New Orleans & nearby: Metairie, Kenner, Gretna, Chalmette

Emergency Plumbing in New Orleans, Louisiana

New Orleans plumbing emergencies often involve older supply lines, high water tables and homes where the main shutoff is not obvious. Knowing where your water enters the house and how to close it before an emergency is the cheapest protection a homeowner can arrange.

Call 1-800-XXX-XXXX

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Homeowners can reach us here too about emergency plumbing in New Orleans. For immediate danger, call 911.

Find your shutoff before you need it

In raised and older New Orleans homes, the main shutoff may be at the street, under the house or in a utility area. Locate it now, make sure it turns, and tell household members where it is. In an active leak, minutes matter.

Distinguish your pipes from the city system

The Sewerage and Water Board maintains the public water system; the lines on your property are yours. If neighbors have the same problem, check SWBNO notices first. If it is only your home, the repair is likely on your side.

Issues to assess in New Orleans

✓A burst or badly leaking supply line
✓A failed water heater releasing water
✓A fixture or toilet overflowing repeatedly
✓No water or discolored water after a system issue

Do this right now

✓Close the fixture valve or main shutoff if you can reach it safely and dry.
✓Keep water away from electrical outlets and appliances.
✓Photograph the failure point and any damage before cleanup.
✓For system-wide water quality or pressure problems, check Sewerage and Water Board notices.

General safety

✓Know where your main shut-off valve is and close it.
✓Turn off the water heater's power or gas before draining.
✓Keep away from water near outlets and appliances.
✓In freezing weather, never thaw pipes with an open flame.

Know your shutoff and your side of the line

In older New Orleans homes, the main shutoff may be at the street, under the house or in a utility area. Locate it before an emergency. The Sewerage and Water Board maintains the public system; leaks on your property side are yours to repair, so note whether neighbors share the problem.

Sewerage and Water Board of New Orleans ↗

Questions before agreeing to repairs

How will you locate a hidden leak before opening floors or walls?
Can you confirm whether the problem is on my side of the meter?
What should I check after turning water back on following a repair?

Homeowners in New Orleans: reach a local provider now

Call 1-800-XXX-XXXX

USA Home Aid is a free homeowner service that puts homeowners in touch with local service providers. All contractors are independent and we do not guarantee work or license status.

Emergency Plumbing in New Orleans: FAQ

Who handles water main breaks in New Orleans?+

The Sewerage and Water Board of New Orleans maintains the public water system and posts advisories. Problems past the meter on your property are the homeowner's responsibility.

Is a slab leak an emergency?+

A confirmed active leak can undermine flooring and soil and run up water bills, so treat it as urgent. Signs include warm floor spots, the sound of running water and unexplained meter movement.

Should I shut off water when a hurricane approaches?+

Follow official guidance from NOLA Ready and SWBNO for storm preparation. Knowing your shutoff location is useful for many emergencies, not only storms.

Official New Orleans resources

Sources checked 2026-10-21. These are public-agency resources, not partners or endorsements. Current alerts, service instructions and restrictions can change.

Emergency Plumbing guide

Full emergency plumbing emergency guide →

Other Louisiana cities

Related help in New Orleans

Emergency Plumbing in New Orleans? Call 24/7.

1-800-XXX-XXXX