Burst or frozen pipe? Here’s what to do right now.
Close the main shut-off now. A frozen pipe that hasn’t split yet can often be thawed safely, without a flame.
First, this.
Close the main shut-off valve
Close your home's main water shutoff valve, on the main line where it enters the house. Find and tag it before you ever need it.
SourceStay out of the water and away from switches
Never turn power on or off, or use an electric tool or appliance, while standing in water.
SourceCan’t stop it? Call the city
If you cannot stop the water yourself, call the city water line after hours: Tyler (903) 597-6541; Longview 903-236-3030.
SourceFrozen, not burst: open the faucet
For a frozen pipe, keep the faucet open. As the ice melts, running water helps melt the rest.
SourceThaw it gently
Warm the frozen section with an electric heating pad or towels soaked in hot water. Never use a blowtorch, kerosene or propane heater, charcoal stove, or any open flame.
SourceCan’t reach it or thaw it
Call a licensed plumber if you cannot find or reach the frozen section or cannot thaw it. Check your other faucets too.
Source
Often urgent.
- Call nowWater spraying or pouring from a broken pipe that you cannot stop, or water reaching electrical equipment.
- Call nowThaw them as soon as possible. A faucet giving only a trickle is a sign of a frozen pipe.
- TodayYou cannot find, reach, or thaw the frozen section.
- Can waitInsulate pipes in unheated areas (attics, crawl spaces, garages, exterior walls) and drain outdoor hoses.
Before you call.
Safety first
What to tell the plumber
- Where the break or frozen section is (attic, crawl space, exterior wall, outdoor faucet, under a cabinet).
- Whether the pipe is frozen only or actually split and leaking.
- Whether the main is shut off and whether any faucet in the house still has water.
- Pipe material if visible (copper, PEX, CPVC, galvanized) and photos.
What it costs
Your plumber quotes before starting; we don’t publish plumbers’ prices. City fees we can source: Longview temporary turn-off to winterize a property before freezing weather: $50; Longview emergency water cut-off at customer request: $50.
Calling us is free. The plumber pays us a referral fee.
Worth knowing
8 on our list do burst pipes.
Of the 26, by their Google profiles. Sam checks who takes it when you call.
East Texas Leak Locators & Plumbing Services
Photo: easttexasleaklocators.com
Meet East Texas Leak LocatorsWe don’t do the work. Reviews are for each plumber, from Google.