The first hour after you discover water damage matters more than almost any other part of the process. Fast action limits how far the damage spreads and can make a real difference in your insurance claim. Here’s what to do, in order.
1. Stop the Water Source (If You Safely Can)
If the water is coming from a plumbing issue — a burst pipe, a failed supply line, an overflowing washing machine — shut off the water at the source or at the main shutoff valve if you can’t isolate it. If the water is coming from a storm, roof leak, or a source you can’t control, skip to the next step.
2. Turn Off Electricity to Affected Areas
Water and electricity are a dangerous combination. If standing water is anywhere near outlets, appliances, or electrical panels, turn off power to that area at the breaker box before doing anything else. Don’t enter a flooded room with active electrical current nearby.
3. Document Everything Before You Touch Anything
Take photos and video of the damage as soon as it’s safe to do so — standing water, affected walls and flooring, damaged belongings. This documentation is one of the most valuable things you can hand your insurance adjuster later, and it’s much harder to reconstruct after the fact.
4. Remove Standing Water and Wet Items You Can Safely Move
If it’s a small amount of water, towels, a wet/dry vacuum, or buckets can help in the first few minutes. Move furniture, rugs, and belongings out of standing water where you can do so safely — every minute an item sits in water increases the chance it can’t be saved.
5. Call a Restoration Company — Don’t Wait Until Morning
Water damage doesn’t pause for business hours, and neither should your response. The first 24 to 48 hours determine whether mold becomes part of the problem. A local crew that can respond the same day and start extraction and drying immediately gives you the best chance of avoiding secondary damage. See our water damage repair page for what that process looks like.
6. Avoid These Common Mistakes
- Don’t use a regular household vacuum on standing water — it’s a shock and fire hazard.
- Don’t wait to see if it “dries on its own.” Moisture trapped behind walls or under flooring doesn’t dry on its own, and mold can begin within 24 to 48 hours.
- Don’t throw away damaged items before documenting them — your adjuster may need to see them, or at minimum see clear photos.
- Don’t assume it’s not covered — many sudden, accidental water losses are covered by standard homeowners policies. Our insurance claims help page walks through what’s typically covered.
If you’re dealing with water damage right now in the Sacramento area, call us at (916) 619-0838. A local crew can be on the way the same day.
