Boston, MA homeowner guide
Water Damage in Boston, Massachusetts
Boston flood recovery guidance puts electrical safety ahead of restarting appliances or rapid cosmetic repair. If water entered the home, keep the power off until an electrician has inspected the system. Record damage safely and contact insurance promptly, while distinguishing a Boston Water and Sewer Commission emergency from routine city information or an immediate threat requiring 911.
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Homeowners can reach us here too about water damage in Boston. For immediate danger, call 911.
Use the utility emergency number
BWSC accepts water and sewer emergencies at its 24-hour line, 617-989-7000. Give the location and whether the problem appears inside, at a catch basin or in the street. Boston 311 can route non-emergency questions, but it is not the emergency water dispatch substitute.
Protect evidence without delaying safety
Boston recommends photos and videos as soon as safe, immediate insurer contact and measures to prevent further damage. Do not power wet appliances to test them. Have the restoration scope address hidden moisture and materials that cannot be dried or disinfected, not just visible puddles.
Issues to assess in Boston
- ✓Broken household supply pipe
- ✓Water or sewer system emergency
- ✓Floodwater intrusion
Do this right now
- ✓Keep out of electrically unsafe flooded rooms.
- ✓Call BWSC for water or sewer emergencies.
- ✓Document safely, contact insurance and arrange inspected drying.
General safety
- ✓Shut off the main water valve if the source is a pipe or fixture.
- ✓Turn off power to affected rooms at the breaker, only if you can reach it from a dry spot.
- ✓Do not use household vacuums to remove water.
- ✓Avoid rooms where ceilings are sagging.
Choose the right report before repair
BWSC’s 24-hour line handles water and sewer emergencies; explain whether the problem is indoors, at a catch basin or in the street. Boston 311 is for non-emergency routing, not emergency dispatch. When safe, document conditions and contact insurance promptly. Do not power wet appliances to test them; ask the restoration scope to address hidden moisture and materials that cannot be dried or disinfected.
BWSC emergency and overflow reporting ↗Questions before agreeing to repairs
- Is the issue an emergency for BWSC or a non-emergency 311 request?
- Will you inspect hidden moisture and identify materials that cannot be dried?
- How will you document conditions safely before cleanup begins?
Homeowners in Boston: reach a local provider now
USA Home Aid is a free homeowner service that puts homeowners in touch with local service providers. All contractors are independent and we do not guarantee work or license status.
Water Damage in Boston: FAQ
Can I restart wet appliances after the floor dries?+
Boston says not to use affected appliances until an electrician says it is safe.
What is BWSC’s emergency line?+
617-989-7000, available 24 hours.
Official Boston resources
Sources checked 2026-10-21. These are public-agency resources, not partners or endorsements. Current alerts, service instructions and restrictions can change.
Before wet-material cleanup
Electrical safety, documentation and drying decisions →Water Damage guide
Full water damage emergency guide →Other Massachusetts cities
Related help in Boston
- Fire & Smoke Damage in Boston
- Mold Remediation in Boston
- Sewage Cleanup in Boston
- Roof & Storm Damage in Boston
- Emergency Plumbing in Boston
- Flood Cleanup guide
- Basement Waterproofing guide
- Biohazard & Trauma Cleanup guide
- Emergency HVAC guide
- Water Heater Repair guide
- Emergency Electrician guide
- Tree Removal guide
- Tarping & Board-Up guide
Water Damage in Boston? Call 24/7.
1-800-XXX-XXXX