Burst Pipe or Major Leak? Shut Off the Water, Then Call
A burst or badly leaking pipe doesn't wait for business hours. If you can hear running water you can't account for, see water pooling where it shouldn't be, or your water meter is spinning with every fixture in the house off, shut off the main water valve first and call the number on this page to get connected to a licensed local plumber.
Where to find your main shutoff
Most Visalia homes have the main shutoff valve near the street-side water meter, or where the main line enters the house (often near the water heater or in a front yard valve box). Knowing where it is before an emergency happens is worth five minutes now.
Common causes in Visalia's older housing stock
Corroded galvanized steel pipe (common in homes from the 1950s–70s, and prone to pinhole leaks and eventual bursts as they age from the inside out), a slab leak under the foundation, a failed water heater connection, or a pipe that froze and cracked during one of the Central Valley's occasional hard-frost nights and started leaking once it thawed.
What a plumber checks
Where the leak is actually coming from (not always where the water shows up — water travels along framing before it appears), pipe material and age, water pressure at the main, and whether it's an isolated failure or a sign the whole system of galvanized pipe needs replacing.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I have a slab leak?
Warning signs include a warm spot on the floor, the sound of running water when everything's off, an unexplained spike in your water bill, or your water meter moving with no fixtures in use. A plumber uses leak-detection equipment to confirm it before any digging.
Should I turn off my water heater too?
If the leak is anywhere near the water heater or you're shutting off the main line, yes — turn off the water heater's power or gas supply as well to avoid it running dry or overheating.
Is a slow drip really an emergency?
A slow drip from old galvanized pipe can turn into a full failure without warning — worth a prompt call, even if it's not yet flooding.