Texas Homeowner Water Damage Guide

First Moves When Water Enters a Texas Home

The source of water determines your first actions. For a burst pipe, locate and turn the main water shutoff clockwise. In many Texas homes, the shutoff is outside near the meter or in the garage. If floodwater from a storm is the cause, your priority is to stay safe and wait for the water to recede before attempting any interior work.

After Hurricane Harvey or the 2021 freeze, many Texans learned the hard way that electrical hazards linger. The CDC says never to go near a wet breaker panel. Have a licensed electrician confirm the system is safe. Gas leaks are another risk—if you smell gas, leave and call 911.

• Shut off water at the main valve if the problem is a plumbing leak or broken pipe.
• If the water is from outside flooding, turn off the main breaker only if you can reach it from a dry spot.
• Do not wade through standing water in a dark basement or crawlspace where you cannot see hazards.
• Use a battery-powered light, not candles, to inspect damage; leaking gas can ignite without warning.
• Call the gas company if you notice the rotten-egg odor of natural gas or hear a hissing sound.

Hurricanes, Flash Floods, and Freeze Events in Texas

Texas weather swings from triple-digit heat to ice storms. Along the Gulf, hurricanes bring storm surge and torrential rain that can flood inland for miles. In central and north Texas, flash flooding from extreme thunderstorms can fill dry creek beds in minutes. Each type of water contains different contaminants and requires different cleanup approaches.

Winter freezes pose a different threat: pipes in uninsulated attics and exterior walls can freeze and burst. When the ice thaws, water pours out for hours. The EPA advises that water-soaked drywall and insulation must be removed if they cannot be dried within a day or two. After a freeze, you may need to turn off the water and open taps to drain the system.

• During hurricane warnings, bring outdoor furniture inside and elevate valuables off the ground floor.
• Never drive across a flooded road; water depth and current can change rapidly.
• After a freeze, inspect each room for water stains and listen for the sound of running water behind walls.
• If you must walk through flooded areas, wear sturdy boots and watch for displaced sewage or sharp objects.
• Freeze-thaw cycles can crack foundations; look for new cracks or doors that suddenly stick after cold weather.

Documenting the Loss and Filing an Insurance Claim

Take photos and videos of the entire home, even rooms that were not affected. FEMA's guidance advises capturing serial numbers on appliances and holding onto receipts for everything you purchase related to the loss. This record helps you get reimbursed and substantiates your claim.

When you call your insurance company, ask them to email or mail you a copy of your full policy with endorsements. Many Texas policies have separate deductibles for wind, hail, or flood. If you and the adjuster disagree on the value of the loss, remember the Texas Department of Insurance can step in to answer questions and investigate complaints.

• Use your phone to record a slow walkthrough of every room, narrating details like 'water line was up to here.'
• Take a photo of the serial plate on each damaged appliance, furnace, and water heater.
• Save all receipts—tarps, fans, dehumidifiers, lumber for temporary repairs—in a folder or phone scan.
• Ask the adjuster to show you the line items in their estimate and compare them with your own notes.
• If you feel a claim is denied unfairly, contact the Texas Department of Insurance's consumer help line.

How to Choose a Repair Contractor in Texas

Texas does not have a statewide general contractor license. Instead, specific trades—such as electricians, air conditioning technicians, and plumbers—are licensed by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR). Before hiring anyone, verify that they hold the required trade license for the work they propose to do.

For general repair and remodeling, you need to do additional homework. Check with your city or county to see if they require a local registration or permit. Always ask for proof of general liability insurance and a written contract. The Texas Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division can help you if you encounter fraud or price gouging after a disaster.

• Search the TDLR website to verify electrician, HVAC, and plumber licenses.
• Ask for a copy of the contractor's insurance certificate and call the insurer to confirm it is current.
• Request at least three local references and ask them about cleanup quality and timeliness.
• Read the contract carefully; it should spell out cleanup, drying, demolition, and reconstruction scopes separately.
• Report suspected disaster price gouging or unlicensed activity to the Texas Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division.

Drying, Mold, and Texas Recovery Resources

In Texas's humid climate, especially along the coast and after summer storms, mold can appear within two days. The EPA recommends removing any building material that stayed wet longer than 48 hours. Use moisture meters to probe drywall and framing; a reading above about 14-15% indicates the material needs more drying or removal.

The Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) coordinates disaster response and recovery. Their website lists active disaster declarations, shelter locations, and information about federal assistance. After a major declared disaster, you may be eligible for FEMA grants or Small Business Administration loans even if you have insurance.

• Run a dehumidifier in each affected room and empty or drain it continuously.
• Open closet doors fully so air can circulate; moisture often hides in these enclosed spaces.
• Check behind bathtub panels and under cabinets where water may have seeped but not evaporated.
• Visit the Texas Division of Emergency Management site for updated recovery programs and disaster status.
• Consider hiring a mold assessment consultant if the affected area is large or if anyone in the home has respiratory issues.

Questions people ask