1,000 – $6,000 | Cost varies based on the size of the mold infestation and location. |
| Ceiling and Wall Repairs | $500 – $2,000+ | Repairing drywall, ceilings, and insulation impacted by water. |
| Flooring Replacement | $1,000 – $5,000 | Replacing damaged flooring (carpet, wood, tile, etc.) based on square footage. |
| Insurance Deductible | $500 – $2,000 | Typical deductible for water damage claims (varies by policy). |
| Total Estimated Costs | $3,600 – $18,500+ | Total repair costs depending on the extent of the damage and home size. |
Drain the Pipes
Having turned off the water supply, turn on all faucets and flush on the toilets to empty the rest of the water in the pipes. This will aid in releasing any pressure remaining in the system and no further bursts will occur.
Inspect the Damage
After taking the required safety precautions, you should now thoroughly inspect the broken pipe and the surrounding areas to be sure that they are not damaged. Look for:
- Wet spots on the walls, ceilings and floors.
- Water in any of the areas of your house.
- Broken and damaged furniture, electronics or other items.
Call a Professional Plumber
Although the repair of some minor problems with the pipe could be performed personally, the bursting of the pipes should be managed by a professional plumber. Bursting pipes may be hard to fix unless the professional has the necessary tools and skills, particularly where the damage is massive. The source of the burst will be found by a licensed plumber who will then repair the pipe and also ensure no damage is caused that the un-trained eye sees.
Begin Water Extraction
In order to avoid development of molds, it is important to begin drying the affected areas as fast as possible. Should there be any standing water on the floors and surfaces, then use a wet/dry vacuum to remove the standing water. When you are not equipped with the right tools then you would better call on a professional damage restoration company dealing with water damage. They are able to apply industrial grade equipment to extract the excess moisture, and dry out the area quicker.
Remove Wet Materials
Clean off any wet carpets, rugs, and furniture in the affected areas. These materials are able to retain water and form breeding ground of molds and mildew. It is also important to air them as much as possible but there might be items that need to be thrown away in case the damage is too great.
Dry Out the Area
When the majority of water is taken out, fans, dehumidifiers and opening the windows (as long as the outside temperature does not prohibit it) should be used to dry the affected space. Drying of all wet places, particularly the ones in the 24-48 hours, is necessary to prevent the development of molds. Remember to shove fans in the direction of the walls and ceilings that could be concealing water.
Check for Mold
Mold can begin to grow on the area affected even after cleaning up and drying as long as moisture is present within 24-48 hours. Monitor any places that are still damp and observe the signs of mould like musty odour or mouldy growth. When mold grows, one should call a professional in mold removal to avoid further harm to his/her wellbeing and property.
Get In Touch With Your Insurance Company
When the immediate threat is contained control it and report the damage to your homeowner insurance company. Break pipes due to the freezing weather are mostly insured, although it is necessary to write about the damage in detail. Give them photos and descriptions of the situation. A claims adjuster will be dispatched to determine the damage and you can discuss the further course of action in the way of repairs.
The reasons behind burst pipes during the freezing temperatures in Houston
Although Houston is not known to experience extreme temperatures, the extreme temperatures in January 2026 gave the best environment to allow pipes to burst. Pipes containing water may crack or rupture when the water freezes and expands due to low temperatures where there is the entry of cold air. Homes whose pipes are not insulated well, particularly in the attic that is not heated, the basement, or the exterior wall, are the most susceptible.
How to avoid burst pipes in the future
Insulate exposed pipes in attic, garage or basement.Cabinet doors open beneath sinks in order to facilitate flowing of warm air around pipes.Allow dripping of faucets when the weather is frozen to ensure that water flows in the pipes.Caulk the cracks around the windows and the doors to prevent cold air from getting into your house.
Conclusion
The freeze in Houston in January 2026 is a major challenge to homeowners, as burst pipes lead to severe damage, though timely action and implementation of these steps can reduce the damage and avoid the development of molds. Do not forget to switch off the water, hire a professional plumber and initiate the process of drying up to save your house. In case you require water damage repair works or pipe repair services in Houston, Pro-Texas is here to provide you with all the necessary steps toward it.
To obtain more information or emergency services, call our Pro-Texas Restoration now.
FAQs
Q: What would I do to know whether my pipes have frozen?
A: You might observe that there is limited flow of water or even no water is flowing out of your faucets. In case you feel that there are frozen pipes, look outside-wall or uninsulated places where the cold can most probably freeze the pipes up.
Q: Does my homeowner insurance cover damages caused by busting pipes?
A: In most cases, yes. Freeze burst pipes are normally included into a normal home insurance policy. Nevertheless, never assume that you are covered but also consult your insurance provider.
Q: Can I fix a burst pipe myself?
A: One should not trust themselves to repair burst pipes except with the knowledge or experience of being a plumber. An expert plumber will also make sure that the pipe is adequately repaired and also examine the pipes to ensure that there may be unseen damages that may cause larger problems in the future.
Question: What is the time limit for a water damage insurance claim?
A: The insurance policies are normally subject to the requirement of filing claims within a specific period of time- 30-60 days. When in doubt, ask your insurance company to make you aware of the actual dates.
Q: What can I do to stop the mold in the aftermath of water damage?
A: To avoid development of mold, standing water should be removed as soon as possible, fans and dehumidifiers should be used to dry up the surrounding and the affected areas should be well-ventilated. In case mold does occur, the best thing to do is to hire a professional mold remedial service in order to avoid the further destruction.
Q: What can I do in the case when I fail to take care of burst pipes immediately?
A: Postponing burst pipe repair may cause massive water damages, mould and structural problems in your houses. It also has the capacity to raise your repair expenses and insurance claim hassles hence early action is paramount.
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