What counts as a plumbing emergency
- A burst or leaking pipe spraying or dripping into walls, ceilings or floors
- A water heater leaking from the tank
- A sewer or drain backup coming up into tubs, showers or floor drains
- No water to the house, or a leak you cannot stop
- An AC condensate line overflowing into a ceiling or closet (see AC repair)
First steps while you wait
Find the main water shutoff before you need it. In many Las Vegas homes it is on the front side of the house near where the water line enters, or in the garage; there is also a meter shutoff at the street. For a leak at a single fixture, the small valves under the sink or behind the toilet will stop it. For a water heater leak, close the cold water valve on top of the tank and turn off the gas or the power to the heater.
Move valuables away from the water, turn off electricity to any area where water is near outlets or appliances, and take photos for your insurance. Then call (725) 302-1437; we answer 24 hours a day.
Hard water and pressure
Las Vegas water is hard, which builds up scale in water heaters, fixtures and valves over time. High water pressure is also common in parts of the valley and puts extra stress on pipes, supply lines and water heaters. When we fix a leak, we look at what caused it so it does not happen again.
Our focus is cooling
Plumbing emergencies are a secondary line for us; our main work is air conditioning. That means the same 24/7 phone line covers both: if your AC drain overflows or you find a leak while we are in the attic, one call handles it. For cooling, start with AC repair, 24-hour AC repair or AC tune-ups, and see all services.
We take emergency plumbing calls in Las Vegas, Henderson, North Las Vegas, Summerlin, Paradise and Boulder City.
Common emergency calls
Burst supply lines
Braided supply lines to toilets, sinks and washing machines are a frequent source of sudden leaks. A failed line can release a lot of water quickly, so shut off the valve and call.
Leaking water heaters
Hard water and sediment shorten tank life. A tank that is leaking from the bottom usually needs to be replaced; a leak at a fitting or valve may be repairable.
Slab leaks
Warm spots on the floor, the sound of running water with everything off, or a water bill that jumps can point to a leak under the slab. We help you confirm it and plan the repair.
Main drain backups
Water coming up in a tub or shower when you run the washer or flush a toilet usually means the main line is blocked. Stop using water and call.
After the emergency
Once the water is off and the immediate problem is fixed, there are a few things to do. Dry out wet areas quickly, since drywall, cabinets and carpet pad can grow mold within days in a closed house. Take photos of the damage and keep receipts if you plan to file an insurance claim. And ask what caused the failure: a supply line that burst from age, a water heater that rusted through, or pressure that is too high. Fixing the cause prevents the next emergency.
Questions we hear a lot
Where is my water shutoff?
Often on the front of the house near where the line enters, or in the garage. There is also a shutoff at the meter by the street. If you cannot find it, we can talk you through it on the phone.
My AC is leaking water inside. Is that plumbing or AC?
Usually AC: the condensate drain is clogged. Turn the AC off and call; see AC repair.
Should I turn off the water heater during a leak?
If the leak is at the water heater, yes: close the cold water supply valve on top of the tank and turn off the gas valve or the breaker for an electric heater. If the leak is elsewhere and you have shut off the main water, turn the heater off too, so it does not heat an empty or low tank. We can walk you through it on the phone.
Can a small drip wait until morning?
A slow drip at a faucet can usually wait. A leak inside a wall or ceiling, a supply line that is spraying, or any leak you cannot stop with a nearby valve should not. Water spreads through drywall and insulation quickly and can cause far more damage overnight than the repair itself costs.