Most indoor water damage starts with plumbing: a frozen pipe that splits, a braided supply line that bursts, a water heater tank that fails, or a slab leak under the foundation. Clean supply water is the easiest kind to restore if it's dealt with quickly.
Freezes in Texas
Texas houses aren't built for long hard freezes. Pipes often run through exterior walls, attics and uninsulated spaces. The February 2021 winter storm showed how fast that turns into burst pipes across the whole state. The damage often appears when the pipe thaws, not while it's frozen.
Slab leaks
Most Texas homes sit on concrete slabs with water lines running underneath. Shifting clay soil and hard water can lead to leaks under the slab. Signs include a warm spot on the floor, the sound of running water, damp carpet or cupped flooring with no visible source, and a jump in the water bill. A plumber finds and repairs the leak. A restoration company dries the house.
What to do right now
- 1Close the main water shutoff. It's often near the street, in the garage or where the line enters the house.
- 2Turn off the water heater if the leak is in the hot side.
- 3Switch off power to rooms with water near outlets.
- 4Call a plumber to repair the pipe and a restoration company to dry the house.
More on drying in water extraction and repairs in water damage restoration.