Plumbing emergency? Start with safety and the right call

If water won't stop

TMWA's guidance explains the shutoff on the house side and warns against operating the valve in the street meter box. Follow its instructions for the home's arrangement rather than forcing an unfamiliar valve.

TMWA lists 775-834-8090 for water emergencies. If another provider serves the property, use that provider's emergency contact. Water already in the plumbing may continue to drain after the supply is stopped.

For a water heater, shutdown instructions depend on the model and fuel. Use the manufacturer's instructions and professional guidance rather than a generic sequence from another heater.

Describe the urgency when you call

Tell the responder if water is spreading, sewage is backing up, water is near electrical equipment, a ceiling is damaged or you suspect a pipe has burst. Say if the whole house has lost water and you don't know of an outage.

Don't approach electrical equipment or enter an unsafe area to investigate. For immediate danger, move away and call emergency services. A list on a page can't determine whether your situation is safe to wait.

Photos come afterward

Once you're safe and the urgent call has been made, note what happened and when. Take photos only where you can do so safely. Keep the repair invoices and contact your insurer for instructions about damage and claim documentation where relevant.

Don't delay help to produce a better record of the problem.

Prepare before the next problem

Find the official shutoff guidance for your home before you need it, and make sure the people who live there know where that information is. For cold weather preparation, TMWA advises protecting exposed plumbing, keeping garages closed where water lines run and maintaining heat while away.

Our frozen pipe guide covers prevention and the plumber's visit. For a routine appointment, what to send before the visit helps you explain the problem without diagnosing it yourself.