Burst Pipe Repair Cost in Texas (2026): Freeze Damage Guide
Texas homes aren't built for long hard freezes. Many water lines run through attics, exterior walls and unheated garages, and when a cold snap comes with power outages, those pipes split. The February 2021 winter storm (Uri) led to 510,772 insurance claims and about $11.2 billion in expected insured losses in Texas, and the average residential property loss was about $17,600 [8]. That figure covers all freeze damage, not just pipes, but frozen pipes and the water that followed were a big part of it [8]. This guide covers what the plumbing repair costs, what the water cleanup adds, and how to keep it from happening next winter. Cost figures come from 2026 published guides, two of them for Houston and Dallas.
| Item | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Typical burst pipe repair (national) | Average $500; most pay $200–$3,000 [1][2]. Another 2026 guide puts a typical job near $650, range $200–$2,000 [5] |
| Typical burst pipe job in Houston | $395–$1,480 [3] |
| Typical burst pipe job in Dallas | $410–$1,550 [4] |
| Price per linear foot of pipe replaced | $150–$250 national [1]; $150–$245 Houston [3]; $150–$260 Dallas [4] |
| Pipe inside a wall | $150–$500 [1]; $450–$1,100 including the drywall cut and patch [5] |
| Pipe in a bathroom | $150–$800 [1][2] |
| Thawing a frozen (not burst) pipe | About $100 flat fee [1][2] |
| Emergency or after-hours call fee | Adds $100–$300 [1][2] |
| Water damage cleanup on top of the pipe fix | Houston $990–$1,970 [3]; Dallas $1,030–$2,060 [4] |
| Water damage restoration, per square foot | $3–$7.50 per sq ft [6][7]; national average job $3,865 [6] |
The sources agree that the pipe itself is the cheap part. Labor is roughly 80% of a burst pipe bill [1][2], and the water cleanup can cost more than the plumbing [3][4][6]. Where the guides differ most is on pipes inside walls: one lists $150–$500 [1], another $450–$1,100 once you count opening and patching the drywall [5]. Get a written estimate that says whether drywall repair is included.
What moves the price
- Where the pipe broke. A split under a sink or in an open utility room is the cheapest. Pipes in walls, ceilings, attics or under the slab cost more because someone has to cut in to reach them [1][5].
- How long the water ran. Water damage cleanup is a separate bill, and it grows with the wet area and how long water sat [6][7].
- Timing. During a statewide freeze, almost every call is an emergency. After-hours fees add $100–$300 [1][2], and plumbers can be booked for days.
- How many breaks. A hard freeze often splits pipes in more than one spot. Each extra section adds per-foot cost [1][3].
- Pipe material. A hard-to-reach copper line costs more to fix than plastic pipe under a sink [1].
If a pipe bursts right now
- Turn off the water at the main shutoff valve. On most Texas homes it's near the street in a concrete or plastic box in the ground [10][9].
- If water is near outlets, lights or the breaker panel, don't touch switches while standing in water [12].
- Take photos and video before you clean up, then start drying the area. Keep receipts.
- Call your insurance company. Many home and renters policies cover sudden and accidental water damage from burst pipes. Flood insurance doesn't [9].
How to prevent it next freeze
- Insulate attic pipes first. After the 2021 storm, the Texas Department of Insurance said the attic was the No. 1 place pipes froze [10].
- Days before a freeze, wrap pipes in unheated spaces, remove hoses, cover outdoor faucets, and drain your sprinkler system [9].
- During the freeze, open sink cabinets and let hot and cold faucets drip, following any local water-use limits [9].
- If you leave town before a freeze, turn the water off at the shutoff and leave the heat on [9].
- These steps matter for insurance too. A policy may not pay for frozen pipes if you didn't take reasonable steps to protect them, such as keeping the heat on [9]. After Uri, the state told insurers to weigh power outages and other things outside an owner's control [11].
If the break was under the slab, see our slab leak repair cost guide. If the freeze exposed old or failing pipes all over the house, compare the cost of a whole-house repipe. For a fixed price on your own repair, get a free quote from local Texas pros.
Sources
- Angi, How Much Does Burst Pipe Repair Cost? (updated Oct 6, 2026)
- HomeAdvisor, How Much Does a Burst Pipe Repair Cost in 2026? (updated Jun 20, 2026)
- Angi, How Much Does Pipe Leak Repair Cost in Houston, TX?
- Angi, How Much Does Pipe Leak Repair Cost in Dallas, TX?
- HomeJobCosts, Burst Pipe Repair Cost in 2026 (Oct 2026)
- SERVPRO, How Much Does Water Damage Restoration Cost? (citing Angi 2026 data)
- RestoreAdvisor, Water Damage Restoration Cost Per Square Foot (Jul 2026)
- Texas Department of Insurance, Insured Losses from the February 2021 Texas Winter Weather Event (data as of Mar 31, 2022)
- Texas Department of Insurance, Winter storms: Tips for preparing your house and pipes
- Texas Department of Insurance, Are your water pipes ready for winter?
- Texas Department of Insurance, Bulletin B-0010-21: Adjusting claims for losses caused by freezing
- FEMA, Tips for returning home safely after a disaster
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