Water damage in your house can feel overwhelming, but knowing what to do next can save you time, money, and stress. Did you know that just one inch of water can cause over $25,000 in damage to a home?
Whether it’s from a burst pipe, a leaky roof, or a natural disaster, acting quickly is crucial to preventing mold growth, structural issues, and escalating repair costs.
This guide will walk you through the essential steps to take after finding water damage, from assessing the situation safely to starting the drying process. By the end, you’ll have a clear plan to restore your home and peace of mind. Let’s dive into what you need to know to protect your property and your health.
Read more: Signs of Water Damage
1. Ensure Safety First
The first step after water damage is ensuring your safety. Turn off electricity in the affected area immediately to avoid electrical shocks or fires. Water and electricity are a deadly combination, so don’t take any risks.
Wear protective gear like gloves, waterproof boots, and a mask to shield yourself from contaminated water. Floodwater can carry bacteria, chemicals, and other hazards that can harm your health.
Inspect your home for structural issues. Sagging ceilings, cracked walls, or weakened floors signal danger. Stay away from these areas, as they can collapse unexpectedly.
If the damage is extensive or your home feels unsafe, leave the property right away. Call professionals to assess and handle the situation before attempting to re-enter. Safety comes first, always.
2. Identify and Stop the Water Source
Stop the water immediately to prevent further damage. First, determine the type of water involved. Clean water from plumbing is less hazardous, but gray water from appliances or black water from sewage requires extreme caution. For more information on the categories of water damage, see Three Categories of Water Damage.
If the water comes from plumbing, shut off your home’s main water supply right away. This prevents more water from flooding the area. For roof leaks or small cracks, use a temporary patch or sealant to control the flow until permanent repairs can be made.
When you can’t fix the source yourself—such as with burst pipes or severe structural damage—contact a licensed plumber or contractor immediately. Addressing the water source quickly limits further damage and helps restoration efforts begin sooner.
3. Document the Damage
Before starting cleanup or repairs, take photos and videos of all affected areas—drywalls, floors, ceilings, furniture, and personal belongings. These images are vital for your insurance claim and help show the full extent of the damage.
Create a detailed inventory of damaged items, noting descriptions, estimated values, and ages for each. Include electronics, furniture, and appliances to ensure a comprehensive record.
If possible, document the source of the water damage, such as a burst pipe or leaking roof. This evidence supports your claim and clarifies the incident for your insurer.
Keep all receipts for emergency repairs or mitigation costs, like tarps or dehumidifiers. These expenses may be reimbursed as part of your claim, so proper documentation will save time and reduce stress.
4. Notify Your Insurance Provider
Contact your insurance provider right away to report the water damage. The sooner you notify them, the faster they can assist you with the claims process.
Share all gathered documentation—photos, videos, and your damage inventory—so your insurer can quickly assess the situation.
Ask about your policy coverage, specifically if water damage restoration is included, and whether there are any actions you need to take to remain compliant. They may request additional information or immediate steps.
Request a claim number and adjuster contact details to track your claim and stay in touch with the right person for updates. Effective communication with your insurer ensures a smoother claims process.
5. Remove Excess Water
Start removing standing water right away to minimize damage. Use pumps, wet/dry vacuums, or buckets to quickly remove large amounts of water. Fast action helps prevent it from soaking into walls, floors, or furniture.
For smaller puddles, use mops and towels to soak up moisture and stop the water from spreading. Focus on controlling the situation to reduce future repair needs.
Throw away water-damaged items that can’t be saved, like soaked carpets, upholstery, or porous materials. These can hold water and become a breeding ground for mold, making the problem worse.
If the water is contaminated, such as sewage or floodwater, take extra care. Wear protective gear and avoid direct contact. Contaminated water is a health risk, so handle it carefully and get professional help if needed.
6. Dry and Ventilate the Area
Drying the affected area is crucial to prevent mold and further damage. Use heavy-duty fans and dehumidifiers to speed up the drying process. These tools are strong enough to remove moisture from walls, floors, and other surfaces.
If you’re dealing with wet drywall, check out our guide on when wet drywall needs to be replaced.
If possible, open windows and doors to improve airflow. This helps reduce humidity and speeds up drying.
Remove wet materials like carpets, padding, and furniture. If they can be saved, dry them in a well-ventilated space. Throw away anything that’s too damaged, as it can hold moisture and cause mold.
Use a moisture meter to check that everything is completely dry before starting repairs. Any leftover moisture can cause hidden problems, so it’s important to be thorough.
7. Hire Restoration Professionals
When water damage is extensive or beyond your expertise, hiring certified water damage restoration technicians (WRT) is essential. Professionals have the skills and tools to handle complex situations effectively and safely.
Start by requesting a thorough assessment of the damage and an estimate for repairs and restoration. A detailed evaluation helps you understand the scope of work required and provides clarity on costs.
Ensure the restoration team uses advanced equipment, like thermal imaging cameras, to detect hidden moisture in walls, floors, and other hard-to-reach areas. Addressing hidden water is crucial to preventing long-term issues.
Get Professional Help with Water Damage Restoration in Plano, TX
Dealing with water damage is stressful, but you don’t have to go through it alone. Relying on professional help can make all the difference in restoring your home safely and efficiently. Our team at Riker Home Services offers expert water damage restoration and water mitigation services throughout Plano, TX, and the entire Dallas Fort-Worth area.
Whether you need assistance with water removal, drying, or repairs, we are here to help. We use the latest tools and techniques to handle even the most severe water damage situations. Don’t wait—delaying can lead to more problems, including mold and structural issues.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation and get your home back to normal. Trust Riker Home Services for all your water damage restoration needs!
