A burst pipe, major sewer backup, or gas leak can cause thousands of dollars in damage in a matter of minutes. Knowing what to do in the first few minutes of a plumbing emergency can mean the difference between a manageable repair and a catastrophic loss. Here are the four steps every Highland Lakes homeowner should take immediately.
1. Shut Off the Water
Your first priority is stopping the flow of water. Every homeowner should know the location of their main water shutoff valve before an emergency occurs. In most Central Texas homes, it’s located near the water meter — typically at the front of the property near the street, or in a utility area near the water heater.
If the emergency is isolated to a single fixture (a toilet that won’t stop running, a supply line that’s burst under a sink), use the fixture’s individual shutoff valve rather than the main. This minimizes disruption to the rest of the house while you wait for a plumber.
2. Turn Off the Water Heater
If you’ve shut off the main water supply, turn off your water heater as well. Running a tank water heater without water flowing through it can damage the heating element and, in gas units, create a dangerous situation. Set a gas water heater to “pilot” mode; switch an electric unit off at the breaker.
3. Open Drains and Faucets
After shutting off the main supply, open the lowest faucet in the house (typically an outdoor hose bib or a basement faucet) to drain residual water from the pipes. This reduces pressure in the system and minimizes further leakage from the damaged area.
4. Document the Damage and Call a Licensed Plumber
Take photos and video of the damage before any cleanup begins. This documentation is essential for insurance claims. Then call a licensed plumber immediately — not a handyman, not a general contractor. Plumbing emergencies require a licensed professional who can diagnose the full extent of the problem, make code-compliant repairs, and provide documentation for your insurance company.
Knockout Plumbing Services responds to plumbing emergencies throughout the Highland Lakes region. Call (325) 248-1800 any time — we’ll tell you honestly whether your situation requires immediate response or can wait until the next business day.