Burst pipe, broken pipe, and leaking pipe water damage in Houston TX.
A burst pipe can release dozens of gallons per minute into your walls, floors, and ceilings before you even know it's happening. In Houston's climate, the window to prevent secondary mold damage is shorter than you think.
60 min
Response
24/7
Available
IICRC WRT
Certified
Thermal
Imaging
Xactimate
Estimates
All carriers
Insurance
Houston burst pipes — what makes them different.
Houston is not a freeze-belt city. Homes here are built without the pipe insulation standard in northern climates — which means when a rare hard freeze hits (Winter Storm Uri 2021, December 2022, February 2023), pipes that have never frozen before burst all at once across the entire metro area. The result is hundreds of thousands of simultaneous water damage events, all needing professional response at the same time.
Beyond freeze events, Houston's aging infrastructure — much of it built during the 1970s and 1980s construction boom — means supply line failures, corroded fittings, and pinhole leaks are common year-round. And because Houston homes sit on expansive clay soil that moves seasonally, plumbing connections under slabs experience constant stress.
We respond to burst pipe events across all Houston zip codes within 60 minutes — 24 hours a day, including during freeze events when demand surges.
Every type of damage a burst pipe causes — we handle it all.
A single burst pipe can cause six different types of damage simultaneously. We assess and restore all of them.
Ceiling water damage
Burst pipes above ceiling cavities create hidden moisture across large areas. Thermal imaging reveals the full extent — which is almost always larger than what's visible.
Wall water damage
Water travels inside wall cavities from floor to ceiling. Drywall absorbs water like a sponge. We detect moisture with meters before opening any walls unnecessarily.
Hardwood floor damage
Hardwood can be saved if drying begins within 48 hours. Our Injectidry mat systems dry hardwood from below — often saving $10,000–$20,000 in floor replacement.
Carpet water damage
Category 1 water (clean supply line) allows carpet pad and carpet to be dried in place. Category 2 or 3 contamination requires removal. We classify correctly — no upselling.
Wet drywall removal
Saturated drywall cannot be dried in place. We remove only what is necessary, document the scope precisely, and rebuild with Xactimate pricing your insurer accepts.
Subfloor damage
OSB and plywood subfloor can delaminate quickly when wet. We test and document subfloor moisture content before recommending removal — some can be dried, others cannot.
Burst pipe water damage — frequently asked questions
What should I do immediately after a burst pipe in Houston?
First, shut off the main water supply to stop water flow. Then call First Response Restoration at 713-597-4466 — we respond within 60 minutes in Houston. While waiting, do not use electrical appliances in the affected area, avoid walking on wet floors if they feel soft or spongy, and do not attempt to dry the area yourself with consumer fans — improper drying spreads moisture deeper into walls and creates mold conditions. Document everything with photos before any cleanup.
Will my homeowner's insurance cover burst pipe water damage in Texas?
Yes — burst pipes are a covered peril under virtually all Texas homeowner's insurance policies. The sudden and accidental nature of the event is what matters. The pipe repair itself may not be covered, but all resulting structural damage, flooring, drywall, cabinetry, and contents are covered. We document everything with Xactimate estimates that Texas insurers — State Farm, Allstate, USAA, Farmers — accept directly.
How long does burst pipe water damage restoration take?
The drying phase typically takes 3–5 days. If hardwood floors, subfloor, or extensive drywall are affected, the mitigation phase can take 5–7 days. Reconstruction — replacing drywall, flooring, painting, trim — adds additional time depending on scope. Most complete burst pipe restorations (mitigation through final rebuild) are finished within 2–3 weeks for average residential events.
Can hardwood floors be saved after a burst pipe?
Often yes — but only if professional drying begins within the first 24–48 hours. We use Injectidry mat systems that inject low-humidity air directly beneath hardwood flooring, pulling moisture out without requiring removal. When caught quickly and dried properly, a majority of hardwood floors can be saved. Floors that have been wet for more than 48–72 hours or have significant cupping and buckling typically cannot be saved and must be replaced.
Why does ceiling water damage from a burst pipe need professional attention?
Ceiling water damage looks contained but almost never is. Water travels horizontally through ceiling cavities before dropping, meaning the wet area below is typically a fraction of the actual moisture footprint. Insulation above the ceiling holds water like a sponge. If drywall is wet and not properly dried, it becomes a mold substrate within 24–48 hours. We use thermal imaging to find the full extent of ceiling moisture before any drying begins.
Available right now
Burst pipe in Houston? Shut off the water and call us — we're 60 minutes away.
One call connects you to a certified technician — 24 hours a day, every day of the year.
Nationwide toll-free: 1-888-373-5996