When people think of winter in Texas, water damage probably isn’t the first thing that comes to mind, but ask any homeowner or business owner who’s been through a holiday plumbing disaster or a frozen pipe burst, and they’ll tell you that Texas winters can be sneaky. At Full Service Property Restoration, we’ve seen it all. While we might not be dealing with blizzards and deep freezes like our northern neighbors, Texas weather has its own unique way of causing trouble when the temperatures drop.
Whether you’re gathering with family, hosting holiday guests, or heading out of town for a few days, winter water damage can turn your season upside down. That’s why we’re breaking down the most common causes, warning signs, and ways to protect your home or business during the winter months.
Key Takeaways
- Texas homes aren’t always built for freezing temps, making winter water damage more likely.
- Frozen and burst pipes are the most common cause of winter water damage in Texas.
- The holidays bring extra plumbing stress, like more guests, more water usage, more potential for problems.
- Preventative steps like insulating pipes, checking water heaters, and cleaning gutters can make a big difference.
- If you’re leaving town, consider shutting off the water supply or arranging regular checks.
- Act fast if you notice signs of water damage. Every minute counts when it comes to limiting the damage.
- Professional water restoration is key to fully drying, cleaning, and protecting your property from long-term issues like mold or structural damage.
The Problem with Texas Winters
Texas weather is unpredictable at best. One day it’s 75 and sunny, and the next, we’re waking up to icy roads and freezing temperatures. That sudden swing can wreak havoc on plumbing systems that aren’t prepared for the cold. Unlike colder states where homes are built with harsh winters in mind, many Texas properties aren’t insulated or designed to handle freezing conditions, especially older ones.
That makes pipes especially vulnerable to freezing and bursting. Because freezing weather doesn’t stick around long, a lot of homeowners don’t realize the extent of the damage until everything starts thawing out and water starts pouring in.
The Holiday Twist: More Risk, Less Time
Now layer on the holiday season. More people in your home. More cooking, more flushing, more showers, more dishes. Plumbing systems get overloaded.
On the other hand, if you’re leaving town, a small problem that could’ve been an easy fix can quickly snowball into a full-blown water damage emergency while you’re gone.
Holiday-related water damage is incredibly common. Frozen outdoor spigots, leaking water heaters, backed-up drains, and overworked dishwashers or washing machines can all become major issues if not caught early. We’ve responded to calls on Christmas morning, New Year’s Eve, and everything in between.
Common Winter Water Damage Culprits in Texas
Here are some of the most common winter-related water damage issues we see in Texas homes and businesses:
- Frozen Pipes: Especially in attics, crawlspaces, garages, and exterior walls with little to no insulation.
- Burst Pipes: When frozen water expands, it puts pressure on the pipe, eventually causing it to crack or burst.
- Water Heater Failures: Cold weather puts extra strain on water heaters, and if they’re older or not maintained, they can leak or fail completely.
- Clogged Drains & Sewer Backups: With more use over the holidays, blockages become more likely, and a backup can lead to serious flooding.
- Roof Leaks from Ice Dams or Debris: Even in Texas, occasional freezing rain and clogged gutters can cause roof issues that lead to indoor leaks.
What You Can Do to Prevent Winter Water Damage
The good news? A little preparation can go a long way in preventing most winter-related water issues. Here are a few simple things we recommend to protect your property:
- Insulate exposed pipes, especially those in garages, attics, or crawl spaces.
- Let faucets drip slightly during a freeze to keep water moving through the pipes.
- Open cabinet doors under sinks to allow warm air to circulate.
- Disconnect and drain outdoor hoses, and cover exterior faucets with insulated covers.
- Check your water heater, and flush it out if it hasn’t been serviced recently.
- Clean your gutters and downspouts before winter storms roll in.
- If you’re traveling, turn off your main water valve or have someone check on your property regularly.
Being proactive can save you thousands in potential damage and cleanup costs, but even the best-prepared homes can fall victim to an unexpected cold snap, especially in a state where freezing weather doesn’t always give you much warning.
What to Do If You Discover Water Damage
If you walk into a flooded kitchen, hear the sound of rushing water in your walls, or notice wet spots on the ceiling, the most important thing is not to panic. We know that water damage is stressful, but acting quickly can make a big difference.
Start by shutting off your main water supply to stop the flow. Then, if it’s safe to do so, turn off electricity in the affected areas. Call a professional water damage restoration team (like us!) right away. We’re available 24/7, even on weekends and holidays, because these things never happen at a “convenient” time.
Our job is to show up fast, assess the situation, remove the water, dry everything out properly, and help you recover as quickly as possible, without cutting corners.
We’re Local, We’re Fast, and We’re Here to Help
At Full Service Property Restoration, we live and work right here in Texas. That means we understand how unpredictable our winters can be. We’ve helped families and businesses across the state bounce back from frozen pipe disasters, holiday plumbing failures, and everything in between.
Our team brings experience, compassion, and a no-nonsense approach to every job. We’ll walk you through the process, work with your insurance company, and keep you updated every step of the way. When water damage threatens your home, we know how important it is to get things back to normal as quickly as possible, especially during the holidays.
Need Help? We’ve Got You Covered.
If winter weather has caught you off guard or you’re dealing with a holiday water disaster, Full Service Property Restoration is here to help. Whether it’s a minor leak or a major flood, our team is ready to respond quickly and get your property back in shape.
Don’t wait until the damage gets worse. We’re here for you 24/7, with expert support and fast, professional restoration services throughout Texas. Call us today.
