Plumbing Emergency in Laredo? What to Do Before a Plumber Arrives
Short answer: Stop the water first: close your main shut-off valve, or ask Laredo Utilities for an emergency shut-off at the meter. Keep away from wet electrical outlets, stop using drains if sewage is coming up, and leave the house if you smell gas. Then hire a licensed plumber and check the license before work starts.
Texas requires a license for plumbing work. Look up any plumber in the state's public database before you hire.
The first five minutes
- Shut off the water. Close your main shut-off valve. If you can't find it or it won't turn, Laredo Utilities handles emergency shut-offs around the clock; the 24-hour line is on its water and sewer emergencies page.
- Stay clear of electricity. If water has reached outlets, cords or appliances, don't touch them.
- Stop using water if a drain or toilet is backing up: no flushing, no washer, no dishwasher.
- Smell gas? Get out. The Railroad Commission of Texas says to leave right away, not to switch lights or appliances on or off, not to use a phone inside, and to call for help from a safe place.
- Take photos of the damage for your insurance, then move what you can away from the water.
How urgent is it?
| Situation | Treat it as |
|---|---|
| Water you can't shut off, or a pipe that burst | Urgent: shut off the main and get help now |
| Sewage coming up in tubs, showers or floor drains | Urgent: stop using water |
| Water heater leaking from the tank | Urgent: shut off the water and keep away from electricity |
| Gas smell | Emergency: leave the house first |
| Several drains slow but nothing backing up | Soon: within a day or two |
| One slow drain or a dripping faucet | Can wait for a regular appointment |
Texas requires a license for plumbing work. Look up any plumber in the state's public database before you hire.
Your main shut-off valve
Find it now, before you need it. Everyone in the house should know where it is and how to turn it. If it's stuck or hard to reach, ask a plumber to look at it the next time one is at the house.
The American Red Cross advice for a burst pipe is simple: turn off the water at the main valve, then get a plumber.
Common plumbing emergencies
- Burst or leaking pipe: see what to do when a pipe bursts and leaks and slab leaks.
- Sewage backing up: see drains and the main sewer line.
- Leaking water heater: see water heater problems.
- Water you can't see but can hear: see signs of a slab leak.
Hiring a plumber in a hurry
Emergencies are when people skip the checks. It takes a minute to do them anyway:
- Ask for the license number and look it up in the state's public search. Texas law requires plumbing work to be done by licensed plumbers.
- Ask how the price works for after-hours work, and get it in writing before work starts. Texas rules require proposals and invoices to show the Responsible Master Plumber's name and license number.
- Ask what they'll do today to stop the damage, and what can wait for a second visit with a written estimate.
More in how to hire a plumber in Laredo.
Related
- Drains and the main sewer line
- Water heater problems
- Leaks, slab leaks and burst pipes
- Installation and replacement
Plumbing emergency FAQ
Can Laredo Utilities shut off my water?
Yes. Laredo Utilities lists emergency water shut-offs among the calls its 24-hour emergency line takes. Their page has the number.
Should I contact a plumber or my insurance first?
Stop the water first, take photos, then get a licensed plumber to stop the damage. Call your insurance company to ask what your policy covers.
Is a dripping faucet an emergency?
No, but it wastes water over time. Plan a regular visit.
What if I smell gas near the water heater?
Leave the house and call for help from outside. Don't turn lights or appliances on or off on the way out.
Before you hire, check the license
Texas requires a license for plumbing work. Look up any plumber in the state's public database before you hire.
Sources
- Laredo Utilities, "Water and sewer emergencies"
- Railroad Commission of Texas, "Gas Leaks"
- American Red Cross, cited by CBS News, "What to do if your pipes freeze" (Jan. 17, 2024)
- This Old House, "What to do when your sewer backs up" (updated Mar. 10, 2026)
- Texas Occupations Code § 1301.351; 22 Texas Administrative Code § 367.10
Last updated: November 14, 2026