Water in your home? The next 48 hours matter most.
Burst pipe, leaking appliance, storm or flooding: speak with a local water damage restoration professional about getting the water out and the drying started.
- Covers burst pipes, appliance leaks, roof leaks, sewage backups and flooding.
- Water removal, drying, cleanup and repair, explained in plain language.
- Free to call. You decide whether to hire anyone.
What to do in the first hour
You don't need to figure everything out at once. These four steps protect your home, your safety and a possible insurance claim.
Stop the source
Shut off the main water valve or the valve at the fixture. For a roof leak, place containers and move belongings away from the drip.
Make the area safe
Switch off power to affected rooms only if you can reach the breaker without standing in water. Keep children and pets out.
Photograph everything
Take photos and video of the damage, the source and your damaged belongings before you move or throw anything away.
Call for help, then your insurer
Speak with a restoration professional to start removing water, and contact your insurance company to open a claim.
Not all water is the same
Professionals sort water damage into three categories. The category decides how the cleanup is done and whether it is safe to handle yourself.
From a clean source
Water that starts clean but turns into a bigger problem if it sits.
- Broken supply pipe
- Sink or tub overflow
- Fresh rainwater through the roof
Used or lightly contaminated
May carry bacteria or chemicals. Avoid contact and keep it off skin.
- Dishwasher or washing machine overflow
- Toilet overflow without waste
- Water that has sat for days
Seriously contaminated
Health hazard. Do not clean this up yourself. Leave the area and call a professional.
- Sewage backups
- River or flood water
- Standing water that has grown bacteria
Clean water can drop to a lower category the longer it stays. That is one reason speed matters.
What happens while you wait
Water keeps spreading and soaking in after the leak stops. This is a general timeline of what tends to happen in a home.
Water spreads fast
It moves across floors and wicks up walls. This is the best time to stop the source and begin removing standing water.
Materials start to absorb
Drywall, carpet padding, insulation and wood take on moisture. Drying equipment placed now can save much more of what is wet.
Mold can begin to grow
Damp materials can start growing mold within one to two days. Wood floors may cup or swell, and metal can start to rust.
Smells, stains and swelling
Odors set in, stains show through paint and more material becomes too wet to save, so more has to be removed.
The repair list grows
Established mold, warped flooring and damaged framing can mean larger repairs and higher costs than an early response.
General guidance only. Timing depends on temperature, humidity, materials and how much water is involved.
How urgent is your situation?
Answer five quick questions for a general idea of what to do next. Nothing you pick here is sent anywhere.
Is water still coming in?From a pipe, appliance, roof or the ground
Is water near outlets, the electrical panel or plugged-in appliances?
Is it sewage, toilet waste or flood water?Dark, smelly or from outside the home
Has it reached walls, ceilings or more than one room?
Has it been wet for more than a day?
Answer the questions to see a suggestion
This is general guidance only. If you are ever unsure, call a professional.
What a restoration visit usually involves
The exact work depends on your home and the damage. This is the typical order.
Assess
The technician finds the source and checks how far the moisture has spread, often with a moisture meter or thermal camera.
Remove water
Pumps and extractors remove standing water from floors and carpet.
Dry out
Fans and dehumidifiers run for several days. Readings are checked until materials reach normal moisture levels.
Clean and sanitize
Affected surfaces and belongings are cleaned, and odors and mold risk are treated.
Repair
Drywall, flooring, paint and other finishes that could not be saved are repaired or replaced.
Will insurance pay for it?
It depends on your policy and what caused the damage. These are common patterns, not a promise of coverage.
Often covered
- Sudden and accidental events, such as a burst pipe
- A water heater or appliance that fails suddenly
- Storm damage that opens the roof to rain
- Reasonable steps to stop further damage
Often not covered
- Slow leaks or seepage that went on for weeks or months
- Flooding from rising water outside, which usually needs separate flood insurance
- Sewer or drain backup, unless your policy has that add-on
- Damage from poor maintenance or ignored repairs
Keep records for your claim
Photos, video, receipts for emergency repairs and a list of damaged items all help your insurer. Ask the restoration provider for their moisture readings and a written scope of work.
Your insurer decides what is covered. Read your policy or call your agent to confirm. Providers connected through this page cannot guarantee a claim outcome.
Questions people ask
How fast can someone get to me?
Response times vary by provider, location and time of day. When you call, ask for an estimated arrival time before you agree to anything.
Does it cost anything to call?
No. The call is free and you are under no obligation. Any restoration work is agreed directly with the provider, who should explain pricing before starting.
Can I clean it up myself?
Small amounts of clean water, yes: mop, run fans and open windows. Large areas, anything that has soaked into walls or floors, and any gray or black water should be handled by a professional, because hidden moisture is what leads to mold.
How long does drying take?
Many jobs need drying equipment running for about three to five days, sometimes longer for thick materials or a large area. A provider should check moisture levels to confirm everything is dry.
Should I call my insurance company first?
You can do both at once. Many insurers want you to act quickly to limit damage, so starting water removal while you open the claim is common. Take photos before anything is moved or removed.
What should I do about mold?
Mold can start within one to two days on damp materials. Fast drying is the best prevention. If you already see or smell mold, tell the provider so they can plan for it.
The sooner the water comes out, the less you have to replace
Call now and describe what happened. There is no cost and no obligation.