Emergency repair help in Houston, TX
Houston emergencies are shaped by water and heat: tropical storms and heavy rain that flood homes and knock out power, air conditioning failures in hot, humid summers, mold after water damage, and the occasional hard freeze. Know your utilities, take the first safety step, and call 833-877-1717 to request an independent provider.
RepairNowUSA editorial review · Last substantively reviewed October 13, 2026 · Review standards
If someone is in danger
Call 911 for fire, smoke, injuries or anyone trapped. If you smell gas, leave the building and call the gas utility or 911 from outside. Stay far from downed power lines and report them to the electric utility. Repairs come after people are safe.
Emergencies to plan for in Houston
Flooding and tropical storms
Heavy rain can flood streets and homes quickly. Never drive through flooded roads. After water enters a building, do not re-energize anything that was underwater until an electrician checks it, and start drying fast; in Houston's humidity, mold can follow quickly. Standard homeowners policies usually do not cover flooding from outside; that takes separate flood insurance. See water damage: the first 48 hours.
Storm power outages
Hurricanes and severe storms can cause widespread, multi-day outages. Run generators outdoors only, far from doors and windows; carbon monoxide poisoning is a known danger after storms. Report outages to CenterPoint Energy. See generator guide.
AC failure in heat and humidity
Losing AC in a Houston summer is dangerous for vulnerable people and lets humidity climb indoors. Protect people first, then check the thermostat, breakers, filter and condensate drain; clogged drains are a common cause of shutdowns and ceiling leaks.
Hard freezes
Freezes are rare but damaging, because many pipes are not protected from cold. When a hard freeze is forecast, protect exposed pipes, drip faucets on exterior walls, and know where your main water shutoff is.
Houston utilities: who to call first
Utility-side problems, such as a main break in the street, a gas leak or a neighborhood outage, go to the utility. Problems on your side of the meter usually need a private provider.
- Water: City of Houston (Houston Public Works) for city water customers
- Electric delivery and outages: CenterPoint Energy (your retail electric provider may differ)
- City services: Houston 311
Service areas follow the property address, so check your bill if you are not sure which utility serves you.
Before you hire in Texas
Texas licenses plumbers through the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners and electricians and air conditioning contractors through the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. Texas has no statewide general contractor or roofer license, so ask roofers and general contractors for references, insurance and a written contract.
Ask for a written estimate, proof of insurance and how the work is priced before you approve it. Emergency steps that stop damage come first; permanent work may need a permit.
Repair help in Houston
Step-by-step guides
How RepairNowUSA works in Houston
Call 833-877-1717 and describe what is happening, the property type and the ZIP code. RepairNowUSA looks for a participating independent provider for that kind of work in your area and connects you if one is available. The provider confirms timing, scope and price with you and does the work. RepairNowUSA is a referral and connection service, not a contractor, and availability and response times are not guaranteed.
Houston repair questions
Who do I call for a power outage in Houston?
Report outages to CenterPoint Energy, which delivers electricity in the Houston area, even if you buy power from a different retail provider. If only part of your home is out, check breakers and call an electrician.
Does homeowners insurance cover flood damage?
Usually not. Flooding from rising water typically needs separate flood insurance. Water from a burst pipe or roof leak may be covered by a homeowners policy. Check your policies.
How fast does mold grow after a flood in Houston?
Mold can begin growing within about 24 to 48 hours on wet materials, and warm, humid conditions speed it up. Start drying right away.
Can I call RepairNowUSA at night?
Yes. You can call 833-877-1717 at any time. Whether an independent provider can come out right away depends on the ZIP code, the time and provider capacity, so availability is not guaranteed.
Official Houston resources
Official resources are linked for utility, permit and safety context. Those agencies do not endorse RepairNowUSA.