Plumbing Emergency in Arlington, TX: What to Do in the First 10 Minutes

In a plumbing emergency, shut off the main water valve first. Then turn off power to any wet area, move valuables, and start removing water. Take photos for insurance. If you can't find the leak or stop it, call (817) 285-5426. We answer 24 hours a day in Arlington.

When the source isn't clear, our team handles emergency leak detection Arlington TX homeowners can call at any hour.

What should I do first in a plumbing emergency?

Stop the water. Close the main shut-off valve, which in most Arlington homes is near the front hose bib, in the garage or at the meter box by the street. Turn it clockwise until it stops. If the water is coming from one fixture, closing that fixture's valve can be enough.

See our step-by-step guide on finding the main water shut-off valve. Practice once now so you can do it fast later.

What are the 7 steps for the first 10 minutes?

Shut off the water, cut power to wet areas, open faucets to drain the lines, move valuables and furniture, soak up standing water, take photos, then call for help. Doing these in order keeps you safe and limits how far the water spreads.

1. Shut off the water at the main valve or the fixture valve.
2. Cut the power to any room where water is near outlets or cords. Do not step into standing water to reach a panel.
3. Open a low faucet, such as an outdoor hose bib, to drain water left in the pipes.
4. Move valuables, electronics and rugs out of the wet area.
5. Soak up water with towels or a wet vac. Put foil under furniture legs.
6. Take photos and video of the damage and the source for your insurance claim.
7. Call for help to find and fix the leak.

What counts as a plumbing emergency?

A burst pipe, water coming through a ceiling, a leak you can't shut off, sewage backing up, a hot spot on the floor with a running meter, or water near electrical panels are all emergencies. A slow drip under a sink can usually wait for a normal visit, as long as you can catch the water.

A warm floor with a moving meter often means a hot water line under the concrete. Our guide to hot water slab leaks explains what to do, and our slab leak detection Arlington visit pinpoints it.

What if the leak is in the ceiling?

Shut off the water and the power to that room, then put a bucket under the drip. If the ceiling is sagging, poke a small hole at the lowest point to let the water out in one spot. That stops the drywall from collapsing. Keep people and pets out of the room.

In Arlington, ceiling leaks often come from attic pipes or an AC drain line. Read our guides to attic water pipe leaks and AC drain line leaks.

Should I share this checklist with family?

Yes. Everyone in the house should know where the main valve is and how to close it. Older parents, college students and family in other states benefit too. The steps are the same in any home: stop the water, make it safe, then call a local pro.

If you have relatives in northwest Arizona, a local emergency plumber Kingman residents call is the right number for them to keep handy. For homes here, save our number in your phone.

What happens when the technician arrives?

The technician confirms the water is off, finds the exact leak with acoustic, thermal and pressure tools, and explains the repair options with a price before work starts. For a burst pipe that is easy to reach, the fix can often happen on the same visit.

Basic leak detection runs about $150 to $400, and slab leak searches about $250 to $600. For more, see our slab leak repair options guide.