Most plumbing emergencies in Flagstaff start one of a few ways. A pipe froze and split during a cold night, a water heater tank gave out, a drain line is pushing waste back into the house, or a fitting under a sink let go. Every minute adds to the cleanup, so here is how to get control of it before help arrives.
The first few minutes
- 1Turn off the main water. Look in the garage, a utility closet, a crawl space or near where the line enters the house. A round handle turns clockwise until snug. A lever handle turns a quarter turn so it sits across the pipe.
- 2Drain the lines. Open a faucet on the lowest level of the house to let pressure off.
- 3Isolate the water heater if the tank is the problem. Close the cold water valve above it, then turn a gas unit off or switch off the breaker for an electric unit.
- 4Watch for electricity. Do not wade through water near outlets, a furnace or the electrical panel.
- 5Call. Tell the plumber what is leaking, where it is, and whether you managed to shut the water off.
If you smell gas, leave the building first. Call your gas company or 911 from outside, and do not use switches or a phone in the house.
Which problems count as urgent
Call straight away for:
- A pipe that has burst or split, or water running inside a wall or ceiling.
- A water heater leaking from the tank, or a gas smell near it.
- Sewage or dirty water coming up through a tub, shower or floor drain.
- No water anywhere in the house on a freezing morning, which usually means a frozen line.
- A fixture that keeps running when its shutoff valve will not close.
Some problems can wait for a regular appointment as long as the water to that fixture is off. A dripping faucet, one slow drain or a toilet that runs now and then are good examples.
Why winter is the busy season in Flagstaff
Flagstaff sits at 6,821 feet. Freezing temperatures usually come back near the end of September and generally hang around until early June, and the record low is minus 30 F. That is a long season for pipes in outside walls, crawl spaces and garages to freeze. A frozen pipe often does not leak until it thaws, which is why so many urgent calls arrive on the first mild afternoon after a deep cold snap.
Cabins, second homes and rentals add to the load. More than half of Flagstaff households rent, according to Census survey data, and a unit left empty with the heat turned down is exactly where a split pipe can run for days before anyone notices.
What happens after you call
A licensed local plumber who takes urgent work in Flagstaff calls you back, asks what is happening and where you are, and tells you when they can get there. On arrival they find the source, make it safe and give you a price for the repair before they start it.
Whether someone can come out late at night, on a weekend or on a holiday depends on the business that takes your call, so ask when they phone. Visits outside normal hours often cost more. Ask about any after-hours charge before the plumber heads your way.
Once the water is stopped
Photograph the damage and the failed part before it goes in the trash, since your insurer may ask for both. Ask the plumber to note what failed and why. If the cause was a frozen line, ask how to keep that run from freezing again, for example by insulating it, rerouting it to a warmer wall or adding heat tape made for pipes.
Common questions
What should I do first if a pipe bursts in Flagstaff?
Close the main water valve, then open the lowest faucet in the house to drain the lines. Cut power to any wet area only if you can reach the panel from a dry spot, then call a plumber.
Do emergency plumbing visits cost more?
Often they do. Many plumbers charge extra for nights, weekends and holidays. Ask about that charge when the plumber calls you back, before they set out.
Can it wait until morning?
If the water is off and the leak has stopped, a morning visit is often fine. If you cannot stop the water, sewage is backing up, or you smell gas, get help now.
Is there a 24 hour plumber in Flagstaff?
You can call or send a request at any time. Overnight availability depends on the local plumber who takes the job, so ask when they phone you back.