Burst pipe cases-2026 winter storm

The recent ice storm caused a large number of emergency water leak calls. We’d like to share a few real cases with you.

Case 1

We received an emergency call reporting water flooding the front yard. Upon arrival, we found that the customer’s outdoor garden irrigation faucet PVC pipe had frozen and burst. Once the ice thawed, water started flowing everywhere.

Located the irrigation shut-off valve and turned off the water supply.

Cut the pipe from the cracked section and further back to ensure there were no hidden cracks.

Applied primer and glue, then capped the pipe.

Wrapped the remaining pipe with insulation to prevent future freezing.

Case 2

Townhouse Flooded from 3rd Floor to 1st Floor.

The customer’s townhouse was severely flooded, with water leaking from the 3rd floor down to the 2nd and 1st floors.

When we arrived, a water restoration company was already on site. The ceiling had been cut open, and more than a dozen dehumidifiers were running.

Using a thermal camera, we traced the source of the leak and determined it was coming from the master bathroom sink.

The issue turned out to be a leaking sink trap arm nut.

The cause: to prevent indoor pipes from freezing, the homeowner left the faucet running overnight on Saturday. However, they were unaware that the sink was leaking underneath the cabinet. The faucet ran all night, and so did the leak—resulting in extensive flooding throughout the home.

Lesson learned:
If you choose to leave faucets running to prevent pipes from freezing, always check under sinks and inside cabinets carefully to ensure there are no leaks in the drainage system. Continuous leaking can flood your entire home.

Case Three:

Ceiling Leak

Using a thermal camera, we identified the leaking area and cut open the ceiling.

We tested the upstairs bathtub by filling it with water and discovered that the leak was coming from the overflow drain.

The homeowner had filled the bathtub in advance, worried that the ice storm might cause water or power outages, so they planned to use the stored water to flush toilets if needed. Unfortunately, the bathtub was leaking, which resulted in property damage.

Case 4 Flooded Garage Due to Burst Pipe.

We received an emergency call about a flooded garage.

Upon inspection, we found that the hot water pipe connected to the water heater had no insulation and had frozen and burst.

Replaced the old, deteriorated gray poly pipe with PEX piping.

Added insulation to protect the pipe from freezing.

Recommended that the homeowner consider replacing all gray poly pipes in the house with PEX in the future

All four cases above were caused by this ice storm. We’re sharing them in hopes that they help others prevent similar issues in the future.