Prepare before the temperature drops
Texas buildings are not always designed for long freezes. Pipes in exterior walls, attics, garages, and unheated utility areas can lose heat quickly. Know where the main shutoff is before you need it, and make sure the valve can be reached.
Insulate exposed pipes, close foundation openings, and follow manufacturer guidance for outdoor fixtures. During a freeze, keep indoor heat steady and open sink cabinets where plumbing sits on an exterior wall. Never use an open flame to thaw a pipe.
If a pipe breaks, stop the source safely
Close the nearest fixture valve or the main water valve. If water is near electricity, don't enter the area. Shut power off only from a dry, safe location or call the utility company.
Photograph the release and affected rooms. Move dry belongings away from the edge, but don't delay professional emergency water removal when water has spread through flooring, walls, or a ceiling.
Open a faucet after the main valve is off to ease pressure in the line. Put a towel under a slow drip if it is safe. Don't cut a wet ceiling to drain it yourself.
Extraction is only the first step
A truck mounted unit can pull out a large amount of water. Small tools help in rooms and edges that the main hose can't reach. After water extraction services, moisture readings show whether wall gaps, cabinets, wall fill, or subfloor need more work.
Drying choices depend on the material and how long it stayed wet. Our crew explains what may dry in place and what may need to come out. The aim is a clear path back to preloss condition, not a fast coat of paint.
Watch the rooms below and beside the break. Water may move through a wall or floor before it shows. A damp smell, a soft baseboard, or a ceiling mark can point to that hidden path.