The First Hour After Water Damagea calm checklist for Rancho Santa Fe homes

Everything else waits until the water stops. If the source is obvious, such as a toilet, a sink or an appliance, close the small valve on the supply line behind or below it by turning it clockwise. If you cannot find the source, or the fixture valve will not turn, go to the main shutoff for the house.

In many Rancho Santa Fe homes the main shutoff is near where the water line enters the house, often in the garage, a utility area or an exterior wall facing the street or driveway, and there may also be a valve at the meter near the property line. Large homes sometimes have separate shutoffs for guest houses, pool equipment and irrigation. If you do not know where yours are, this is the moment to find out, and afterward to label them.

Once the water is stopped and you have photos, make two calls. The first is to a restoration contractor, because drying should start as early as possible. Calling this line connects you with an independent local contractor who can talk through extraction, drying and timing on that same call. The line is answered around the clock.

The second is to your insurer or agent to report the loss. You do not need an adjuster's visit before emergency steps to prevent further damage; most policies expect you to take reasonable action. Ask how they want the claim reported and what documentation they need. Our guide to working with your insurance adjuster has more on this.

Before the crew arrives, think about access. Large properties may have gates, long driveways and several entrances. Let the contractor know the gate code or arrange for someone to let them in, and clear a path from the nearest door to the wet area. If a truck-mounted extractor will be used, a parking spot close to the house helps.

Gather information the crew will ask for: when you found the water, what you think caused it, what you have already done, and whether anyone in the home has health concerns. If the leak came from a known fixture or appliance, keep the failed part if you can; it can matter for the insurance claim.

Finally, take care of yourself and your household. Water damage feels urgent, and it is, but once the source is stopped and help is on the way, the worst of the first hour is over.

Large homes with guest houses, casitas and pool houses mean water can go unnoticed in a building nobody uses daily. If you find water in one of these, assume it may have been there for a while, and mention that on your call.

Homes are supplied by the Santa Fe Irrigation District or the Olivenhain Municipal Water District depending on location. ^{[6] [5]} If you cannot close your own valve, the water district may be able to help shut off at the meter. Both districts post contact information on their websites, and it is worth storing that number in your phone before you need it.

In a home full of art, books and heirlooms, it is easy to freeze up over what to rescue. A simple rule helps: move what is irreplaceable and what absorbs water fastest. Paper, photographs, textiles and rugs soak up water quickly and are hard to recover. Stone, metal and glass can wait. Electronics should be unplugged at a dry outlet before they are moved, and anything heavy should wait for the crew.

Many owners are traveling when a house manager, housekeeper or neighbor discovers a leak. Agree in advance who may shut off water, who may let a contractor in, and who should be called. Give them a short written note with the shutoff locations, the gate code arrangements and the insurer's claim line. When everyone knows the plan, the first hour runs the same way whether you are home or not.