Water Damage Restoration in El Paso, TX
El Paso by the numbers: 42 flood report days from 2016 to 2025, 42 freezing nights a year, 2 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 El Paso
- 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 El Paso Floods
El Paso and Hudspeth counties logged flooding on 42 days from 2016 to 2025 (50 NOAA reports), August most often.
At the El Paso 1.2 WSW gauge, August is the wettest month with 1.8 inches on average.
| Month | Flood report days | Normal precipitation (in) |
|---|---|---|
| January | 0 | 0.6 |
| February | 0 | 0.6 |
| March | 0 | 0.3 |
| April | 0 | 0.4 |
| May | 1 | 0.5 |
| June | 3 | 0.7 |
| July | 16 | 1.7 |
| August | 17 | 1.8 |
| September | 5 | 1.6 |
| October | 0 | 0.9 |
| November | 0 | 0.5 |
| December | 0 | 0.8 |
| County | Flood report days | Reports |
|---|---|---|
| El Paso County | 39 | 45 |
| Hudspeth County | 5 | 5 |
Freezing Nights in El Paso
El Paso averages 42 nights a year at or below 32°F (El Paso International Airport station). About 2 of them drop to 20°F or colder. NOAA counted 3 winter storm, ice or extreme cold days in El Paso and Hudspeth counties 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 El Paso
El Paso and Hudspeth counties were named in 2 federal weather or fire declarations since 2016 (OpenFEMA).
Notable NOAA storm reports
- June 28, 2021: Flash flood (El Paso County)The El Paso Police reported a large amount of mud and debris causing a road closure near Doniphan and Sunland Park Drive.
- September 24, 2019: Tornado, EFU (Hudspeth County)Two weak landspout tornadoes were reported about 12 miles north of Sierra Blanca. Both lasted an unknown amount of time with no injuries or damage reported from them.
- April 22, 2019: Tornado, EF0 (El Paso County)A photo was received of a weak landspout tornado near the town of Clint. No damage done.
- July 13, 2018: Thunderstorm wind, 82 mph gust (El Paso County)An 82 mph wind gust was recorded at the El Paso International Airport.
- April 12, 2017: Hail, 2.5 inch hail (Hudspeth County)Hail from 1.5 inches to 2.5 inches in diameter was reported in and around Sierra Blanca. Some areas had hail up to 3 inches deep. Numerous house windows and automobile windshields were damaged, with many cars left dented.
Federal disaster declarations
- February 19, 2021: Severe Winter StormsSevere Ice Storm, FEMA DR-4586
- February 14, 2021: Severe Winter StormSevere Ice Storm, FEMA EM-3554
El Paso Housing at a Glance
Census figures for the city of El Paso (American Community Survey, 2020 to 2024): 265,320 housing units, a median build year of 1984, 44% built before 1980, 29% before 1970, 61% 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 El Paso flood zones on FEMA's flood maps.
Restoration Cost Guide for El Paso
| 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.
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Questions
When is the first freeze in El Paso?
The median first night at or below 32°F is November 20 and the median last is March 2 at the El Paso International Airport 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.