Preventing Burst Pipes During Texas Winters

Before a freeze, find the private shutoff and check the current instructions from your water supplier. Different utilities may change conservation or operating instructions during an emergency, so a general article should not replace a live notice. Austin Water cold-weather tips is the local starting point for Austin Water customers.

Know which parts of the property are unheated, keep access to the shutoff clear, and make sure another responsible adult knows its location. If you rent, ask the property manager who can authorize a plumbing repair and who should receive damage photographs.

If a pipe fails

Keep clear of electrical hazards. If the private shutoff is safe to reach and you know how to use it, follow your utility’s instructions. Do not force an unfamiliar or damaged valve. A plumber or utility can help with the source; a restoration assessment addresses the water that has already entered the building.

From a safe location, record when the leak began, whether it has stopped and the rooms it reached. Photograph visible damage and keep the repair invoice. These records can make a quote and any later claim discussion more specific.

Separate source repair from drying

A repaired pipe prevents further supply leakage but does not establish that cabinets, wall cavities or flooring are dry. Ask for a moisture assessment that identifies affected materials, describes equipment and monitoring, and explains how completion will be documented.

Before accepting work, ask whether the quote includes only extraction, drying, removal, disposal or rebuilding. Clarify fees for the assessment, daily equipment, repeat visits and repair work. Get the scope and exclusions in writing.