Plumbing Emergency in Houston: What to Do Before You Call

Start with the hazard

Water escaping into a room, sewage returning through a drain and loss of water need different descriptions. Tell the person taking the call what is happening now, which fixtures are involved and whether you can stay safely away. If water is near electrical equipment, avoid the area. Do not step into it to reach a switch.

Limit a supply leak safely

Use a known fixture or house water shutoff only when it is safely reachable and operates normally. Do not force a stuck valve or tamper with utility equipment. A stopped flow gives you time to explain the damaged pipe and access. A sagging ceiling remains a hazard even after the supply is off.

Stop adding water during a sewer backup

Do not keep flushing or running appliances when wastewater is rising. Keep people and pets away. A plumber addresses the blockage or pipe defect; cleanup and contaminated materials may need separate work.

Gas odor comes before an equipment appointment

Leave immediately on foot and avoid switches, phones and anything that can spark until you are safely away. Call 911 and the gas utility. Follow [CenterPoint Energy safety instructions](https://actioncenter.centerpointenergy.com/so-us/resources/what-should-you-do-if-you-smell-natural-gas); do not try to locate or repair the leak yourself.

Make the first conversation useful

Call (323) 916-2854 with the address, symptoms, shutoff status and access information. Confirm availability, assessment charges and the proposed next step. Review emergency plumbing repair, burst pipes or sewer backups for the relevant scope.