Burst Pipe Repair in Houston

A burst pipe can put hundreds of gallons of water into a Houston home in an hour. The first few minutes matter more than anything else, so start with the steps below, then call (844) 212 9767 to reach a local plumber for the repair.

Pipe Burst? Do This Right Now

1. Shut off the main water valve. In most Houston homes it is in the meter box near the street, or where the main line enters the house. A curb-stop key or a large adjustable wrench usually turns it.
2. Turn off the water heater (gas to “pilot” or breaker off for electric) if the leak is on the hot side.
3. Cut power to wet areas if water is reaching outlets, appliances or the electrical panel.
4. Open the lowest faucet in the house to drain the water still in the lines.
5. Photograph everything before you clean up — your insurer will want it.

Why Pipes Burst in Houston

Houston only sees a few hard freezes a year, which is exactly why they cause so much damage: many homes have supply lines in attics, exterior walls and pier-and-beam crawl spaces with little or no insulation. The February 2021 winter storm burst pipes across the city for that reason. Outside of freezes, the most common causes are:

• Aging pipe — galvanized steel and early copper in pre-1970s homes corrode from the inside until a pressure spike splits them. See galvanized pipe replacement.
• High water pressure — pressure above roughly 80 psi strains every joint; a failed pressure-reducing valve is a common culprit.
• Shifting clay soil — Houston’s expansive clay moves as it wets and dries, stressing lines under slabs and in yards. A break under the foundation is a slab leak.
• Tree roots pressing on buried water lines.

What Burst Pipe Repair Involves

A plumber will find the exact break, cut out the damaged section and replace it with copper or PEX, then pressure-test the line before the water goes back on. If a home has had several leaks in different places, the pipe is usually failing throughout and a repipe costs less over time than repeated patches.

Frozen Pipe Repair

If a faucet only trickles during a freeze, the line is probably frozen but not yet split. Open the faucet, warm the area slowly with a hair dryer or space heater (never an open flame), and keep the cabinet doors open. If the pipe has already cracked, it will leak as it thaws — keep the main valve within reach.

Burst Pipe FAQ

Will homeowners insurance cover a burst pipe?

Sudden, accidental water damage from a burst pipe is often covered; slow leaks and the cost of replacing the failed pipe itself often are not. Check your policy and call your insurer early.

Can I use the water after shutting off the main?

No — turning it back on will refill the broken line. Keep it off until the repair is done.

Call (844) 212 9767 to get connected with a local plumber for burst pipe or frozen pipe repair anywhere in Houston.