Quick answer
For water damage in Houston Lake, MO, shut off your main valve first, or turn off the well pump breaker if you are on a private well. If a grinder pump alarms, stop using water and call the city's listed service company. Then call a water damage restoration company; drying should start within 24 to 48 hours. Missouri insurers must acknowledge your claim within 10 working days.
Do this first
Local water and sewer lines.
For emergencies the city also lists the Platte County Sheriff non-emergency line, 816-858-3521. Missouri American Water's round-the-clock number is on our Maplewood page.
- Shut off the water. Close the valve at your house. Missouri American Water supplies Houston Lake, so report a break in the street or at the meter to it.
- Make it safe and document it. Cut power to wet rooms from a dry spot, photograph the damage, then report the claim.
- Start drying within 24 to 48 hours. Many homes here use grinder pumps. If one alarms or sewage backs up, stop using water and call Haynes Equipment Services at 913-782-5013, the city's listed service company.
Grinder pumps run on electricity. During a power outage after a storm, hold off on laundry, dishes, and long showers until the power is back.
What to know about water damage in Houston Lake
1930
The year the Houston Lake dam was finished, according to state records cited by the city. Charles and Emma Houston bought the land in 1928.
Source: City of Houston Lake, history
Grinder pump fees
Homes with grinder pumps pay a maintenance fee with their property taxes, and the city sends service calls to Haynes Equipment Services.
Source: City of Houston Lake
From Venetian Gardens to a city
The Venetian Gardens Homes Association formed in 1946 and later took over the parks, dam, and lake. Voters formed the City of Houston Lake on October 22, 1960, 76 to 18.
Source: City of Houston Lake, history
City Hall land
In 1968 the Venetian Gardens Homes Association deeded the city the land where City Hall now stands. After the 2019 spring storms and flooding, two Houston Lake owners registered for FEMA aid.
Sources: City of Houston Lake, history; FEMA Housing Assistance data
Homes in Houston Lake
The median home dates to 1955 and about 69% were built before 1960. About 91% are owner-occupied.
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Flash flood warnings in Platte County
The National Weather Service issued 51 flash flood warnings that included Platte County from 2016 through November 12, 2026. The year-by-year count is on the Lake Waukomis page.
Cost and insurance in Houston Lake
How much does water damage restoration cost in Houston Lake?
Most jobs run $450 to $16,000 (Angi). Lake or storm water that enters from outside is a flood claim. Sewage from a grinder pump backup means porous materials must go.
Water removal and restoration in Houston Lake
The company that answers handles grinder pump backups, burst pipes in older homes, water heater failures, sump pump failures, and storm water at basement walls, plus burst pipes, appliance leaks, drying, and septic backups.
Houston Lake questions
Who supplies water in Houston Lake?
Missouri American Water. Its emergency line is on the Maplewood page.
Who fixes grinder pumps in Houston Lake?
The city lists Haynes Equipment Services at 913-782-5013.
How do I reach Houston Lake City Hall?
Call 816-741-0644.
Why was Houston Lake formed as a city?
Its history lists the October 1960 election that created the city, which passed 76 to 18.
Related guides
Other Missouri towns- Burst pipe, not frozen
- Sewage backup: what to do first
- Burst pipe repair cost
- Missouri insurance claim rules, in plain English
- Frozen and burst pipes: what to do
- Does homeowners insurance cover water damage?
- How long water damage takes to dry
Local phone numbers checked November 2026: