Start with safety and the right contact.
A plumbing problem can interrupt your home, but not every situation belongs with the same service. If there is immediate danger or you suspect a gas leak, leave the area and contact emergency services from a safe location. This website is a referral service, not an emergency response line.
For an active water leak
Describe where you see water and whether it is still flowing. Austin Water’s cold-weather guidance identifies the property owner’s shutoff valve as the first option to stop water. Only approach a valve if it is safe and you know which one it is; use the official help channel when unsure. If the leak follows a freeze, our Austin freeze statistics page includes a printable freeze checklist.
Private plumbing or public infrastructure?
Austin Water explains its responsibility for public mains and the property owner’s responsibility for private-side lines and internal plumbing in its leak guide. Report a possible utility issue through the official channel rather than assuming a private repair is needed.
Prepare a useful description.
Have the ZIP code, property type, affected fixtures and any previous repair details ready. Say whether several drains are backing up, whether water has reached other rooms and who can authorize the work. Do not assume that a symptom establishes a particular fault.
Confirm the appointment and scope.
Ask whether a provider can accept the job, what the visit charge is and what timing is available. Plumbing repair and water-damage cleanup can be separate services. Read our emergency plumbing page and quote checklist before agreeing to the work.
More homeowner notes: all Austin plumbing articles.
Reviewed September 22, 2026. General homeowner information; no diagnosis or promised outcome.