An urgent plumbing problem in Odessa usually starts in one of a few places: a water heater in the garage, a supply line inside a wall, a pipe that froze during a rare hard cold snap, or a drain line backing up into the lowest tub in the house. Whatever the cause, the first job is to stop the water.
Right now
- 1Close the main shutoff. Check the garage, the outside wall where the water line enters, or the meter box near the street. Round handles turn clockwise until they stop. Lever handles turn a quarter turn.
- 2Open a faucet or outdoor spigot at the lowest point to drain what is left in the pipes.
- 3Deal with the water heater if that is the source. Close the cold water valve above the tank, then set a gas unit to off or switch off the breaker for an electric one.
- 4Keep clear of electricity. Stay out of standing water near outlets, appliances or the panel.
- 5Call, and say what is leaking, where, and whether the water is now off.
If you smell gas, leave the building first and call your gas company or 911 once outside. Do not use switches or a phone inside.
What counts as an emergency
- A burst pipe, or water running inside a wall or ceiling.
- A water heater leaking from the tank, or a gas smell nearby.
- Sewage coming up through a tub, shower, toilet or floor drain.
- A warm, wet spot on a floor that keeps spreading, which can mean a hot water line leaking under the slab.
- A fixture that will not stop running when its shutoff will not close.
Some things can wait for a regular appointment once the water to that fixture is off: a dripping faucet, one slow drain, or a toilet that runs now and then.
Why Odessa homes have urgent leaks
Age is the main reason. Census survey data shows 50.6% of homes in the city were built before 1980 and 26.7% before 1960. Original galvanized lines, old shutoff valves and tired water heater connections in houses that age can fail with little warning.
Weather plays a part too. Odessa is dry, with about 12.28 inches of precipitation a year, and has hit 113 F. Heat in garages and attics wears on heaters and fittings. Deep cold is rare, but the record low is minus 5 F, and when a hard freeze comes, pipes in exterior walls, attics and outdoor spigots can split. Many of those leaks start when the ice thaws.
When you call
A licensed local plumber who takes urgent work in Odessa phones you back, asks what is happening and where you are, and tells you when they can arrive. On site, they find the source, make it safe and give you a price for the repair before they start it.
Whether anyone can come out at night or on a holiday depends on the business that takes the call. Ask when they phone. After-hours visits often cost extra, so ask about that before they head out.
After the water is off
Take photos of the damage and keep the failed part for your insurer. Ask the plumber to write down what failed and why. If it was an old galvanized line or a worn valve, ask whether nearby pipe of the same age should be replaced too.
Common questions
What do I do first if a pipe bursts in Odessa?
Shut off the main valve, open a low faucet or spigot to drain the lines, keep away from water near electrical outlets, and call a plumber.
What does a warm spot on the floor mean?
It can mean a hot water line is leaking under the slab. Turn off the water heater and the main valve if the spot is growing, and call for leak detection.
Do emergency plumbers charge more?
Often, yes, especially at night, on weekends and on holidays. Ask about any extra charge before the plumber comes out.
Can it wait until morning?
With the main closed and nothing dripping, waiting for a daytime appointment is normally okay. If you cannot stop the water, sewage is coming in, or you smell gas, get help right away.