Why pipes leak here
National guides lead with frozen pipes. In Las Vegas that is the rare case. The airport station averages about 11 nights a year at or below freezing and zero nights at or below 20 degrees, so freeze breaks mostly hit exposed outdoor lines and hose bibs. Inside the house, the common causes are worn fittings, failed supply lines and older pipe.
- Polybutylene supply pipe. Used in many valley homes built from about 1978 to 1995. Chlorine in treated water makes it brittle from the inside and it often splits at fittings. Some insurers and home warranties exclude it.
- Supply lines. Toilet, sink, fridge and washer lines wear out. Braided stainless washer hoses are the recommended type and should be replaced every 3 to 5 years.
- Hard water. The valley water is very hard at 17 grains per gallon. Scale builds up in valves, fixtures and water heaters.
- Pipes in the slab. Covered on our slab leak page.
A pipe in the wall is a drywall job
When a pipe breaks inside a wall, the water runs down the inside face of the drywall, soaks the insulation and pools on the bottom plate. The outside of the wall can look fine for days. We read both sides of the wall and the floor next to it, open the wall where the plumber needs access, and dry the cavity before it closes. Then we hang, tape, texture and paint.
Your first ten minutes
Main valve off
Front yard near the sewer riser cap, in the garage, or at a manifold are the usual spots in the valley.
Power, if safe
Only from a dry spot. Never reach a breaker while standing in water.
Open faucets
A faucet open at the lowest point drains the lines that are still under pressure.
Photos
The pipe, the water line on the wall and every wet room.
Call a plumber, then us
The plumber stops the source. We start the dry out. Our number is (702) 746-6703.
Insurance on a pipe leak
Sudden discharge from plumbing is a covered peril on most homeowners policy forms. Repairs to the pipe itself, damage from a slow leak that went on for a long time and poor maintenance are often not. Read your policy, file promptly and keep photos. We write the estimate and the moisture log. You or a licensed public adjuster talk to the insurer.
Check for a hidden leak with your meter
The Las Vegas Valley Water District suggests a simple meter check. Turn off every faucet and appliance, then look at the red or white flow indicator triangle on the meter. If it still moves, water is going somewhere. The district also contacts account holders when its meters see continuous flow for at least three days.