Water Damage in Boca Raton: What to Do When Water Strikes
The homeowner’s step-by-step guide to staying calm and minimizing damage from water damage in Boca Raton.
This information is provided for general informational purposes only and is offered as-is, without warranty or liability of any kind. Every situation is different — use your best judgment and contact qualified professionals if there is any danger or doubt.
WaterConnect™ is a referral service that does not perform restoration services and is not responsible for the actions, advice or performance of any crew, contractor or company.
Step-by-Step Checklist (A General Guideline)
We know water damage and emergencies are stressful. Your first priority is always safety — whether or not you ever contact us.
Even if you plan to manage cleanup yourself or reach another company, follow these steps to help protect your home and loved ones.
Take a breath — it’s going to be okay. Most Boca Raton water damage situations look worse than they are. Once the water source is shut off and basic safety steps are taken, the situation often stabilizes.
What feels overwhelming now is something independent Boca Raton restoration contractors handle every day — and most homeowners recover faster than they expect.
1: Shut Off the Water Main
Step 1: Shut Off the Water Main
In Boca Raton, the main shut-off is usually found outside near where your water line enters — often near an outdoor spigot or inside the garage. Turn the valve clockwise (right) until it stops; this should cut off water to everything downstream.
If you see a lever handle (ball valve), rotate it so it’s perpendicular to the pipe. If it’s a round wheel (gate valve), turn it clockwise until snug. Don’t force a stuck or corroded valve — contact a qualified plumber or utility technician instead.
If the valve won’t stop the flow, the problem could be upstream of your home’s connection. Call the City of Boca Raton Utility Emergency Line:
Weekdays (8 a.m.–5 p.m.): 561-338-7399
After hours, weekends, and holidays: 561-338-7325
💡 Tip: Locate your shut-off valve before you ever need it. Knowing its position helps utility crews respond faster during an emergency.
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2: Call WaterConnect Right Away
Once the water main is shut off, your next call can be to us.
📞 Call our 24/7 referral line powered by WaterConnect. We share information about independent, unaffiliated water damage restoration contractors in Boca Raton and the surrounding area.
💡 Why this matters: In moments like this, it helps to have a single number that can help you locate independent Boca Raton water-damage professionals.
3: Protect Your Electrical Safety
⚠️ Safety first: Water and electricity do not mix.
If water has reached outlets, appliances, or cords, the area may still be live. Never assume it’s safe.
What to do:
Look before you step. If water is touching outlets, cords, or appliances, stay clear and treat the area as dangerous.
Shut off power — only if it’s safe. If you know which breakers control the affected rooms, switch them off.
If unsure, shut down the main breaker to cut power to the entire home.
⚡ If unsafe, do nothing. Wait for professionals — firefighters or qualified electrical experts trained for wet conditions.
💡 Key point: Never step into standing water unless you are absolutely sure power is off. Electricity can travel invisibly through water, flooring, and damp walls.
4: Shut Down the Water Heater (and Sensitive Appliances)
When the water main is off, prevent additional damage by turning off the water heater.
If electric, switch off the breaker; if gas, set it to “pilot.”
For extra safety, power down or unplug other water-using appliances (dishwasher, washing machine, refrigerator ice maker).
This simple step can prevent overheating or backflow once the water line is off.
5: Stop the Source (If It's not the Main Line)
Sometimes the flooding starts from smaller supply hoses or fixtures.
Toilets: Look for a small valve behind or under the toilet; turn it clockwise until it stops.
Sinks: Under the cabinet, turn both hot and cold valves fully off.
Washing machine: Behind the unit, close both hoses (hot and cold).
Refrigerator / ice maker: Find the small braided line where it connects and close that valve.
💡 Why this matters: Stopping water at its source limits spread and allows independent Boca Raton water restoration companies to start their work once contacted.
6: Protect Your Valuables
⚠️ Safety first: Never handle electronics in wet areas. If outlets or cords are underwater, stay clear and wait for a professional.
Once it’s safe to enter, act quickly to limit secondary damage:
Electronics: Unplug and move laptops, phones, and chargers off the floor — only if dry and risk-free.
Furniture: Lift or block wood furniture off wet floors.
Rugs & fabrics: Roll up and move to a ventilated space.
Papers & keepsakes: Place documents and photos in waterproof bins.
💡 Why this matters: Water spreads quickly, and mold can begin forming. The sooner you move valuables safely, the better your chances of saving them.
7: A Final Word
No matter what, your safety comes first. These steps exist to help Boca Raton homeowners stay calm and informed during stressful minutes.
If you reach out to us, we can share information about independent Boca Raton restoration contractors who handle these situations daily. If not, that’s fine too — we hope this guide helps you feel more in control.
Most water problems can be fixed, and most homes recover. Take it one step at a time — you’ve got this.
Disclaimer
This guide and the information on this website are provided for general informational purposes only. They do not constitute professional advice, an inspection, or a guarantee of safety, performance, or results.
Water damage situations vary widely, and the conditions in your home or building may differ from those described here. You are solely responsible for your own safety, property, and decisions during any water-related event.
If water is in contact with electrical outlets, wiring, or appliances, or if there is any risk of structural collapse, do not attempt to handle it yourself. Leave the area immediately and call emergency services or other qualified professionals.
WaterConnect Group LLC (“WaterConnect”) provides this material “as is,” without warranties of any kind, whether express or implied, including but not limited to warranties of accuracy, completeness, fitness for a particular purpose, merchantability, or non-infringement.
By using this website or guide, you acknowledge and agree that WaterConnect Group LLC, its members, managers, employees, and affiliates shall not be liable for any injury, loss, or damage of any kind—whether direct, indirect, incidental, consequential, special, exemplary, or otherwise—that arises out of or relates to your use of, reliance on, or inability to use this information.
WaterConnect is a referral service only. We do not perform, supervise, manage, or guarantee water-damage restoration, remediation, plumbing, electrical, or construction work of any kind. Any restoration or repair services are performed solely by independent companies that are not affiliates, members, managers, employees, agents, partners, or representatives of WaterConnect Group LLC. We make no warranty or representation regarding the qualifications, licensing, insurance, or performance of any such independent company.
When in doubt, evacuate, secure safety, and wait for trained professionals.