Water Damage Restoration in Dallas, TX
Dallas by the numbers: 117 flood report days from 2016 to 2025, 23 freezing nights a year, 9 federal disaster declarations since 2016. Below: first steps, the records, Texas insurance rules and costs.
Updated October 31, 2026
First Steps for Water in a Home in Dallas
- Burst pipe: shut the main water valve, then open the lowest faucet to drain the lines (burst pipe steps).
- Stay clear of wet outlets and cords.
- Photograph the damage, then call your insurer.
How Often Dallas Floods
The 11 counties of the Dallas-Fort Worth metro area logged flooding on 117 days from 2016 to 2025 (430 NOAA reports), June most often.
At the Dallas 2.7 WNW gauge, May is the wettest month with 4.8 inches on average.
| Month | Flood report days | Normal precipitation (in) |
|---|---|---|
| January | 5 | 2.7 |
| February | 5 | 2.9 |
| March | 4 | 3.9 |
| April | 15 | 3.5 |
| May | 22 | 4.8 |
| June | 25 | 4.5 |
| July | 9 | 2 |
| August | 10 | 2.6 |
| September | 10 | 3.2 |
| October | 6 | 4.8 |
| November | 4 | 3.1 |
| December | 2 | 3.4 |
| County | Flood report days | Reports |
|---|---|---|
| Dallas County | 51 | 121 |
| Tarrant County | 42 | 92 |
| Denton County | 28 | 44 |
| Collin County | 20 | 31 |
| Johnson County | 18 | 25 |
| Wise County | 18 | 29 |
| Kaufman County | 17 | 27 |
| Ellis County | 11 | 28 |
| Hunt County | 8 | 17 |
| Parker County | 7 | 12 |
Freezing Nights in Dallas
Dallas averages 23 nights a year at or below 32°F (Dallas Love Field station). About 2 of them drop to 20°F or colder. NOAA counted 18 winter storm, ice or extreme cold days in the 11 counties of the Dallas-Fort Worth metro area from 2016 to 2025.
Unheated crawl spaces, attics and garages freeze first (Red Cross); keep the heat at 55°F or more (IBHS).
Storms and Disasters in Dallas-Fort Worth
The 11 counties of the Dallas-Fort Worth metro area were named in 9 federal weather or fire declarations since 2016 (OpenFEMA).
Notable NOAA storm reports
- April 28, 2026: Tornado, EF3 (Parker County)This is a continuation of the EF-3 tornado that began in Palo Pinto County. The tornado continued damaging homes and businesses southeast of Country Club Parkway producing damage consistent with 100 to 130 mph winds.
- March 4, 2025: Thunderstorm wind, 105 mph gust (Tarrant County)Damage to several homes was reported in Haltom City, including the partial loss of roof decking. Multiple large trees were snapped around 5 feet from the ground, and one tree was uprooted.
- June 15, 2023: Hail, 5.9 inch hail (Denton County)Large hail over 2 inches in diameter fell in Sanger for several minutes. A photo of a hailstone greater than 5 inches in diameter was shown in Sanger.
- August 22, 2022: Flash flood (Dallas County)Broadcast media reported considerable street and home flooding in Balch Springs, with cars inundated and water rescues needed.
- October 20, 2019: Tornado, EF3 (Dallas County)The tornado formed in northwest Dallas, near State Highway 348 and Luna Road, where large tree damage and minor roof damage was initially observed.
Federal disaster declarations
- May 17, 2024: Severe Storms, Straight-Line Winds, Tornadoes, And FloodingFlood, FEMA DR-4781
- February 19, 2021: Severe Winter StormsSevere Ice Storm, FEMA DR-4586
- February 14, 2021: Severe Winter StormSevere Ice Storm, FEMA EM-3554
- August 24, 2020: Tropical Storms Marco And LauraHurricane, FEMA EM-3540
- August 25, 2017: Hurricane HarveyHurricane, FEMA DR-4332
- June 11, 2016: Severe Storms And FloodingFlood, FEMA DR-4272
Dallas Housing at a Glance
Census figures for the city of Dallas (American Community Survey, 2020 to 2024): 590,237 housing units, a median build year of 1981, 48% built before 1980, 34% before 1970, 42% owner occupied.
Texas Insurance Rules for Water Claims
Texas law gives an insurer 15 business days to confirm it received a claim and, once it has what it needs, 15 business days to decide whether to pay, extendable by 45 days with a reason (Texas Department of Insurance, claim deadlines).
Claim problems in Texas go to the Texas Department of Insurance.
Flood damage needs a separate flood policy, which typically starts 30 days after purchase (FloodSmart). Look up Dallas flood zones on FEMA's flood maps.
Restoration Cost Guide for Dallas
| Typical range (national) | Cost |
|---|---|
| Most jobs | $1,305 to $5,707 |
| Sewage, per sq ft | $7 to $7.50 |
| Average insurer payout, water or freeze claim | $15,400 |
Sources: Bob Vila, May 2023; III, 2019 to 2023.
Areas Served Around Dallas
The same 24/7 line covers the Dallas-Fort Worth metro area, including:
- Dallas
- Fort Worth
- Arlington
- Plano
- Irving
- Garland
- Frisco
- McKinney
- Grand Prairie
- Denton
- Mesquite
- Lewisville
Other Texas city guides
Questions
When is the first freeze in Dallas?
The median first night at or below 32°F is November 29 and the median last is March 2 at the Dallas Love Field station (NOAA normals, 1991 to 2020).
Does Texas license mold assessment or remediation?
Yes. The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation licenses mold assessment and mold remediation, and its rules require contractors doing that work to be licensed (TDLR, mold assessors and remediators FAQ).
How fast does mold start?
Dry wet materials within 24 to 48 hours (EPA).
Sources: NOAA Storm Events, NOAA normals, OpenFEMA, Census ACS, Texas Department of Insurance, claim deadlines, TDLR, mold assessors and remediators FAQ, EPA mold guide.