Whether it is a burst pipe, a failed water heater, a leaking roof or an overflowing washing machine, water damage spreads fast. Within minutes water wicks into drywall, flooring and furniture. Within 24 to 48 hours, mold can start to grow. What you do in the first few hours has a huge impact on how much of your home can be saved and how smoothly your insurance claim goes.
This guide walks you through exactly what to do after water damage, in the order you should do it.
Step 1: Make Sure Everyone Is Safe
Before you do anything else, check for hazards:
- Electrical risk: If water is near outlets, appliances, or the electrical panel, do not walk through standing water. Turn off power at the breaker only if you can reach it from a dry spot. Otherwise, call your utility or an electrician.
- Sagging ceilings: A bulging ceiling may be holding water and can collapse. Stay out from under it.
- Contaminated water: Water from a sewer backup, toilet overflow or outdoor flooding can carry bacteria. Keep children and pets away and wear gloves and boots.
Step 2: Stop the Source of Water
If the water is coming from plumbing, shut off the main water valve. It is usually where the water line enters the home, often in a basement, crawl space, garage or near the water heater. For an appliance leak, turn off its supply valve. For roof leaks, place buckets and move valuables until the roof can be tarped.
Step 3: Document Everything Before You Clean
Take photos and video of every affected room, the source of the leak, damaged belongings and any standing water. Capture serial numbers on damaged electronics and appliances. This documentation is the foundation of your insurance claim. See our guide on whether homeowners insurance covers water damage for more detail.
Step 4: Call Your Insurance Company
Report the loss as soon as possible. Most policies require prompt notice and require you to take reasonable steps to prevent further damage. Ask your adjuster about coverage, your deductible and whether you can choose your own restoration company (in most cases, you can).
Step 5: Call a Professional Water Damage Restoration Company
Professional water mitigation is time-sensitive. An IICRC-certified restoration company will extract standing water, use moisture meters and thermal imaging to find hidden moisture, and set up commercial dehumidifiers and air movers to dry the structure to industry standards. They will also document moisture readings daily, which insurers expect to see. Learn what that process looks like in our water damage restoration process guide.
Step 6: Remove Standing Water You Can Safely Reach
If the water is clean (from a supply line, for example) and the power is off, you can begin removing small amounts with towels, mops or a wet/dry vacuum. Do not use a household vacuum. If the water is from a sewer or flood, leave it to professionals.
Step 7: Protect Your Belongings
- Move furniture off wet carpet and place aluminum foil or wood blocks under legs to prevent staining.
- Lift drapes and skirts off the floor.
- Move rugs, electronics, books, photos and important documents to a dry area.
- Do not throw anything away until your adjuster has seen it or you have photographed it.
Step 8: Increase Airflow (If It Is Safe)
Open interior doors and closets. If the outdoor air is dry and cool, open windows. Run your HVAC only if it was not affected by the water, because a contaminated system can spread moisture and spores through the home.
Step 9: Watch for Mold
Mold can begin growing on damp materials in as little as 24 to 48 hours. Musty odors, discoloration on walls or baseboards, or peeling paint are early warning signs. Read more in how fast mold grows after water damage.
Step 10: Do Not Rush Rebuilding
Painting over damp drywall or installing new flooring on a wet subfloor traps moisture and leads to mold and warping. Confirm with moisture readings that materials are dry before any repairs begin.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Waiting to see if it dries on its own
- Using household fans alone for a large loss
- Walking on wet carpet repeatedly, which can delaminate it
- Using electrical appliances on wet floors
- Throwing out damaged items before documenting them
Water Damage FAQ
How long does it take for water damage to dry?
Most residential water losses take three to five days to dry with professional equipment. Hardwood floors, plaster and dense materials can take longer.
Can I stay in my home during water damage restoration?
Often, yes. If the damage is limited and the water is clean, many families stay home. Sewage backups or extensive damage may require temporary relocation, which many policies help cover.
Is wet drywall always replaced?
Not always. Drywall soaked with clean water and dried quickly can often be saved. Drywall exposed to contaminated water, or that has started to grow mold, usually needs to be removed.
Need Help Now? Longview Restoration Is Available 24/7
Longview Restoration is a locally owned, IICRC-certified water, fire, mold and storm damage restoration company. Our technicians respond day or night, document everything for your insurance claim, and restore your property to preliminary condition.
- Call 24/7: (615) 903-0053
- Find your nearest location: Find a Longview near you
- Learn more: Water damage restoration · Mold remediation