Emergency help
Freeze & emergency help
A hard freeze, a no-heat night, or a dead AC in a heat wave can't wait. Here's what to do in the moment for the most common Lubbock plumbing and HVAC emergencies — and how to reach us 24/7.
What to do if your pipes freeze
- 01
Shut off the water
Find your main shut-off valve and turn off the water to limit damage if a frozen pipe has cracked.
- 02
Open a faucet
Open the faucet served by the frozen pipe so water can escape as the ice melts and pressure releases.
- 03
Add gentle heat
Warm the frozen section with a hair dryer, towels soaked in warm water, or a space heater — never an open flame.
- 04
Check for leaks
As the pipe thaws, watch for drips or spraying. If you find a burst, keep the water off and call for emergency service.
- 05
Call if you can't reach it
If the frozen or burst pipe is hidden in a wall or you can't stop the leak, call us — we offer 24/7 emergency plumbing.
Other common emergencies
Frozen or burst pipes
Lubbock cold snaps can freeze pipes in exterior walls, attics, and unheated spaces. Shut off your water, relieve pressure, and warm the pipe gently — then call if it's burst or you can't reach it.
No heat on a cold night
If your furnace or heat pump quits when temperatures drop, check the thermostat and that the system has power, then call. We offer 24/7 emergency heating service so you're not left in the cold.
AC out in a heat wave
When cooling fails during a West Texas heat wave, it can become a safety issue fast — especially for kids, older adults, and pets. Move to the coolest part of the home, hydrate, and call for same-day help.
Active water leak or sewage backup
Shut off the water if you can, keep people away from any standing water, and call right away. Fast response limits damage and health risks.
Prevent the most common cold-weather problems
A little prep before Lubbock's first hard freeze goes a long way:
- Insulate exposed and exterior-wall pipes before winter
- Let a faucet drip during hard freezes to keep water moving
- Disconnect garden hoses and cover outdoor spigots
- Keep heat on (even when away) and open cabinet doors under sinks
- Service your heating before winter and cooling before summer
Frequently asked questions
What should I do first if a pipe freezes?
Shut off your main water supply, then open the faucet served by the frozen pipe to relieve pressure. Warm the pipe gently with a hair dryer or warm towels — never an open flame. If the pipe has burst or you can't reach it, leave the water off and call for emergency service.
Do you offer 24/7 emergency service in Lubbock?
Yes. Joe Rushing offers 24/7 emergency plumbing and HVAC service for Lubbock and the surrounding area, so you can reach us whenever something goes wrong.
How can I prevent frozen pipes?
Insulate exposed pipes, let a faucet drip during hard freezes, disconnect hoses, keep your heat on, and open cabinet doors so warm air reaches pipes under sinks.
Have an emergency right now?
Don't wait it out. Call Joe Rushing any time — we offer 24/7 emergency plumbing and HVAC service for Lubbock and the surrounding area.