Quick Answer
Call both — but for different reasons. A plumber stops the source of water (fixes the pipe or leak). A water damage restoration company handles everything after — extraction, drying, mold prevention, and structural repairs. Most water emergencies need both.
What a Plumber Does
A licensed plumber's job is to fix the problem causing the water — not to clean it up. Plumbers:
- Repair or replace burst, frozen, or cracked pipes
- Fix supply line failures behind washing machines, dishwashers, or refrigerators
- Repair or replace failed water heaters
- Address sewer line issues causing backups
- Restore water pressure and flow after repairs
A plumber's work is done once the water source is under control. The aftermath — the wet walls, saturated floors, soaked insulation — is not their specialty.
What a Water Damage Restoration Company Does
A restoration company takes over where the plumber leaves off. Our work begins after the water source is stopped and covers everything needed to return your home to its pre-loss condition:
- Emergency water extraction: High-powered pumps and extractors remove standing water within hours
- Structural drying: Industrial air movers and dehumidifiers dry walls, subfloors, and building materials over 3 to 5 days
- Mold prevention: Antimicrobial treatments applied to affected surfaces during drying to stop mold before it starts
- Damage documentation: Moisture readings, photos, and scope of loss documentation for your insurance claim
- Reconstruction: Replacing damaged drywall, flooring, insulation, trim, and cabinetry
Why Calling Both Quickly Matters
Every hour that water sits in your home increases the damage — and the cost of repair. Water migrates into wall cavities, wicks up into drywall, and soaks into subfloor materials far faster than most homeowners realize. A pipe that bursts and runs for 4 hours can saturate an entire room's worth of wall and floor materials.
Calling both the plumber and the restoration company simultaneously — while you shut off the main water supply — is the fastest path to limiting damage. Most insurance policies also require that you take prompt steps to mitigate further damage after a loss. Delayed action can give insurers grounds to reduce your claim payout.
The Most Common Scenario: Burst Pipe
Killeen homes — especially older construction — are vulnerable to pipe failures during rare winter freezes. When a pipe bursts, the correct sequence is:
- Shut off the main water supply immediately (typically at the street-side shutoff or the valve near your water meter)
- Call a licensed plumber to repair or replace the damaged pipe
- Call Central Texas Water Restoration at (254) 555-0100 — we respond 24/7 and can often arrive before the plumber finishes
- Open a claim with your insurance company and document everything
We Can Refer You to Trusted Killeen Plumbers
After years working water damage jobs in Killeen and the surrounding Fort Cavazos communities, we've built relationships with reputable local plumbers. When you call us, we can help connect you with a reliable plumber while we're en route. Our goal is to get your home dry and restored as quickly as possible — and that means coordinating all the right resources for you. Call (254) 555-0100 now.
Related Questions
Can a water damage restoration company fix my pipes?
No — water damage restoration companies are not licensed plumbers and do not perform pipe repairs, fixture replacement, or any plumbing work. Their scope begins after the water source has been stopped: extraction, drying, dehumidification, mold prevention, and structural repairs to materials like drywall, flooring, and insulation. You need a licensed plumber to fix the broken pipe or appliance connection.
Should I call the plumber before the water damage restoration company?
Call both simultaneously if possible. While you wait for either to arrive, your first priority is shutting off the water supply — either at the fixture shutoff valve or the home's main shut-off. The plumber will fix the source; the restoration company will begin assessment and extraction. Calling the restoration company first doesn't hurt — we can advise you on water shutoff steps over the phone while we're en route.
What if the restoration company arrives before the plumber stops the water?
We'll advise you to shut off the water main if not already done, and we'll begin our assessment and documentation while waiting for the plumber to arrive. In some cases we can begin extracting water from areas that are no longer actively filling. We never start full extraction until the active water source is controlled — otherwise we're fighting a losing battle. This is also why calling both at once saves critical time.
Need Water Damage Help in Killeen?
Our IICRC-certified team responds 24/7 across Killeen and Central Texas. Call now for immediate help.
Call (254) 555-0100