Water damage can be sudden, stressful, and downright overwhelming. Whether it’s from a burst pipe, a severe storm, or a leaking appliance, one thing is for sure: quick action is critical. At Wet Out Restoration, we’ve helped countless homeowners and business owners pick up the pieces after water damage, and we know just how important those first few hours and days can be.
This guide is here to help you understand exactly what to do immediately after water damage strikes. We’ll walk you through practical, step-by-step advice to keep you safe, minimize the damage, and get on the path to full recovery as quickly as possible.
Key Takeaways
- Stop the source of the water immediately if it’s safe to do so.
- Turn off electricity in affected areas to prevent electrocution.
- Remove valuable items and begin documenting the damage right away.
- Call a trusted water damage restoration company like Wet Out Restoration.
- Begin drying the area using fans and dehumidifiers.
- Avoid mold growth by acting fast (within 24-48 hours).
- Don’t delay in contacting your insurance company.
- Don’t attempt major repairs or demolition on your own. Let the pros handle it.
1. Stay Calm and Put Safety First
The first thing we always tell people is: take a deep breath. We know it’s easier said than done, but keeping a clear head is the best way to tackle the problem efficiently.
Safety First
Before anything else, make sure it’s safe to enter the affected area. Water can pose electrical hazards, especially if it has come into contact with electrical outlets, appliances, or exposed wiring. It can also weaken the structure of your property, and be carrying harmful contaminants. Note that a lot of these steps below talk about being in your home or business, but please make sure it is safe. Your restoration experts will be able to help you with every step of this process in the event that you cannot do so safely or feel uncomfortable.
- Turn off the electricity in any affected areas—only if you can do so safely.
- Avoid standing water if you suspect any risk of electric shock.
- Wear protective gear like rubber boots and gloves if you’re going to be handling anything.
If you’re unsure about the safety of the environment, don’t take the risk. Call your utility company or emergency restoration experts.
2. Identify and Stop the Source
Water damage can stem from a variety of sources: plumbing issues, roof leaks, overflowing toilets, broken appliances, or weather-related events. It’s crucial to stop the flow of water as soon as possible to prevent additional damage.
- Shut off the main water supply if the source is a burst pipe or faulty appliance.
- If the water is coming from a leak in the roof or window, try to contain it using buckets or towels.
- If flooding is weather-related, wait until it’s safe to enter and assess the damage.
Not sure where the water is coming from? That’s where we come in. Wet Out Restoration can help identify hidden sources and stop the problem at its root.
3. Document Everything for Insurance
Before you start cleaning up, take a moment to document the damage. Insurance companies will want a clear picture of the situation to process your claim.
Tips for Documentation
- Take clear, detailed photos and videos of all affected areas, items, and surfaces.
- Create a list of damaged belongings, including their estimated value and condition.
- Keep track of all communications and receipts related to emergency services, hotel stays, cleanup, or repair purchases.
Even if you’re not sure if something will be covered, document it anyway. It’s always better to have too much information than not enough.
4. Call a Professional Water Damage Restoration Company
This step is crucial: once you’ve ensured safety and documented the damage, call in the pros.
Wet Out Restoration has the tools, experience, and training to:
- Assess the extent of the damage
- Begin water removal and drying
- Prevent mold growth
- Handle restoration and reconstruction
Trying to handle significant water damage on your own can lead to hidden issues down the road, especially mold and structural problems. Getting a professional team on-site quickly is the best way to ensure a safe and successful recovery.
5. Contact Your Insurance Company
Once you’ve contacted a restoration company, get in touch with your insurance provider.
When You Call:
- Be ready to share photos, videos, and the details you collected.
- Ask what’s covered and what the next steps are for your policy.
- Request a claims adjuster visit if necessary.
At Wet Out Restoration, we’re happy to work directly with your insurance provider to help streamline the claims process.
6. Start the Water Removal Process
While you wait for the professionals to arrive, you can start some basic water removal efforts if it’s safe.
Things You Can Do:
- Use mops and towels to soak up smaller pools of water.
- Open windows and doors to increase airflow.
- Set up fans and dehumidifiers if you have them.
Avoid using a regular household vacuum to remove water, as it could lead to electric shock or damage to the machine.
Our team uses powerful extraction equipment, industrial fans, and moisture meters to ensure every last drop is removed, even the moisture you can’t see.
7. Move Valuables and Furniture
Water spreads quickly and can ruin belongings in a matter of minutes. Salvage what you can by moving undamaged items to a dry area.
- Lift furniture off wet carpets. Use blocks or foil under legs to prevent staining.
- Remove rugs and other loose items that may trap moisture.
- Move electronics, books, and artwork to a safe, dry place.
Be careful not to lift anything that’s too heavy or potentially contaminated. If an item is already soaked or growing mold, it’s best to leave it alone until the restoration team arrives.
8. Prevent Mold Growth
One of the biggest risks after water damage is mold. Mold can start growing in as little as 24 hours, especially in warm, humid environments.
That’s why it’s so important to act fast.
Mold Prevention Tips:
- Keep the area well-ventilated.
- Run dehumidifiers around the clock.
- Don’t delay professional cleanup or demolition of soaked materials like drywall and insulation.
At Wet Out Restoration, we know how to safely clean, sanitize, and dry your property to stop mold before it starts.
9. Avoid DIY Repairs
It might be tempting to start tearing out carpet or cutting into drywall, but that could make things worse.
Water damage can be tricky. Even if a surface looks dry, moisture could still be hiding behind walls, under flooring, or in your HVAC system.
Leave the major repairs to certified professionals who can:
- Assess structural integrity
- Use moisture detection tools
- Follow proper drying protocols
- Rebuild damaged areas safely and correctly
We’ll handle everything from emergency mitigation to full reconstruction, so you don’t have to rely on guesswork and hope for the best.
10. Know What to Expect from the Restoration Process
So, what happens after the emergency response?
Here’s what the typical water restoration process looks like with Wet Out Restoration:
- Initial Inspection & Damage Assessment – We identify the source and scope of damage.
- Water Extraction – Using high-powered equipment, we remove all standing water.
- Drying & Dehumidification – We thoroughly dry your property using industrial-grade tools.
- Cleaning & Sanitizing – We remove odors and prevent bacteria or mold from spreading.
- Restoration & Repairs – We rebuild damaged areas, from drywall and flooring to full-room remodels if necessary.
Throughout the process, our team keeps you informed and supported. We understand how stressful this can be, and we’re here to help you get your life and your property back to normal.
Be Prepared, Act Fast, and Call the Experts
Water damage is never convenient, but when you know what steps to take, you’re already ahead of the curve. Acting quickly can save you time, money, and a lot of stress in the long run.
At Wet Out Restoration, we’re available 24/7 to help homeowners and businesses recover from water damage of all sizes. Whether it’s a small leak or a large flood, we’re here to guide you every step of the way—with fast response times, honest communication, and full-service reconstruction.
Need Help Now?
Don’t wait to address water damage. The sooner you call, the better your chances of avoiding major problems. Let Wet Out Restoration be your go-to team when you need expert help fast.
We’ve got your back every step of the way. Give us a call now so we can get started.
We Get The Wet Out!
Call Wet Out Restoration today to learn more about our restoration service?
