Water on the floor? Four steps.
The first ten minutes decide how big the bill is. Here’s what to do before the truck arrives.
In this order.
- 01
Shut the main water valve
In most Houston homes it’s in the meter box by the street, a concrete or plastic lid in the grass near the curb. Some houses also have a valve where the line enters the house, often near the garage or a front hose bib. A quarter-turn ball valve closes when the handle is across the pipe.
- 02
Turn off the water heater
Gas: turn the control knob to “pilot.” Electric: switch off its breaker. A heater that drains while it’s still firing will burn itself out.
- 03
Drain the pressure
Open an outside faucet, the lowest one you have. The leak slows to a drip once the pressure is gone.
- 04
Text us a photo
Send it to (713) 555-0142. The plumber sees it before the truck leaves and brings the right parts the first time.
Asked in a hurry.
Where is the main water shutoff in a Houston house?
Usually in the water meter box near the curb, under a concrete or plastic lid. Many homes also have a shutoff where the line enters the house. A meter key or a pair of channel locks turns the curb valve.
Should I call the city or a plumber?
If water is coming up from the street or the meter box itself, call the city. Anything on your side of the meter is a plumber.
Does an emergency cost more?
Not at Six-Ten. The flat price is the same at any hour.
Main is off? Now call.
Dispatch answers in person, 24 hours a day.
The emergency plumbing site, built in seven days.
Sixteen pages: a flat-rate price board, the dispatch line on every screen, a slab-leak page written for Houston clay, and the Texas license notice where the state wants it.