Houston doesn't get much freezing weather — but when it does, the results can be catastrophic. Apartment buildings with unprotected pipes can experience burst pipes that flood multiple units, cause tens of thousands in water damage, and displace tenants.
The February 2021 freeze was a wake-up call for Houston property managers. Thousands of apartment units were damaged by burst pipes. Here's how to protect your apartment community during winter freeze events.
Before the Freeze: Insulate all exposed pipes. Cover outdoor faucets. Open cabinet doors under sinks to let warm air circulate. Let faucets drip during freezing temperatures. Keep building heat at minimum 55°F, even in vacant units.
During the Freeze: Monitor building temperatures. Check on vulnerable units (exterior walls, top floor, north-facing). Keep faucets dripping. If you lose heat, drain the plumbing system to prevent burst pipes.
After the Freeze: Check all pipes for cracks and leaks. Turn water back on slowly and monitor for leaks. If a pipe burst, shut off water immediately and call for emergency repair. Document all damage for insurance.
Emergency Thawing: If a pipe is frozen but hasn't burst, thaw it carefully with a hair dryer or heat lamp. Never use an open flame. Start from the faucet end and work toward the frozen section. Keep the faucet open while thawing.
Burst Pipe Response: If a pipe bursts, shut off the main water supply immediately. Call Tell Projects at (832) 203-7987 for emergency water damage response. Remove standing water, document damage with photos, and contact your insurance company.
Pipe protection is cheap insurance. Foam pipe insulation costs less than $1 per foot. A burst pipe can cause $10,000+ in damage per unit. Protect your property before the next freeze. Call (832) 203-7987.
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