Busted Pipes from Freezing Temperatures: What Ellis County Property Owners Need to Know

Freezing temperatures in North Texas can create serious problems for homes and businesses that are not properly prepared. One of the most common and damaging winter emergencies is a busted pipe caused by freezing conditions. When temperatures drop suddenly, water inside pipes can freeze, expand, and place extreme pressure on plumbing lines—often leading to cracks or complete pipe failure.

Homeowners and business owners in Waxahachie, Mansfield, Midlothian, Red Oak, and throughout Ellis County experience pipe-related water damage every winter. Understanding why pipes burst, how to reduce the risk, and what to do if a pipe fails can help limit damage and speed up recovery.

Why Pipes Burst During Freezing Weather

Contrary to popular belief, pipes usually do not burst because ice itself breaks the pipe. Instead, the pressure created when water freezes and expands inside a confined space causes the pipe to split—often in sections where water is trapped between ice blockages.

Pipes most vulnerable to freezing include:

• Exterior wall plumbing
• Uninsulated attic pipes
• Garage supply lines
• Outdoor hose bibs and sprinkler lines
• Pipes in vacant or rarely used buildings

Older homes and commercial properties with aging plumbing systems are especially at risk during extended cold snaps.

Common Signs of a Frozen or Busted Pipe

Frozen pipes are not always obvious until damage has already occurred. Some warning signs to watch for include:

• No water flow or reduced pressure from faucets
• Frost visible on exposed pipes
• Unusual odors coming from drains
• Bulging or cracked pipe sections
• Water stains on walls, ceilings, or floors

If a pipe bursts, water can spread rapidly through walls, flooring, cabinets, and insulation—especially if the break occurs overnight or while the property is unoccupied.

How Quickly Water Damage Spreads After a Pipe Bursts

A busted pipe can release hundreds of gallons of water in a short period of time. Once water escapes the plumbing system, it follows gravity and absorbs into building materials quickly.

Within the first hours of a pipe failure, water may:

• Soak into drywall and baseboards
• Damage flooring and subfloors
• Enter wall cavities and insulation
• Spread into adjacent rooms and lower levels

If left untreated, secondary damage such as mold growth and structural deterioration can begin within 24–48 hours.

What to Do Immediately After Discovering Busted Pipes

Quick action is critical to limiting damage from a frozen or burst pipe. If you discover a plumbing failure:

• Shut off the main water supply immediately
• Turn off electricity to affected areas if water is present
• Document visible damage for insurance purposes
• Remove valuables from wet areas if safe to do so
• Contact a professional water damage restoration company

Attempting to dry the area with household fans alone often leaves hidden moisture behind, increasing the risk of mold and long-term damage.

Preventing Frozen Pipes in Ellis County

While North Texas winters are unpredictable, there are proactive steps property owners can take to reduce the risk of busted pipes:

• Insulate exposed plumbing in attics, garages, and exterior walls
• Disconnect outdoor hoses and winterize sprinkler systems
• Allow faucets to drip during extreme cold
• Keep interior doors open to allow warm air circulation
• Maintain consistent indoor temperatures, even when away

For commercial buildings and vacant properties, routine winter inspections are especially important.

Professional Water Damage Restoration After a Burst Pipe

When a pipe bursts, professional restoration helps stop damage progression and protect the structure. PuroClean of Waxahachie provides 24/7 emergency water damage restoration services across Waxahachie, Mansfield, Midlothian, Red Oak, Ennis, and surrounding Ellis County communities.

Our restoration process includes:

• Rapid water extraction
• Moisture detection and mapping
• Structural drying using industrial equipment
• Daily monitoring to ensure proper drying

Addressing moisture early helps reduce repair costs and prevents secondary damage.

Protecting Your Property During Winter Weather

Busted pipes from freezing temperatures are one of the most common winter-related emergencies in Ellis County. Preparation, early detection, and quick professional response are key to minimizing damage.

If you experience a frozen or burst pipe, acting quickly can make the difference between minor repairs and extensive restoration. Professional assessment and drying help ensure your property is safely and thoroughly restored.