Most homes are on slabs over desert soils that often include caliche, a cement-like layer that makes digging slow. El Paso rarely freezes hard, which is exactly why the freeze of February 2011 burst so many pipes: homes built for heat had exposed lines, rooftop cooler plumbing and backflow devices with no protection. Summer heat stresses garage water heaters and outdoor plumbing.
Housing & construction
Older homes in Kern Place, Sunset Heights and Central El Paso, mid-century slab homes across the city, and newer subdivisions on the east side and west side.
Plumbing services in El Paso
Water Softeners & Filtration in El Paso
Hard blended supply
El Paso water softeners & filtration →
Pipe Repair in El Paso
Rare hard freezes
El Paso pipe repair →Also common in El Paso: water heater repair, leak detection.
What makes El Paso plumbing different
Hard, blended water
Surface water, groundwater and desalinated water combine into a hard supply that scales equipment.
Caliche soils
Hard caliche layers slow excavation for sewer and water line repairs.
Rare hard freezes
Exposed pipes and cooler lines in homes built for heat burst when a deep freeze arrives.
Evaporative coolers
Rooftop cooler lines need seasonal draining and scale maintenance.
Seasonal plumbing calendar for El Paso
- Winter cold snapsCover exposed pipes and backflow devices and drain cooler lines when hard freezes are forecast.
- Summer heatGarage water heaters and outdoor plumbing work in extreme temperatures.
Plumbing emergency in El Paso?
- Close the main water shutoff, or the fixture valve if the problem is in one place.
- Stay away from water near outlets or the electrical panel.
- For sewage backups, stop using all drains.
- If you smell gas, leave and call the gas utility or 911 from outside.
El Paso plumbing questions
Where does El Paso’s water come from?
El Paso Water blends Rio Grande surface water with groundwater and desalinated brackish groundwater from its inland desalination plant.
Is El Paso water hard?
Yes; check El Paso Water’s quality report for current figures.
Why did so many El Paso pipes burst in 2011?
A rare, deep freeze hit homes built for heat, with exposed pipes, rooftop cooler lines and unprotected backflow devices.
Nearby service areas
We also serve communities around El Paso, including Socorro, Horizon City, Canutillo, Anthony, Las Cruces, NM, Santa Teresa, NM.
Statewide: Slab Leak Detection & Repair in Texas
