How do I find my main water shutoff valve in my Austin home?

In most Austin homes, the main shutoff is near the front of the house — inside a utility closet, in the garage, or outside along the foundation. Some homes have it near the water meter, which is typically at the curb or sidewalk. If you're unsure, check your home inspection report or ask a plumber to point it out during their next visit.

Can I use the toilet or run any water after shutting off the main valve?

Your toilet tank may have one flush left from stored water, but no new water will fill it. Any water still in the pipes will drain out, so avoid running taps or appliances until the pipe is repaired and the system is confirmed safe by a plumber.

What causes pipes to burst suddenly?

Common causes include freezing temperatures (even Austin gets occasional freezes), old or corroded pipes, high water pressure, physical damage, and tree root intrusion. A plumber can identify the specific cause after inspecting the break, which helps prevent it from happening again.

Should I call my insurance company before or after calling a plumber?

Call the plumber first to stop the damage — every minute of delay increases the loss. Once the emergency is under control, contact your insurance company to report the claim. Make sure you've taken photos and video of the damage before major cleanup begins, as insurers typically require documentation.

Is a burst pipe always visible, or can it happen inside a wall?

Pipes can burst inside walls, under slabs, or in crawl spaces where you won't see water immediately. Signs of a hidden burst include a sudden drop in water pressure throughout the house, the sound of running water when nothing is turned on, or unexplained wet spots on walls, ceilings, or floors. A plumber can use leak detection tools to locate breaks that aren't visible to the eye.

Burst Pipe? Here's What to Do Right Now

Stay Calm — But Move Fast

A burst pipe is one of the most stressful things that can happen in a home. Water is pouring somewhere it shouldn't be, and it's easy to freeze up. The good news: a few quick, deliberate actions in the first few minutes can mean the difference between a manageable repair and a major restoration project. Here's exactly what to do, in order.

Step 1: Shut Off the Main Water Supply — Right Now

This is the single most important thing you can do. Find your main water shutoff valve and close it immediately. In most Austin homes, it's located near the front of the house — either in a utility closet, the garage, or outside near the foundation or the street curb.

How you close it depends on the type of valve:

Ball valve (lever handle): Turn the lever a quarter-turn (90°) so it sits across the pipe. That's fully closed.
Gate valve (round wheel handle): Turn the wheel clockwise through several full rotations until it stops.

If you're not sure where your shutoff is, now — before any emergency — is a great time to find it and make sure every adult in the household knows where it is.

Step 2: Cut Power to Affected Areas If Water Is Near Electrics

Water and electricity are a life-threatening combination. If the burst pipe is near outlets, appliances, a breaker panel, or light fixtures — or if water is dripping through a ceiling where wiring may run — go to your electrical panel and switch off the breakers for those areas before you go near the water.

If the panel itself is in a flooded area, do not approach it. Leave the house and call your utility provider. When in doubt, stay out and wait for professionals.

Step 3: Contain the Water

Once the supply is off and you've confirmed it's safe to be in the space, start limiting the spread of water damage:

Place buckets, pots, or towels to catch standing drips.
Mop or use a wet/dry vacuum to pull up standing water — the faster it's off floors and out of carpets, the less chance of warping, mold, or structural damage.
Move furniture, rugs, and valuables out of the wet area if you can do so safely.
Open windows if weather allows, to help with airflow and drying.

Don't obsess over getting everything perfectly dry right now — that comes later. The goal is to stop the spread.

Step 4: Document the Damage

Before you start cleaning up too aggressively, take photos and short videos of the damage — the burst pipe itself, the water spread, and any damaged belongings. This documentation is important if you file a homeowner's insurance claim. A quick walkthrough with your phone takes two minutes and can save you a lot of headaches later.

Step 5: Call a Plumber

This is not a repair to tackle yourself. A burst pipe needs a professional diagnosis and repair — and the sooner a plumber arrives, the sooner your water is safely restored. When you call, let them know it's an emergency, describe where the burst appears to be (under a sink, in the wall, under the slab), and confirm the water is already shut off. That information helps the plumber come prepared.

If you're in Austin or the surrounding area, Northside Plumbing Co. handles emergency pipe repairs and can assess the full extent of the damage — including any hidden leaks that may not be immediately visible.

What a Plumber Does When They Arrive

A professional plumber won't just patch the obvious break and leave. On arrival, they'll locate the burst, assess what caused it (age, corrosion, freezing, pressure spike, or physical damage), and check whether nearby pipe sections are also compromised. They'll make the repair, restore water pressure gradually, and test the system to confirm there are no secondary leaks. If the damage is extensive, they may recommend repiping a section of the line.

That thorough approach matters because a patched pipe with a weak neighbor can burst again within weeks.

Why Minutes Truly Matter

Water damage compounds quickly. Within the first hour, water soaks into drywall, subfloors, and insulation. Within a day, mold can begin to develop in wet materials. Acting fast on steps one through five doesn't just protect your property — it often determines how large and costly the repair job ultimately becomes.

If you're dealing with a burst pipe right now in Austin, take a breath, work through these steps in order, and get a plumber on the phone. You've got this — and help is available.