Water Damage? Here’s What to Do First

If you've ever faced water damage in your home, you know it can be a real mess. Whether it's from a burst pipe, flooding, or a leaky roof, the aftermath can feel overwhelming. But don’t panic! There are steps you can take to tackle the situation effectively. In this guide, we’ll walk you through what to do first when dealing with water damage so you can start the recovery process and get your home back to normal as soon as possible.

Key Takeaways

• Always prioritize safety by turning off the power and wearing protective gear.

• Identify the source of water and stop it if possible; call a professional for serious issues.

• Document all damage with photos and an inventory for your insurance claim.

• Start the drying process immediately to prevent mold and further damage.

• Consider hiring a water repair contractor to handle extensive damage and ensure proper restoration.

Prioritize Safety First

Water damage can be super dangerous, so before you even think about cleanup, make sure everyone's safe. Seriously, don't skip this step. It's easy to get caught up in saving your stuff, but your well-being is way more important. Think of it like this: you can replace furniture, but you can't replace yourself!

Turn Off the Power

Okay, this is HUGE. Water and electricity do NOT mix. The very first thing you need to do is cut the power to any areas affected by the water. I'm talking about flipping breakers, people. If you're not comfortable doing this yourself, call an electrician. Seriously, don't risk it. It's better to be safe than sorry. We don't want anyone getting shocked.

Wear Protective Gear

Depending on where the water came from, it could be carrying all sorts of nasty stuff. Think bacteria, mold, chemicals... yuck! So, gear up before you start wading in. At a minimum, you'll want:

• Rubber boots (the taller, the better)

• Waterproof gloves (like the kind you use for dishwashing, but heavy-duty)

• A mask (an N95 respirator is ideal to protect against mold spores)

Remember, even seemingly clean water can be contaminated. Protect yourself! It's not worth getting sick over.

Check for Structural Issues

Water can weaken everything. Floors, walls, ceilings... all of it. Before you start tromping around, take a good look at the area. Are there any sagging ceilings? Warped walls? Soft spots in the floor? If you see anything that looks unstable, avoid that area. It's possible that emergency water damage has already compromised the structure. It's better to be cautious and call in a professional to assess the damage before someone gets hurt.

Identify the Source of Water

Okay, so you've got water where it shouldn't be. Now what? The next crucial step is figuring out where it's coming from. This isn't always as obvious as it seems, but finding the source is key to stopping further damage. Let's get to it.

Stop the Water Flow

The first thing you need to do is stop the water. Obvious, right? But in the heat of the moment, it's easy to overlook. If it's a burst pipe, locate your main water shutoff valve and turn it off. If it's a leaky appliance, shut off the water supply to that appliance. Quick action here can save you a lot of trouble. Don't forget to relieve any pressure in the plumbing system by opening the faucets.

Assess the Type of Water

Not all water is created equal. Knowing what kind of water you're dealing with is important for safety and cleanup. There are generally three categories:

• Clean Water: This is water from a broken pipe or rainwater. It's not immediately hazardous but can still cause damage and promote mold growth if left untreated.

• Gray Water: This is water that may contain some contaminants, like from a washing machine or dishwasher. It can cause illness if ingested.

• Black Water: This is grossly contaminated water, like sewage. It contains harmful bacteria and pathogens and requires professional cleanup. toilet overflows are a common source.

Dealing with black water? Seriously, don't mess around. Call a professional. The health risks are too high to DIY this one.

Consider Professional Help

Sometimes, finding the source of the water is like searching for a needle in a haystack. Maybe it's a hidden leaking faucet behind a wall, or a slow drip from the roof. If you're struggling to locate the source, or if you suspect it's something major like a foundation leak, it's time to call in the pros. A water damage restoration company has the tools and expertise to find the source and stop the flow, preventing further damage to your home.

Here's a quick guide:

Situation	Recommendation
Obvious source, easy to stop	Handle it yourself (safely!)
Unclear source, can't find it	Call a professional for leak detection
Black water	Call a professional immediately
Potential structural damage	Consult a water repair contractor

Document the Damage for Insurance

Okay, so you've dealt with the immediate safety concerns and stopped the water. Now it's time for the not-so-fun part: dealing with insurance. Proper documentation is key to a smooth claims process. Trust me, you don't want any headaches down the road.

Take Photos and Videos

Seriously, go overboard here. Take wide shots of entire rooms, then zoom in on specific areas of damage. Get close-ups of ruined furniture, water stains, and anything else affected. Video is great too, because you can narrate what you're seeing. Make sure to record serial numbers from electronics and appliances to aid in the claims process.

Create an Inventory

Walk through your house and make a list of everything that's damaged. Be as detailed as possible. Include the brand, model, purchase date (if you remember), and estimated value. If you have receipts, even better! This inventory will be super helpful when you talk to your insurance adjuster. Here's a simple example of how you could format your inventory:

Item	Description	Estimated Value
Sofa	Beige, microfiber, purchased 2020	$800
TV	55" Samsung Smart TV	$500
Rug	Persian rug, inherited	$2000

Contact Your Insurance Company

Don't wait! Call your insurance company as soon as possible to report the damage. They'll walk you through the claims process and let you know what documents they need. Ask about your policy's coverage for water damage. Get the claim number and the adjuster's contact information. Keep a record of all communication with your insurance company.

Remember, your insurance company is there to help you get back on your feet. Be honest, thorough, and patient, and the process should go smoothly. Don't be afraid to ask questions if you're unsure about anything. They should be able to guide you through the process.

Begin the Drying Process

Water spreads quickly, and the longer it sits, the worse the damage becomes. It's important to act fast to prevent further issues like mold growth and structural problems. Let's get things dried out!

Remove Standing Water

First things first, get rid of any standing water. You can use whatever you have on hand – a wet-vac, towels, mops, or even buckets. For larger amounts of water, you might need to rent professional extraction equipment.

• Shop Vac: Great for larger areas with several inches of water.

• Towels and Mops: Perfect for smaller puddles and hard-to-reach spots.

• Portable Pump: Useful for quickly removing significant amounts of water.

Air Out the Space

Ventilation is key. Open as many windows and doors as possible to get air circulating. Use fans to help move the air around the affected areas. The goal is to reduce humidity and speed up the drying process. Don't rush this step; it might take a few days to fully dry everything out.

Use Dehumidifiers

Dehumidifiers are your best friend here. They pull moisture out of the air, which helps walls, floors, and furniture dry faster. Set them up in the affected areas and let them run. Keep an eye on the water collection tank and empty it as needed. This will significantly reduce the risk of mold and musty smells.

Drying is a critical step in preventing long-term damage. Make sure to address all affected areas thoroughly, even those that seem only slightly damp. Overlooking moisture can lead to bigger problems down the road.

Clean and Sanitize Affected Areas

Okay, so you've gotten the water out and started drying things. Now comes the less-than-fun part: cleaning. But trust me, it's super important. We're not just talking about appearances here; we're talking about preventing mold and bacteria from turning your home into a science experiment. Let's get into it.

Sanitize Surfaces

The goal here is to kill anything nasty that might be lingering. Think mold spores, bacteria, all that fun stuff. Grab a disinfectant – you can find these at any grocery store or home improvement place. Or, if you're feeling old-school, a mild bleach solution works too. Just be careful with bleach; it can discolor things, and you definitely want to wear gloves. Wipe down everything: floors, walls, countertops, anything that got wet. Don't skip corners or hard-to-reach spots; those are mold's favorite hangouts. Make sure to protect indoor air quality by ventilating the area while you're cleaning.

Disinfect Salvageable Items

So, you've got some stuff that got wet but you're hoping to save? Alright, let's get to work. Anything porous – think fabrics, some furniture – is going to need extra attention. For clothes and linens, wash them on the hottest setting the fabric can handle. For furniture, you might need to use a special upholstery cleaner. Always, always read the labels on your cleaning products. You don't want to mix things that shouldn't be mixed, and you want to make sure you're using the product correctly. If you're dealing with something really valuable or delicate, it might be worth calling in a professional cleaner. Better safe than sorry, right?

Dispose of Non-Salvageable Items

This is the tough one. Sometimes, you just have to admit defeat and toss stuff. Wet carpeting is a big one, especially if it was soaked for a long time. Same goes for books, cardboard boxes, and anything else super absorbent. If it's been exposed to sewage or seriously contaminated water, don't even think about saving it. Just get it out of there. It's hard to say goodbye to your stuff, but your health is way more important. Plus, holding onto waterlogged junk is just asking for mold problems down the road.

Getting rid of contaminated items is crucial. It's not just about the stuff itself; it's about preventing further contamination and keeping your home safe and healthy. Don't hesitate to throw things away if there's any doubt about whether they can be properly cleaned and sanitized.

Check for Hidden Water Damage

Even after you've tackled the obvious water and started drying things out, there could still be trouble lurking where you can't see it. Hidden water damage can cause big problems down the road if it's not taken care of. It's worth taking the time to investigate thoroughly.

Look for Signs of Damage

Among the important steps to take after water damage in your house, looking for signs of damage is one of the most important. Check walls, ceilings, and floors for anything unusual. This includes warping, sagging, discoloration, or peeling paint. These could mean moisture is trapped inside the building materials or in hidden spots. Don't forget to check in closets, under carpets, and behind furniture.

Use a Moisture Meter

A moisture meter is a handy tool that can help you check for dampness behind walls and in other hard-to-reach places. It's pretty simple to use – you just stick the probes into the surface, and it gives you a reading of the moisture level. This is especially useful for finding potential problem areas before they get worse. You can get a basic moisture meter at most hardware stores.

Consult a Water Repair Contractor

If you think you might have hidden water damage, or if you notice any structural issues, it's a good idea to get a professional opinion. A water damage restoration company has the right tools and experience to find and fix hidden water damage before it causes more problems. They can also help you figure out the extent of the damage and what needs to be done to fix it.

Ignoring hidden water damage can lead to mold growth, structural problems, and health issues. It's better to be safe than sorry and get it checked out by a professional.

Call in Water Damage Restoration Experts

Sometimes, despite your best efforts, water damage is just too much to handle on your own. That's when it's time to call in the pros. Don't hesitate to seek professional help if the damage is extensive, you're unsure about hidden moisture, or you simply want peace of mind. Water damage can compromise your property’s structural integrity, the emergency occurred more than 24 hours ago, or the damage involved a sewage backup or floodwaters.

Assess the Situation

Before you even pick up the phone, take a good look around. What's the extent of the damage? Is it contained to one area, or has the water spread? Are there any obvious safety hazards, like exposed wiring? Having a clear picture of the situation will help you explain the problem to the restoration company and get a more accurate estimate. It also helps them prepare the right equipment and personnel for the job. For example, here at ServiceMaster by Zaba, our teams are on the scene in 90 minutes or less. We tackle the job right away with the following process:

• Emergency Water Damage Inspection

• Structural Stabilization

• Immediate Water Extraction

Get Professional Help

Finding the right water damage restoration company is key. Look for companies with certifications from reputable organizations like the IICRC (Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification). Check online reviews and ask for references. Don't be afraid to get multiple estimates. A good restoration company will be able to:

• Thoroughly assess the damage, including hidden moisture.

• Develop a comprehensive plan for drying, cleaning, and restoration.

• Work directly with your insurance company to streamline the claims process.

• Use specialized equipment to remove water and prevent mold growth.

Dealing with water damage can be stressful, but remember, you're not alone. Restoration professionals are trained to handle these situations quickly and efficiently, minimizing further damage and helping you get your home back to normal.

Understand the Restoration Process

Once you've hired a restoration company, it's helpful to understand what to expect. The process typically involves:

1. Inspection and Assessment: The team will thoroughly inspect the property to determine the extent of the damage and identify the source of the water.

2. Water Extraction: Using powerful pumps and vacuums, they'll remove standing water from the affected areas. We address residual water with specialized vacuum equipment.

3. Drying and Dehumidification: Industrial-strength dehumidifiers and air movers will be used to dry out the structure and prevent mold growth. Our centrifugal air movers, axial blowers and heavy-duty dehumidifiers speed up the structural drying process.

4. Cleaning and Sanitizing: All affected surfaces will be cleaned and sanitized to remove contaminants and prevent the growth of bacteria and mold.

5. Restoration: Finally, any damaged materials, such as drywall, flooring, or carpeting, will be repaired or replaced to restore your home to its pre-damage condition.

Wrapping It Up

Dealing with water damage can feel overwhelming, but taking quick action is key. Start by stopping the source of the water and ensuring your safety. Document everything for your insurance, and don’t hesitate to call in professionals if needed. Remember, the sooner you act, the better your chances of minimizing damage and getting back to normal. Stay safe, and good luck with the cleanup!

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do first after discovering water damage?

First, make sure you are safe. Turn off the power in the affected area and check for any structural issues before proceeding.

How can I stop the water source?

If you can see the source, like a broken pipe, turn off the water supply. If you can't find it, shut off the main water supply to your home.

Is it safe to enter a flooded area?

Only enter if you are sure it’s safe. Turn off the electricity first, and wear protective gear like gloves and boots.

What should I document for insurance?

Take clear photos and videos of all damaged areas and items. Also, make a list of everything that was affected.

How can I dry out my home after water damage?

Remove any standing water using towels or a wet vacuum. Open windows, use fans, and dehumidifiers to help dry the area.

When should I call a professional for water damage?

If the water is contaminated or if you notice signs of mold, it’s best to call a professional right away.