Burst Pipe | Water Leak Repair in Pierce County

If you see water dripping from the ceiling or pooling on the floor, call us right away. A burst pipe or a big water leak can flood your home fast. We provide 24/7 emergency plumbing services across Pierce County, including Tacoma, Lakewood, Puyallup, Gig Harbor, and University Place. We will show up on time, explain your options clearly, and fix the problem the right way.

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What To Do First

If you need fast help in Tacoma, Puyallup, Lakewood, University Place, Gig Harbor, or anywhere in Pierce County, call now. We’ll stop the leak, repair the pipe, and help you feel safe again. Before we arrive, follow these five steps to help stop water damage.

We're local, and we'll do our best to resolve your issue quickly, but it will take a little time for us to get to you. After you've called us, follow these important steps to minimize water damage to your home.

NOTE: Flood water can make floors slippery, and wet areas can be unsafe. If you can, keep kids and pets in a dry room until help arrives.

First, find your main water shutoff valve and turn it clockwise (to the right) until it stops. If the valve is stuck, don’t force it hard. If it won’t move, stop and focus on damage control while you call us.

The main shutoff is usually:

  • Near the water meter (often outside)
  • In the garage
  • In the basement (or crawlspace)
  • On an outside wall where the water line enters the house

If you can’t find the main shutoff, shut off the water to just the problem area:

  • Toilet shutoff is behind the toilet
  • Sink shutoff is under the sink

Water and electricity are a dangerous mix. Keeping people safe is our #1 priority.

CAUTION: If the breaker box is wet or you have to walk through water to get to it, do not touch it. Call us, and if needed, call your power company. Do NOT step in standing water if it is near:

  • outlets
  • extension cords
  • light switches
  • appliances
  • your electrical panel

If it’s safe to do so, go to the panel and turn off:

  • the circuit breaker for the wet area only, or
  • the main breaker, if the water is spreading quickly
     

Even after the water is off, there will still be water in the lines and soaked materials. Quick cleanup reduces damage and mold.

What to do right away:

  1. Put a bucket or towels under any active drip. Use towels, a mop, and/or a wet/dry vacuum (if the area is safe and dry enough).
  2. Move important items like rugs, electronics, furniture, and paper items (photos, books) to a dry space.

If water is dripping from the ceiling:

  1. Place a bucket under the drip
  2. Poke a small hole in the ceiling (only if you feel safe doing it). This can release water in one spot instead of spreading and causing the ceiling to collapse.

What NOT to do:

  • Don’t use a normal household vacuum on water.
  • Don’t open walls unless you have to (we’ll help you decide what’s needed).
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Leak Detection

Leak detection helps identify hidden plumbing issues before they cause serious damage. GTG Plumbing uses professional tools and proven methods to accurately locate leaks, even when there are no obvious signs on the surface. Early detection can help reduce water damage, prevent mold growth, and avoid unnecessary repairs.

Our leak detection service can help identify:

Once a leak is located, our team explains the findings clearly and discusses appropriate repair options so you can make informed decisions about next steps.

What to expect from GTG Plumbing

When you call GTG Plumbing, you won’t get rushed, ignored, or pressured. You’ll get a real person who listens, helps you stay calm, and gets the right plumber to your home fast. We’ll explain what’s happening, what to do next, and what it may cost before we start work.

When you call, our team will answer quickly and ask simple questions to understand what’s going on. You don’t have to know plumbing words. Just tell us what you see. We’ll listen to:

  • What happened (like a pipe burst, leak, or flooding)
  • Where the water is coming from (kitchen, wall, ceiling, basement)
  • If the water is clean or dirty (sewer water is treated differently)
  • If you’ve already shut off the water

Then, we’ll schedule the fastest option. If this is an emergency, we’ll treat it like one and get someone to you as soon as possible. You’ll know:

  • Who is coming
  • When they’ll arrive
  • How we’ll stay in touch

Before we arrive, we’ll help you protect your home. If it’s safe, we’ll guide you step-by-step over the phone. This can help prevent bigger damage while you wait. We may ask you to:

  • Turn off your main water valve
  • Turn off your water heater (if needed)
  • Move items away from the leak
  • Use towels or buckets to limit water spread

Before we start repairs, we inspect the situation and explain what we find. No scary talk. No confusing plumbing language. Just clear answers. We’ll show you:

  • What caused the leak or break
  • What parts are damaged
  • What needs to be repaired right now
  • What might need attention later (if anything)

We believe in fair pricing and no surprises. We don’t oversell. We don’t pressure. We help you choose what’s best for your home. Before we start repairs, you’ll get:

  • A clear explanation of the repair options
  • A price you can understand
  • Time estimates when possible
  • A chance to ask questions

1. First, We Stop the Water Damage

Our first job is to stop the leak and keep things from getting worse. If water has been leaking for a while, we’ll also help you understand what to watch for next, like swelling drywall, wet insulation, or mold risk. Here’s what we usually do right away:

  • Confirm where the leak is coming from
  • Shut off water to the right area (or the whole home if needed)
  • Drain water safely from the line
  • Protect your floors and walls with towels, tarps, and catch buckets
  • Check nearby areas (like behind walls or under floors) for hidden damage

2. Next, We Find the Real Cause

A leak is usually a symptom, not the whole problem. We work to find out why it happened so it doesn’t happen again. We’ll explain what we find in simple terms and show you the area when possible. Common causes we see in Pierce County:

  • Frozen pipes during cold snaps
  • Old or rusted pipes
  • Loose fittings
  • Cracked pipe joints
  • High water pressure
  • Worn-out shutoff valves

3. Then We Repair or Replace the Pipe

Once we know the cause, we move to the repair. The goal is a fix that lasts, not a quick patch that fails later. We use quality parts and clean, professional work so you feel confident turning the water back on.

  • Depending on the situation, we may:
  • Replace a short section of pipe
  • Rebuild a failing joint
  • Repair a broken fitting or valve
  • Replace a pipe that’s too damaged to trust
  • Test water pressure to prevent future problems

4. Test Everything Before We Leave

Before we finish, we check our work carefully. If you have water in your home, we can also recommend what to do next and who to call for drying and restoration. We will:

  • Turn the water back on slowly
  • Watch for leaks under pressure
  • Test nearby fixtures (sinks, toilets, tubs)
  • Make sure water flow looks normal
  • Confirm your shutoff valve works (if accessible)
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We are South Sound proud!

Whether you are dealing with a sudden pipe burst or planning a routine fixture upgrade, our team is ready to provide fast and reliable service right to your doorstep. We proudly serve:

Common Questions

If a pipe bursts, the first thing to do is turn off your water as fast as you can. Most homes have a main shut-off valve near the water meter, a garage wall, or a utility room.

Next, turn off electricity in the area if water is near outlets, lights, or appliances. This helps keep everyone safe. Then, move towels, furniture, and valuables away from the water if you can.

After that, call a plumber right away. The sooner the leak stops, the less damage you’ll have to deal with.

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Some leaks are easy to see, but many happen inside walls, under floors, or in ceilings. If you notice one or more of these, it’s smart to call for leak help. Hidden leaks can worsen quickly and often lead to more extensive repairs if ignored. Signs of a hidden leak include:

  • A water bill that suddenly goes up
  • Wet spots on the floor, wall, or ceiling
  • Paint bubbling or peeling
  • A musty smell
  • Mold or mildew that comes back quickly
  • You hear running water even when nothing is on
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Burst pipe repair time depends on where the pipe is and how severe the damage is. Some repairs are quick and can be done in 1–2 hours, such as replacing a pipe in a crawl space or under a sink.

But if the pipe is inside a wall or ceiling, the plumber may need to open that area to reach it carefully. In those cases, the repair might take half a day or more. If you have water damage, you may also need drying equipment, which can take a few days.

The good news: most plumbers focus on getting the leak stopped right away, then help you plan the next steps.

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We give clear pricing and honest options before the work begins, so you’re not surprised. The cost depends on:

  • Where the leak is
  • How bad the damage is
  • What kind of pipe you have
  • How long the repair takes
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