What to Do in the First 24 Hours After Water Damage

Water damage is one of the most common — and most costly — home emergencies in the United States. Every hour you wait can dramatically increase both the damage and the restoration cost. Here is exactly what to do in the first 24 hours.

Step 1: Ensure Your Safety (Immediately)

Before doing anything else, make sure it is safe to enter the affected area. Water and electricity are a deadly combination.

• Do not walk through standing water near electrical outlets, appliances, or extension cords
• If safe to do so, turn off electricity at the breaker panel for affected areas
• If you cannot reach the breaker without crossing standing water, call your utility company or a licensed electrician
• Watch for sagging ceilings — wet drywall can collapse without warning

Step 2: Stop the Water Source

If the water damage is caused by a burst pipe, appliance failure, or plumbing issue, shut off the main water supply to prevent further flooding. The shutoff valve is usually located near the water meter, in the basement, or on an exterior wall.

Step 3: Document Everything Before Touching Anything

This step is critical for your insurance claim. Before you start cleaning or moving anything:

• Take photos and video of all affected areas and damaged items
• Document the water source and current water levels
• Keep a written record with timestamps
• Do not throw away any damaged items until your insurance adjuster has reviewed them

Step 4: Call Your Insurance Company

Contact your homeowner's insurance company as soon as possible to initiate a claim. Most policies cover sudden and accidental water damage such as burst pipes and appliance leaks.

Step 5: Contact a Professional Restoration Company

Professional water damage restoration companies have commercial-grade equipment that household tools simply cannot match. They use industrial dehumidifiers, infrared moisture detectors, and professional extraction equipment to thoroughly dry your home.

Look for contractors who are IICRC certified, licensed, insured, and available 24/7.

Step 6: Start Removing Water and Drying

While waiting for professionals, you can begin the drying process:

• Use a wet/dry vacuum to remove standing water
• Open windows and doors for ventilation (only if the water is clean — Category 1)
• Run fans and dehumidifiers around the clock
• Elevate furniture off wet floors using aluminum foil or wood blocks under legs
• Remove area rugs, curtains, and loose upholstery to dry separately

The Mold Timeline: Why 24 Hours Matters

Mold is the biggest hidden threat after water damage. Here is what happens when water is not properly addressed:

What Can Be Saved vs. What Must Be Discarded

Often Salvageable (if addressed within 24–48 hours)

• Solid wood furniture
• Hard-surface flooring (tile, vinyl, sealed concrete)
• Metal items (may tarnish but can be cleaned)
• Documents and photos (freeze immediately if you cannot dry them)
• Clothing and washable textiles

Usually Must Be Discarded

• Drywall that has bubbled, softened, or warped
• Carpet padding (almost always needs replacement)
• Particle board and pressed-wood furniture
• Mattresses and pillows
• Wet insulation (fiberglass or cellulose)
• Any porous material exposed to sewage water

5 Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Waiting too long to act — every hour of delay increases damage and cost exponentially
2. Using only household fans — they move air but do not reduce humidity or extract moisture from walls and subfloors
3. Throwing away damaged items before documenting — your insurance adjuster needs photo evidence of all damage
4. Assuming dry-looking surfaces are safe — moisture hides behind baseboards, in subfloors, and inside wall cavities
5. Hiring unqualified contractors — general handymen typically lack the specialized equipment and IICRC certification needed for proper restoration

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