Burst Pipe Repair in McKinney, TX

Right now: stop the water

1. Close the main shutoff valve. In many McKinney homes it's in the garage, near where the water line comes through the foundation, or in a utility area. If you don't know where it is, see how to shut off your water.
2. Turn off the water heater: gas to "pilot" or "off", electric at the breaker.
3. Open the lowest faucet in the house, and an upstairs tap if you have one, to drain the remaining water and pressure.
4. Deal with electricity safely. If water is near outlets or appliances, stay out of the water. Only turn off circuits if you can reach the panel without standing in water.
5. Photograph the damage, then start removing water and wet belongings.

For a longer checklist covering clean-up and drying, read burst pipe: what to do.

Why pipes burst

• Freezing. Water expands as it freezes, and pressure builds between the ice and a closed faucet until the pipe splits. The split often appears when the pipe thaws, which is when the water starts flowing.
• High water pressure that strains pipes and fittings over time.
• Corrosion in older metal pipes, which thins the wall until it gives way.
• Failed fittings and supply lines, especially old braided hoses to washing machines, toilets and faucets.
• Physical damage from nails, screws or ground movement.

Pipes most at risk in a North Texas freeze

North Texas homes are built for heat more than cold, so pipes are often run in places that get very cold during a hard freeze:

• Pipes in exterior walls, especially on the north side of the house
• Pipes in the attic, which many homes in the area have
• Pipes in an unheated garage, including water heater lines
• Outdoor hose bibs and exposed pipes by the foundation
• Irrigation backflow preventers, which sit above ground and are easily damaged

The February 2021 winter storm (Winter Storm Uri) showed how many homes in the region had vulnerable pipes. McKinney residents were asked to drip faucets and conserve water during the storm, and the city later waived certain permit fees for 60 days while people made repairs.

How a plumber repairs a burst pipe

The repair depends on the pipe material and where it is:

• Copper: the split section is cut out and a new piece is soldered or joined with press or push fittings.
• PEX: the plastic tubing common in newer homes. A damaged section is cut out and joined with crimp or expansion fittings. PEX tolerates freezing better than rigid pipe but can still split, and its fittings can fail.
• CPVC: a rigid plastic that can crack when frozen. Damaged sections are cut out and replaced.
• Galvanized steel: found in some older homes. It corrodes from the inside, and a burst is often a sign that other sections are near the end of their life.

If the pipe is in a wall or ceiling, the plumber will need to open the drywall to reach it. Drywall repair and painting are usually separate from the plumbing.

After a freeze, a good plumber will pressure test the system or check for other splits before closing everything up, because freezing rarely damages just one spot.

Repair or repipe?

Repair makes sense for a single failure in otherwise sound pipe. If the home has repeated leaks, corroded galvanized pipe, or a type of pipe with a history of problems, ask about repiping sections of the house or the whole house. See leak detection if you suspect more than one leak.

Protecting pipes before the next freeze

• Insulate exposed pipes in the attic, garage and exterior walls with foam pipe insulation.
• Disconnect garden hoses and cover outdoor faucets with insulated covers.
• Protect the irrigation backflow preventer with an insulated cover or wrap, and drain it if you know how.
• During a hard freeze, let faucets on exterior walls drip, and open cabinet doors under sinks to let warm air reach the pipes.
• Keep the heat on, even if you are away. Don't set the thermostat very low.
• Know where your main shutoff is and make sure it turns. A valve that hasn't moved in years can stick.
• Consider a smart leak detector or automatic shutoff valve, which can close the main if it senses a leak.

What to ask a plumber

• Have you checked the rest of the system for other freeze damage?
• Is this pipe material worth repairing, or should this section be replaced?
• Can you give me a written description of the cause for my insurance claim?
• What can I do to protect this pipe in future?

Look up the plumber's license on the TSBPE lookup.