Supply lines run continuously pressurized; failures release 6-8 gallons per minute. Houston's most common indoor water damage source. Source control, extraction, drying, reconstruction.
Supply line failures are the single most common source of indoor water damage in Houston homes. Unlike drain lines (gravity-fed, low pressure), supply lines run continuously pressurized at 50-100 PSI. A failed supply line behind a toilet, under a sink, or behind a washing machine can release 6-8 gallons per minute — over 10,000 gallons in 24 hours of unattended flooding.
| Supply Line Type | Common Failure Mode | Typical Volume / Hour | Failure Risk |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rubber washer hose | Rubber degradation 5-7 years | 250-400 gal/hr | HIGH |
| Plastic toilet supply | Crack at tank inlet 10-15 years | 200-350 gal/hr | HIGH |
| Braided stainless faucet | Internal rubber liner cracks | 50-100 gal/hr | MED |
| Copper rigid supply | Soldered joint failure | 30-60 gal/hr | LOW |
| PEX flexible supply | Fitting compression failure | 50-80 gal/hr | LOW |
| Dishwasher supply | Vibration loosening at valve | 100-200 gal/hr | MED |
| Refrigerator ice line | Plastic line freeze + crack | 20-40 gal/hr | MED |
| Outdoor hose bib | Freeze rupture, slow leak | 50-100 gal/hr | SEASONAL |
Plumber-coordinated repair or replacement of failed supply line. Often combined with valve replacement.
Truck-mounted extractor pulls standing water from carpet, hardwood, tile, vinyl flooring. Cat 1 clean water if < 24 hours.
FLIR thermal imaging and moisture meters document saturation extent in walls, subfloor, ceiling cavities.
Air movers and dehumidifiers staged per IICRC ASD. Baseboards removed, flood cuts where saturation extends beyond 12″.
3-5 days standard. Daily moisture readings logged for insurance documentation. Adjuster typically inspects mid-cycle.
Drywall, baseboards, paint, flooring restored per Xactimate scope. Workmanship warranty 1 year.