If you live in a city like Austin or Dallas, you’re all too familiar with the vicious cold fronts of Texas. With little to no warning, temperatures plummet below freezing. Businesses and residences are left without power and heating. Ice encrusts everything, creating dangerous conditions on the roads—and in water pipes.

In Texas, frozen pipes are a common occurrence. Water naturally expands when it freezes and turns to ice. If the ice has nowhere to go, it starts putting pressure on the pipe, causing it to crack or burst. Additionally, when the water in the pipe thaws, it can cause further pressure on the already-damaged pipes, increasing the likelihood of a burst.

Even if you’ve never experienced a Texas freeze, frozen or burst pipes can happen whenever temperatures drop unexpectedly. In this guide, we’ll explain how to mitigate water damage, protect your property, and know when professional water damage restoration is needed after a burst pipe.

Contents

Water Damage Has Devastating Effects
What Should I Do If My Pipes Freeze And Burst?
How Do I Prevent My Pipes From Freezing?
How Quickly Should Water Damage Be Mitigated?
Frozen Pipe FAQs
- What should I do if I think my pipes are frozen, but not yet burst?
Cavalry Is Here In Times Of Need
- - Reach us anytime
  - Reach out now

Water Damage Has Devastating Effects

Left unaddressed, water damage can wreak havoc on homes and businesses. Action must be taken immediately; otherwise, permanent damage (and increased insurance costs) might incur. Here are some of the consequences of burst water pipes.

Mold Growth: One of the most serious effects of water damage is the potential for mold growth. Mold thrives in damp and moist environments and can start to grow within 24-48 hours of water exposure. Exposure to mold can cause health problems, such as respiratory issues, allergic reactions, and headaches. It’s important to address water damage quickly to prevent mold growth. Learn more about protecting your property from future water damage after a flood or burst pipe.

Structural Damage: Water can cause significant damage to the structure of a building if not addressed promptly. Wood, drywall, and other building materials can become weakened and deteriorate when exposed to water, leading to structural damage. This can include warping, swelling, and cracking. In severe cases, water damage can even cause the collapse of a building.

Degradation of Personal Property: Water damage can also have a significant impact on personal property, including furniture, electronics, and personal belongings. Water can cause wood furniture to warp and swell, and it can cause electronic devices to short-circuit, rendering them inoperable. Paper documents and photographs may also be destroyed.

What Should I Do If My Pipes Freeze And Burst?

If you notice water on the floor (or a wet spot on the wall), don’t panic.

Follow these preliminary steps if a pipe has burst in your home or business. Then contact an experienced water damage restoration contractor to help safely mitigate the damage and restore your property.

Turn off the water supply: Locate the main shut-off valve and turn off the water supply to the building. This will prevent any additional water from flowing through the damaged pipe and causing more damage.

Open the faucet: Open the faucet that is closest to the damaged pipe to relieve any pressure and allow the water to drain out of the pipe. Flush the toilet a few times to relieve pressure, too.

Thaw the pipe: If the pipe has not yet burst, you can try to thaw it using a hair dryer, hot towel, or hot water bottle. Start at the end of the pipe closest to the faucet and work your way toward the frozen section.

Clean up the water: If there is water on the floor or other surfaces, it’s important to clean it up as soon as possible to prevent mold growth and other water damage. You can use towels, mops, and a shop vacuum to remove the water.

Contact a professional restoration contractor: If your property has suffered water damage, it’s best to have experienced restoration professionals inspect the affected areas. If structural damage is discovered, our property reconstruction team can help restore your home or business to its pre-loss condition.

At Cavalry Construction & Restoration, our IICRC-certified professionals provide emergency water extraction, structural drying, and restoration services following frozen pipes and other water-related emergencies. If severe weather has caused the damage, our storm damage restoration team is also available to help protect and restore your property.

With over thirty years of restoration construction under our belt, we understand the complexities and nuances of every individual case, from commercial buildings to residential homes.

How Do I Prevent My Pipes From Freezing?

Nobody wants to deal with burst pipes in their building. If you notice the temperature is beginning to drop, take these preemptive steps to keep your pipes from freezing.

Insulate the pipes: Insulate pipes in unheated areas, such as attics, garages, and crawl spaces, to help keep them warm. You can use foam pipe insulation, which is available at hardware stores.

Seal air leaks: Seal air leaks around pipes to prevent cold air from getting in. This can be done using caulking or weather stripping.

Keep the heat on: Even when you’re not home, keep the heat on in the building to help prevent pipes from freezing. You should set the temperature to at least 55°F.

Disconnect hoses: Disconnect garden hoses from outdoor faucets before winter to prevent the water in the hoses from freezing and causing damage to the faucets.

Allow faucets to drip: On very cold days, allowing faucets to drip slightly helps prevent pipes from freezing.

Locate your main shut-off valve: In the event of a frozen pipe, it’s important to know where your main shut-off valve is located so that you can turn off the water supply to the building.

In Texas, especially across Austin, Dallas–Fort Worth, Houston, and San Antonio, it’s important to prepare your plumbing system before freezing temperatures arrive. If a pipe bursts despite your preparation, acting quickly can significantly reduce repair costs. You can also learn more about protecting your home from flooding in Texas and preventing long-term water damage.

Without electricity, it’s hard to use equipment like fans or vacuums to speed up the drying process. Power outages can also cause water heaters to fail, which leads to more leaks.

How Quickly Should Water Damage Be Mitigated?

Water damage should be addressed as soon as possible. Moisture can begin affecting drywall, insulation, flooring, and structural materials within hours, while mold growth may begin within 24 to 48 hours. Quick water extraction, structural drying, and professional restoration help reduce long-term damage and speed the recovery process.

If frozen or burst pipes have caused significant flooding, prompt mitigation can also help preserve building materials and reduce the need for extensive reconstruction later.

Frozen Pipe FAQs

Here are some other common questions we get asked about frozen pipes and water damage.

What should I do if I think my pipes are frozen, but not yet burst?

You still have time to act. Turn on the faucet nearest the pipe and let the water run. This will help to relieve any pressure that is building up in the pipe and may prevent a burst. You can try to thaw the frozen pipe, again using a hair dryer, hot towel, or hot water bottle. You can also wrap the frozen pipe with insulation material, such as fiberglass or foam, to help keep it warm. If you’re afraid the pipe will burst regardless, contact a professional restoration team

Cavalry Is Here In Times Of Need

We have proudly served Texas communities since 1989. Whether you’re dealing with water damage from a burst pipe, storm damage, or any other kind of loss to your commercial or residential property, Cavalry will answer the call.

No matter the time of day, we respond with the urgency and dedication each specific case deserves. We work hand and hand with the insurance company to make this process as easy as possible for you. If you have questions about water damage restoration or other reconstruction services, drop us a line. Our team is here to answer your call 24/7. You can reach us at 888-601-3473.