Water damage gets worse by the hour. What you do in the first 24 hours can be the difference between a quick dry-out and a major reconstruction project. Here’s exactly what to do — and what to avoid.
1. Make sure it’s safe
Before anything else, protect yourself. If water is near electrical outlets, your panel, or appliances, shut off power to the affected area at the breaker — but only if you can reach it without standing in water. If you smell gas or suspect a sewage backup, leave and call a professional. Contaminated water can carry health hazards.
2. Stop the source
If the water is coming from a plumbing failure, shut off your water at the main valve. For a roof or window leak during a storm, contain it with buckets and tarps if it’s safe to do so. Stopping the flow prevents the damage from spreading while you arrange help.
3. Document everything
Before you move or remove anything, take photos and video of all the damage — standing water, soaked materials, and damaged belongings. This documentation is essential for your insurance claim. Make a written list of damaged items with approximate values.
Tip: Don’t throw anything away until it’s documented. Adjusters often want to see damaged items, not just photos.
4. Start removing water — carefully
If it’s a small, clean-water spill, you can begin mopping and blotting. Move rugs, lift furniture onto blocks, and open windows if the weather is dry. But resist the urge to use household fans on a large loss — they move air without removing the moisture trapped inside walls and subfloors, and they can actually spread contamination.
5. Call a professional restoration company
For anything beyond a minor spill, call a professional right away. Mold can begin growing within 24–48 hours, so fast, complete drying is critical. A restoration team has truck-mounted extraction, commercial dehumidifiers, and moisture meters to dry your property completely — not just on the surface.
Water emergency right now?
GBU Water Damage responds 24/7 across the San Fernando Valley and Orange County. Request a free quote or call us anytime.
What not to do
- Don’t enter rooms with standing water if the power is on.
- Don’t use a household vacuum to remove water.
- Don’t wait to call your insurer — report the loss promptly.
- Don’t assume surfaces that feel dry actually are; moisture hides in walls and floors.
Acting quickly and calmly in the first 24 hours protects your property, your health, and your wallet. When in doubt, get a professional assessment — most reputable companies, including ours, offer them free.