A plumbing emergency is any problem that is causing active water damage, a sewage backup, a gas smell near a gas appliance or a complete loss of water. First stop the water at the main shut-off, then call (561) 794-0131. We connect you with an independent plumber who can discuss how quickly they can respond.
What to do right now
- Stop the water. Close the main shut-off valve. In most Boca Raton single-family homes it’s near the water meter at the front of the property or where the line enters the house, often in the garage. Our guide on how to shut off your water in an emergency walks through it.
- Turn off the water heater if the leak involves it. Switch off the breaker for an electric heater or set a gas heater to “pilot” or “off.”
- Protect electrical. Keep away from standing water near outlets, and shut off power to wet areas at the breaker if it’s safe to reach.
- If you smell gas, leave the building and call your gas utility or 911 from outside. Don’t operate switches.
- Call for a plumber and, in a condo, notify building management. Leaks can affect units below.
- Document the damage with photos for insurance before cleanup.
Which plumbing problems are emergencies?
| Situation | Treat as | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Burst or split pipe | Emergency | Can release large volumes of water in minutes. |
| Sewage backing up into tubs, showers or floor drains | Emergency | Health hazard; usually a main line blockage. |
| Water heater leaking heavily or from the valve | Emergency | Can flood a garage or closet; may indicate pressure problems. |
| No water anywhere in the house | Urgent | Could be a main line break, valve failure or utility issue. |
| Toilet overflowing that won’t stop | Urgent | Close the toilet’s shut-off valve; call if it won’t close. |
| Slow drip under a sink | Schedule | Contain it with a bucket and book a standard repair. |
Emergency plumbing problems common in Boca Raton
Heavy rainstorms and hurricanes can push groundwater and stormwater into older sewer laterals, contributing to backups in low-lying properties. Aging polybutylene and copper lines in homes built from the late 1970s into the 1990s can fail without warning, and slab leaks can surface as a sudden pool of water on a floor. In high-rise condos along A1A and in East Boca, a single failed supply line can affect several floors, so speed matters.
For backups that keep coming back, the plumber may recommend a sewer line camera inspection. For water appearing from the floor, slab leak detection is usually the next step.
Is emergency service available 24/7?
Availability depends on the independent contractors serving your area at the time you call. Many plumbers offer after-hours or same-day service for true emergencies, and pricing for those visits is usually different from scheduled work. Ask the plumber about response time and how they charge for urgent calls when you’re connected. You can learn more about how our referral service connects you with a Boca Raton plumber on our homepage.
What happens when you call
- 01
Make it safe
Shut off the water and, if needed, power to wet areas.
- 02
Call and explain
Tell us it’s urgent, what’s happening and the property location.
- 03
Connect with a plumber
Your call is routed to an independent plumber who can discuss response time.
- 04
Stop the damage
The plumber stabilizes the problem first, then discusses the permanent fix.
Emergency Plumbing service area in Boca Raton
Urgent plumbing calls are connected across the city and the West Boca mailing area. When you call, give the street address and any gate or building access details so the plumber can reach you faster.
Downtown & East Boca
- Downtown Boca Raton33432
- East Boca Raton33431, 33432, 33487
Central Boca
- Central Boca Raton33486, 33431
- Boca Del Mar & Boca Pointe33433
West Boca
- Boca West & Century Village33434
- Broken Sound & Northwest Boca33496, 33487
- Sandalfoot Cove & Loggers' Run33428
- West Boca Raton33498, 33428, 33433, 33434, 33496
ZIP codes covered: 33427, 33428, 33429, 33431, 33432, 33433, 33434, 33464, 33481, 33486, 33487, 33488, 33496, 33497, 33498, 33499.
ZIPs 33427, 33429, 33481, 33488, 33497 are PO Box ZIP codes and 33464, 33499 are single-organization ZIP codes, so they don’t map to one neighborhood. If your mailing address uses one of them, just tell us the street location when you call.
Frequently asked questions
What is considered a plumbing emergency?
Active leaks or burst pipes, sewage backing up into the home, a heavily leaking water heater, or a total loss of water. If water is damaging the property and you can’t stop it, treat it as an emergency.
Where is the main water shut-off in a Boca Raton house?
Usually at the water meter near the street (closed with a meter key) and often at a valve where the line enters the house, commonly in the garage or on an exterior wall. Condos typically have a unit shut-off in a utility closet or near the water heater.
Can I get an emergency plumber tonight?
It depends on contractor availability when you call. Tell us it’s an emergency so the call can be prioritized, and ask the plumber about their response time.
Do emergency plumbers charge more?
Often, yes. After-hours, weekend and holiday visits are commonly priced higher than scheduled work. Ask the plumber how they charge before they dispatch.
What should I do while waiting for the plumber?
Keep the water off, move valuables away from wet areas, mop or extract standing water if safe, and take photos for your insurance claim.