Emergency Plumbing in Hawaii
A burst pipe, a gushing supply line or a sewage backup cannot wait. Tell us what is happening and we will work to route your request to an independent, licensed local plumber who handles urgent calls.
What to do in the first five minutes
Shut off the water at your property shut-off valve. Per Honolulu's Board of Water Supply (BWS), it is usually inside the property line, a few feet from the meter or on an outside wall of the home, and is either a knife-style handle (quarter turn) or a round knob (turn counter-clockwise).
Do not open or go into the water meter box. On Oahu, BWS owns it. If water needs to be shut off at the meter, BWS says to call (808) 748-5000, ext. 1 and speak with a dispatcher.
Stay out of standing water near outlets, cords or the breaker panel. If the panel can be reached from a dry spot, switch off affected circuits. If your water heater is involved, turn off its electricity too.
Take wide and close-up photos of the damage before cleanup. You will want them for insurance.
What counts as a plumbing emergency
Active leaking you cannot stop with a shut-off valve.
Sewage coming up through floor drains, tubs or toilets.
No water at all when neighbors still have water.
Gas smell: leave the building and call your gas utility or 911 first. A plumber is not the first call for a suspected gas leak.
Condo or apartment?
In a multi-unit building, a leak may involve shared risers or a neighbor's unit. Notify your building manager or association as well as a plumber, and ask who is responsible for the affected pipe before repairs begin.
Plumber and restoration are different calls
A plumber repairs the pipe. A water-restoration company dries the structure and documents loss for insurance. In a serious leak you usually need both.
Frequently asked questions
Who owns the water meter box in Honolulu?
The Honolulu Board of Water Supply owns and maintains the meter box and says customers should not go into it. Call BWS at (808) 748-5000, ext. 1 to request a shut-off at the meter.
Should I shut off my water if a pipe bursts?
Yes. Use your property shut-off valve first, then call a licensed plumber and photograph the damage.
Where we send emergency plumbing requests
Honolulu · Kapolei · Kailua · Kaneohe · Pearl City · Waipahu · Mililani · Ewa Beach · Kahului & Wailuku · Kihei · Hilo · Kailua-Kona · Lihue