What Should I Do First After Finding Water Damage?

First find out whether water is still entering the house. If you can safely stop the source, do that before worrying about cosmetic damage.

Protect people first

Don't enter standing water when electrical equipment, outlets, or wiring may be energized, and don't treat sewage or contaminated floodwater like an ordinary household spill.

Stop the source if it's safe

Depending on the cause, that may mean turning off a fixture, closing an appropriate water valve, stopping an appliance, or moving away from an unsafe area and calling for help. Don't climb onto a roof during dangerous weather to stop a leak.

Protect belongings

If it can be done safely, move dry belongings out of the affected area. Don't put yourself at risk to save furniture.

Document significant damage

Take photos or video before removing damaged materials when practical, particularly if insurance may be involved.

Start drying

Remove standing water when it can be done safely, increase appropriate ventilation, and remember that wet porous materials need more attention than a hard surface you can simply wipe dry.

Find out where the water went

Water can travel under flooring, behind baseboards, into drywall, through ceilings, into cabinets, and into insulation. A dry surface doesn't guarantee everything behind it is dry.

When should I get professional help?

Consider professional water-damage help when:

• A large area is affected.
• Water entered walls or ceilings.
• Flooring is saturated.
• The water is contaminated.
• Electrical systems may be affected.
• You can't dry the area promptly.
• Significant mold is present.

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