Frozen & Burst Pipe Repair in Odessa, TX

Where pipes freeze

Attics, exterior walls, garages, crawl spaces, outdoor taps, pump houses, evaporative cooler lines and pipes on the north side of the house. Wind makes the cold reach them faster.

If a pipe is frozen

Open the tap it feeds, then warm the pipe gently with a hair dryer or space heater kept at a safe distance. Never use an open flame or a torch.

If a pipe bursts

Shut off the main at once. Turn off the water heater if the main is off for long. Move valuables away from the water and photograph damage for insurance.

Diagram: a lever valve is closed when the handle sits across the pipe. A round handle turns clockwise to close.

Repairs

The plumber replaces the split section, checks the rest of the line for more splits and can reroute pipes out of cold spots so it doesn't happen again.

Insulation and protection

Foam pipe insulation, heat tape on exposed lines, insulated covers on outdoor taps and sealing gaps where cold air reaches pipes all help. See freeze protection.

After a freeze

Check outdoor taps, sprinkler lines and the water heater before running water normally. Send a request and a plumber will get in touch.

Evaporative coolers

Swamp coolers on roofs and walls have their own water line, often run through the attic or outside. If it isn't drained and shut off in fall, it's one of the first lines to split in a freeze. Drain it and shut it off when cooling season ends.

Frequently asked questions

Should I leave taps dripping?

Yes, during a hard freeze a slow drip at taps on outside walls keeps water moving and relieves pressure.

Will insurance cover freeze damage?

Many policies cover sudden water damage from a burst pipe. Some exclude damage if the house was left unheated. Check with your insurer.