Water Damage Emergency: First Steps

Water spreads fast. Within minutes it runs under flooring and baseboards; within hours drywall wicks it up; within a day or two mold can start. You don't need to fix everything, just stop it getting worse.

This topic is part of our complete guide to water damage restoration. The articles for this topic are listed at the end of the page.

The first hour, step by step

1. Stop the water. Close the valve at the fixture or the main shut-off.
2. Cut the power to affected rooms at the breaker, if you can reach it without standing in water.
3. Move valuables, electronics, rugs and paper out of the water.
4. Photograph and film the source, the water line and damaged items.
5. Soak up what you can with towels and a wet/dry vacuum.
6. Call a restoration crew for extraction and moisture readings.
7. Call your insurer to open a claim.

What to avoid

• Using a household vacuum on water.
• Walking on wet ceilings or under sagging drywall.
• Turning on ceiling lights or fans in wet rooms.
• Throwing out damaged items before the adjuster has seen them or you have photos.
• Waiting to see if it dries on its own.