What To Do In The First 24 Hours After Water Damage

🚨 Emergency?

If you're dealing with water damage right now, call us immediately at (301) 450-9487. We respond in 60 minutes or less. Read this guide while you wait.

Discovering water damage in your home is stressful. Whether it's a burst pipe, appliance leak, or flooding, your actions in the first 24 hours can mean the difference between a manageable repair and a major renovation costing tens of thousands of dollars.

Here's exactly what to do - and what NOT to do - to minimize damage and protect your home.

Immediate Steps (First 30 Minutes)

1. Ensure Safety First

Before touching anything:

Turn off electricity to affected areas if safe to do so
Don't walk through standing water if electrical outlets are submerged
Watch for slip hazards on wet floors
Evacuate if you smell gas or see structural damage

2. Stop the Water Source

If the water is still flowing:

Shut off the main water valve (usually near your water meter or where the main line enters your home)
Turn off the appliance if it's the source (washing machine, water heater, dishwasher)
For roof leaks, place buckets and tarps to contain water while help arrives

💡 Pro Tip

Know where your main water shutoff valve is BEFORE an emergency. Take a photo and share it with family members.

3. Call Your Insurance Company

Report the damage as soon as possible. Most policies require prompt notification. Have ready:

Your policy number
Date and time of discovery
Source of water (if known)
General description of affected areas

4. Call a Professional Restoration Company

Water damage gets worse by the hour. Mold can start growing within 24-48 hours. A professional restoration company will:

Extract standing water with industrial equipment
Set up professional drying equipment
Document damage for your insurance claim
Prevent mold growth

What You Can Do While Waiting (If Safe)

✅ Safe Actions Checklist

✓ Document everything - Take photos and videos of all damage before cleanup
✓ Remove standing water - Use mops, towels, and a wet/dry vacuum if you have one
✓ Move furniture - Lift furniture legs off wet carpet with aluminum foil or wood blocks
✓ Remove area rugs - Get them off wet floors to prevent staining
✓ Open windows and doors - Increase air circulation (weather permitting)
✓ Turn on fans - Help air circulation, but don't use central AC/heat if ducts are affected
✓ Wipe down furniture - Remove moisture from wood surfaces
✓ Remove wet items from closets - Shoes, boxes, items on floors

What NOT To Do

⚠️ Avoid These Mistakes

Don't use a regular household vacuum on water - it's an electrocution hazard
Don't leave wet fabrics in place - they'll grow mold and stain
Don't turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet
Don't enter rooms with sagging ceilings - collapse risk
Don't throw away damaged items before documenting for insurance
Don't use heat to speed drying - it can cause warping and promote mold
Don't ignore "minor" leaks - hidden moisture causes major problems

The 24-48 Hour Window Is Critical

Here's why timing matters:

Within 1 hour: Drywall begins absorbing water, furniture starts staining
Within 24 hours: Drywall swells, metal begins rusting, furniture warps
Within 48 hours: Mold begins growing, wood floors cup and warp
Within 1 week: Mold spreads, structural damage occurs, restoration costs double or triple

This is why we guarantee 60-minute response times. Every hour counts.

What to Expect From Professional Restoration

When our team arrives, we'll:

Assess the damage using moisture meters and thermal imaging
Extract standing water with truck-mounted extraction equipment
Remove damaged materials (wet drywall, carpet padding if necessary)
Set up drying equipment (industrial dehumidifiers, air movers)
Monitor daily until your home reaches safe moisture levels
Document everything for your insurance claim
Complete restoration to pre-loss condition

Dealing With Water Damage Now?

We respond in 60 minutes or less, 24/7/365. Direct insurance billing available.

📞 Call (301) 450-9487

Prevention Tips for the Future

Once you've recovered, take these steps to prevent future water damage:

Inspect appliance hoses yearly - Replace washing machine and dishwasher hoses every 5 years
Know your shutoff valves - Main water, toilets, sinks, appliances
Check water pressure - High pressure stresses pipes (should be 40-80 PSI)
Maintain your roof and gutters - Clean gutters twice yearly
Install water leak detectors - Smart sensors can alert you immediately
Insulate pipes - Prevent freezing in winter

Questions?

If you have questions about water damage or want to schedule a free assessment, call us at (301) 450-9487 or email us. We're here to help 24/7.