You Don't Have to Handle This Alone
Finding water where it shouldn't be is overwhelming. There's the mess, the worry about what it will cost, and a lot of decisions to make quickly. The good news is that you don't need to know how to fix water damage yourself. What matters most in the first 24 hours is keeping everyone safe, limiting the damage, and getting a water damage professional on the way.
Water keeps causing damage after it stops flowing. It soaks into drywall, flooring and insulation, and mold can start to grow within 24 to 48 hours. That's why restoration companies offer emergency service around the clock, and why calling one early usually means a smaller repair and a simpler insurance claim.
Put Safety First
Before anything else, make sure the home is safe to be in.
- Turn off the power to wet areas, but only if you can reach the breaker panel without standing in water. If you can't, stay out and let the professionals or your utility company handle it.
- Watch for sagging ceilings, which can collapse without warning when they're holding water.
- Treat floodwater as contaminated. Water from outside, sewage backups or toilets can carry bacteria. Keep children and pets away, and wear rubber boots and gloves if you have to go in.
Stop the Water if You Can
If the water is coming from inside the home, shut off the main water valve. It's usually near the water meter, in the basement or crawl space, or where the main line enters the house. For a leaking appliance, turn off the valve behind it. If you can't find the source or can't reach it safely, tell the restoration company when you call. Finding and stopping leaks is part of what they do.
Call a Water Damage Restoration Professional
This is the most important call you'll make, and it's worth making early. A professional water damage team brings equipment and experience most homeowners don't have:
- Commercial pumps and extraction units that remove standing water fast
- Moisture meters and thermal cameras that find water hiding inside walls, under floors and in ceilings
- Industrial dehumidifiers and air movers that dry the structure properly, not just the surfaces
- Daily moisture readings that show when your home is truly dry
- Detailed photos and records that support your insurance claim
Many restoration companies also work directly with insurance adjusters, which takes a lot of the back-and-forth off your plate. When you call, it helps to have a rough idea of where the water came from, which rooms are affected, and whether the water is clean (like a supply line) or dirty (like a sewage backup or floodwater).
Document the Damage
While you wait for help to arrive, take photos and videos of standing water, water lines on walls, damaged belongings and the source of the leak if you can see it. Keep receipts for anything you spend on emergency supplies, repairs or a place to stay. Your restoration company will document the damage too, but your own record is useful from the very start.
Let Your Insurance Company Know
Report the damage to your insurance company as soon as you can, and ask what your policy covers. You don't need to wait for an adjuster before calling a restoration company. Most policies expect you to take reasonable steps to prevent more damage, and getting a professional drying crew in quickly is exactly that.
Small Things You Can Do While You Wait
If it's safe, there are a few simple ways to limit damage until the professionals arrive:
- Mop or blot up small amounts of water
- Move furniture, rugs and electronics off wet floors
- Put foil or wood blocks under the legs of heavy furniture you can't move
- Take important papers, photos and valuables to a dry room
Mistakes to Avoid
- Don't use a household vacuum to pick up water. It's an electrical hazard.
- Don't turn on ceiling lights or appliances in wet areas.
- Don't assume it will dry on its own. Water trapped in walls and subfloors often doesn't, and that's how mold problems start weeks later.
Find a Water Damage Professional Near You
A good restoration company will guide you through every step, from drying your home to working with your insurance. The American Restoration Registry lists water damage and restoration companies across the United States. Browse restoration companies by city to find help in your area today.