Frozen & Burst Pipe Cleanup — Mansfield TX
Mansfield’s February 2021 ice storm caused 800+ burst pipe incidents. We’re the team that responded then, and we’re ready now. 35-minute response. 24/7. IICRC certified.
Why Texas Pipes Freeze and Burst
Texas plumbing was not designed for extended freezes. Northern states insulate pipes inside walls and keep attics above freezing. Texas homes — especially those built before 2000 — have supply lines in attic spaces, exterior walls, and crawlspaces that are completely exposed when temperatures drop below 28°F for more than 4 hours.
The February 2021 Uri ice storm held Mansfield below 20°F for 76+ consecutive hours. Pipes froze, then expanded, then burst — but the burst itself often didn’t happen until the thaw. Homeowners woke up to flowing water from pipes that had cracked during the freeze but held until the ice plug melted.
PEX is not freeze-proof. It is more flexible than copper and can expand slightly, but the fittings — especially crimp-ring elbows — do not flex. Heritage and South Pointe subdivisions saw PEX fitting pullout failures at a rate 3× higher than copper neighborhoods during Uri.
What To Do Right Now If Your Pipes Are Frozen
⚠️ Do not open faucets and wait. A frozen pipe that thaws unattended will flood your home. Instead:
① Locate your main water shut-off valve — In Mansfield, it’s typically near the water meter at the street or at the utility room wall
② Shut off the main before any pipe thaws
③ Call (817) 555-0192 — We can walk you through pipe location by phone and dispatch immediately
④ Open faucets to release pressure — Once the main is off, open a faucet to vent any remaining pressure in the lines
⑤ Document everything — Photos of the frozen pipe location before any thawing, for insurance
Frozen Pipe FAQs
Is frozen pipe damage covered by homeowners insurance?
Yes — frozen pipe bursts are among the most clearly covered water damage events under standard Texas HO-3 policies. The key condition is that you must have taken reasonable steps to prevent freezing (i.e., your heat was functioning). Claims denied due to “neglect” are almost always for homes where heat was turned off. If your heater failed during the storm, that can affect your claim — let us help you document the sequence of events.
How do I know if my pipe has burst or is still just frozen?
If the pipe is still frozen, you may see frost on an exterior wall, a bulge in drywall, or a faucet with no flow. A burst pipe will show water once it thaws. The safest approach: shut off your main water valve and call us. We’ll arrive with thermal imaging to locate the frozen section before it thaws and floods.
Burst Pipe Emergency? We’re 35 Minutes Away.
IICRC S500 certified · Direct insurance billing · Mansfield TX & surrounding areas