Do this first
- Stop the water. Close the fixture shutoff (under the sink or behind the toilet) or the house main. On a private well, switch off the pump breaker.
- Kill power where water is spreading. If water is near outlets, appliances or the electrical panel and you can reach the panel safely, switch off the affected circuits. If not, stay out of the water.
- Protect the water heater. Set it to pilot/vacation or turn off its breaker.
- Call the plumber: (775) 504-5722.
- Document it. Take photos before cleanup if you'll be filing an insurance claim.
Common emergencies in the valley
Frozen or burst pipes
Pahrump winters are mild in the daytime, but nights can drop below freezing. Exposed pipes are the usual victims: hose bibs, lines in exterior walls or unheated garages, well-house plumbing, and manufactured-home lines under the skirting. If a pipe is frozen but not broken, open the faucet and warm the line gently with a hair dryer. Never use an open flame. If it has split, shut off the water before it thaws.
Sewage backup
Stop using all water in the house. A backup through the lowest drain means the main line or the septic system can't take any more. A plumber can clear the line and tell you if the cause is past the house. On septic, you may also need a pumping company.
Water heater failure
A tank that's leaking from the body won't get better. Shut the cold water inlet valve on top of the heater, turn off the fuel or power, and call.
No water
On utility water, check with your water provider for outages. On a well, a no-water call is usually a pump, pressure switch or electrical problem. A plumber can check the house side, and a well pump contractor (Nevada C-23 license) handles the pump itself.
Be ready before an emergency
- Find and test your main shutoff now. Old valves can seize.
- Tag the well pump breaker and the water heater breaker or gas valve.
- Insulate exposed outdoor and garage pipes before winter, and disconnect garden hoses.
- Save this number in your phone: (775) 504-5722.
Emergency plumbing FAQ
Is a plumber available after hours?
Many plumbing contractors offer after-hours or emergency service, but availability varies by contractor and time of day. Call and tell us it's an emergency. Ask about after-hours rates up front.
What counts as a plumbing emergency?
Anything that's actively causing damage or makes the home unsafe or unusable: a burst or leaking pressurized pipe, sewage backing up into the house, a water heater leaking heavily, no water at all, or the only toilet out of service. If you smell gas, leave first and call the gas or propane supplier or 911.
How do I shut off water on a private well?
Turn off the breaker for the well pump. That stops new water from being pumped. Then close the main valve near the pressure tank if there is one, and open a low faucet to drain pressure from the house lines.
Should I turn off the water heater too?
If the main water is off for more than a short time, or the leak is on the hot side, yes. Set a gas heater to pilot or vacation, or switch off the breaker for an electric heater. That protects the heater if the tank drains.