What to Do Immediately After Water Damage

Step 1: Ensure Everyone's Safety

Before you do anything else, make sure everyone in the home is safe. Water and electricity are a dangerous combination, and structural damage can happen faster than most people realize.

Turn off the electricity to any area where water may have reached outlets, appliances, or the electrical panel. If your electrical panel is in a flooded basement, do not enter the water to turn it off. Call your utility company or a licensed electrician to shut off power at the meter instead.

Watch for structural damage. Sagging ceilings, buckling floors, or bowing walls can indicate that water has weakened the structure. If you see any of these signs, leave the area immediately.

Consider the water type. Clean water from a supply line is different from sewage backup or floodwater. Contaminated water (called Category 2 or Category 3 water in the industry) can carry bacteria, chemicals, and health risks. If the water is discolored or has an odor, avoid contact and get professional help.

Step 2: Stop the Water Source (If Safe)

Once safety is confirmed, stop the source of the water if you can do so safely.

For plumbing issues: Locate and close your home's main water shut-off valve. This is usually near where the water line enters the home, often in a basement, crawlspace, garage, or utility area. Every homeowner should know where this valve is before an emergency.

For appliance failures: Shut off the water supply valve behind the specific appliance (washing machine, dishwasher, refrigerator ice maker, or water heater).

For roof leaks or storm damage: There may not be much you can do to stop water intrusion until the storm passes. Move belongings out of the way and place buckets to catch dripping water if it can be done safely.

Step 3: Document Everything

Before you move anything or begin any cleanup, document the damage thoroughly. This documentation is critical for your insurance claim and for restoration professionals to accurately assess the scope of work.

Take photos and videos of:

• The source of the water damage (burst pipe, damaged appliance, roof leak, etc.)
• Every affected room from multiple angles
• Water lines on walls showing how high the water rose
• Damaged personal property, furniture, and belongings
• Any visible mold, discoloration, or warping
• Serial numbers and model numbers of damaged appliances

Make a written list of damaged items, noting their approximate age, purchase price, and current condition. This will speed up your insurance claim significantly.

Step 4: Contact Your Insurance Company

Call your insurance company as soon as it's safe to do so. Most policies require you to report damage promptly, and starting the claims process early gets an adjuster assigned faster.

When you call, be prepared to share:

• Your policy number
• What happened and when
• The extent of the damage as best you can describe it
• What steps you've already taken (documentation, safety measures)

Your insurance company will assign a claim number and typically send an adjuster to inspect the damage. In the meantime, they will also give you guidance on what to do next, which usually includes hiring a restoration company to mitigate further damage.

Most standard homeowner policies cover sudden and accidental water damage such as burst pipes, appliance failures, and storm damage. Long-term leaks and flooding from outside the home typically require flood insurance. Our FAQ page covers common insurance questions in more detail.

Step 5: Call a Restoration Professional

Water damage restoration is time-sensitive. Mold can begin growing within 24 to 48 hours in damp conditions, and structural damage worsens the longer materials stay wet. Professional restoration companies have industrial equipment (commercial-grade extractors, air movers, dehumidifiers) that can dry a home far faster than consumer equipment.

When choosing a restoration company, look for:

• IICRC certification (the industry standard for restoration professionals)
• Experience working directly with insurance companies
• 24/7 emergency response availability
• Positive local reviews and reputation
• Ability to handle the full scope from mitigation through reconstruction

At Atlanta Elite Reconstruction Services, our lead specialist holds IICRC certifications in Water Damage Restoration, Applied Structural Drying, and Applied Microbial Remediation. We respond to metro Atlanta emergencies 24/7 and manage every step of the process under one team. You can learn more about our water damage mitigation services or full restoration services.

Step 6: Begin Water Removal (Safely)

While waiting for restoration professionals to arrive, you can begin some initial water removal, but only if it can be done safely.

Safe DIY steps include:

• Removing standing water with a wet/dry shop vacuum (only for clean water)
• Mopping up smaller spills and puddles
• Opening windows for ventilation if weather permits
• Running fans (if electricity is safe) to increase air circulation

What to avoid:

• Do not use household vacuum cleaners to remove water. They are not designed for water and will be destroyed.
• Do not enter rooms with sagging ceilings or floors.
• Do not attempt to remove Category 2 (gray water) or Category 3 (black water) yourself. This requires professional protective equipment.

Even after visible water is gone, moisture remains in walls, floors, and structural materials. Professional drying with commercial equipment is essential to prevent mold and structural problems.

Step 7: Protect and Save What You Can

Once water removal is underway, focus on protecting undamaged property and salvaging what can be saved.

Move items to safety: Take dry belongings to a safe, dry area of the home. Elevate furniture that can't be moved by placing blocks or foil under legs to prevent further damage.

Save important documents: Photos, legal documents, and irreplaceable items should be moved to dry storage or freezer bags immediately. Wet documents can sometimes be recovered by freezing them until they can be professionally restored.

Remove wet fabrics: Rugs, curtains, and cushions retain moisture and can grow mold quickly. Move them outside to dry if possible, or contact a professional contents cleaning service for items that need specialized restoration.

Remember that many items that seem ruined can actually be saved by professionals with the right equipment and expertise. Do not throw anything away without documenting it and checking with your insurance adjuster first.

Step 8: Track Everything for Your Claim

Throughout the entire process, keep detailed records. Good documentation is the difference between a smooth insurance claim and a frustrating dispute over coverage.

Keep records of:

• All communication with your insurance company (dates, names, what was discussed)
• Every expense related to the damage (hotel stays if displaced, meals, temporary supplies)
• Contracts and estimates from restoration companies
• Any items thrown away, with photos and descriptions
• Time missed from work related to dealing with the damage

Many homeowner policies include additional living expenses coverage if your home is uninhabitable during restoration. Keep receipts for anything that would be considered a reasonable expense related to the damage.