Water damage in your home can strike fast and hard, whether from a sudden flood, a burst pipe, or something subtle like a slow leak behind walls or under floors. No matter the cause, water damage can be overwhelming, expensive, and time-consuming to assess and repair.
The longer water sits, the worse the damage becomes. That’s why acting quickly — and calling an emergency water damage expert near you — is critical to protecting your property and beginning the restoration process.
If you’re facing water damage and unsure what to do next, you’re in the right place. This guide outlines the immediate steps to take when water damage occurs and how to prepare your home for professional restoration services.
Immediate Actions After Water Damage
Recovering from severe water damage on your property involves timing and how fast you can stop the damage, even before you call a water damage company. Here are a few things you can do immediately to get the water under control:
- Turn Off the Power and Water: A property owner should first turn off the power and water. This is especially important if you are experiencing flooding, burst pipes, or a major ceiling leak. Electrical wires are hidden in ceilings and walls, and when wet, they can make walking in standing water dangerous, because of the potential of a live, exposed wire.
- Document the Damage: Grab a notepad or take notes on your phone. Take pictures, including detail shots, medium and wide shots, and take a lot. This initial documentation regarding damage claims will serve you well with your insurance company later.
- Call a Water Damage Restoration Company: As soon as you’ve safely secured the property, call an emergency restoration company near you. The faster they can be there, the better.
The steps you take immediately are most important when preventing further damage. However, be careful, especially when shutting off the power, and never walk into standing water where there could be a live charge.
Assessing Water Damage: How to Identify and Document the Damage
Once the power and water are turned off and you’ve called an expert water damage restoration company, you can do some detective work. Here are some things you can do to gather more information that ultimately will help the water cleanup crew:
- Determine the Source: Start by taking a good look at the water, which you can see if it’s standing or pooling. Is it clean water from a supply line, gray water from appliances, or black water from sewage or floodwater? Each type requires a different level of caution and cleanup.
- Check All Surfaces: Look closely at walls, ceilings, and floors. Can you see evidence of where leaks have occurred? Are the floors and walls wet and squishy to the touch? Is the ceiling sagging or watermarked?
- Hidden Signs of Moisture: Look for more subtle signs of moisture that can be hidden behind walls and ceilings but aren’t visible — such as pooling or creating standing water. Water can drip within the walls and go unnoticed for a long time.
Assessing the damage yourself will give you a better idea of the cleanup and water restoration process later and enable you to give the insurance adjuster answers to specific questions to get your claims covered.
The Water Damage Restoration Process
When emergency water restoration experts arrive on your property, explaining what you believe is happening is helpful. Staying focused and calm makes a difference even if the damage stems from a traumatic event, like a high-wind storm or major flooding. Share any information you’ve gathered during your initial assessment, then allow the professionals to inspect thoroughly. This is what you can expect from the water damage restoration process:
- Emergency Water Removal: Emergency damage restoration experts will begin by removing any standing water to prevent further damage. They quickly clear the water and stabilize the affected areas using high-powered pumps and industrial vacuums.
- Drying and Dehumidification: Large industrial-sized fans and air movers will be set up to dry out walls, ceilings, and floors.
- Cleaning and Sanitizing: Water can leave bacteria, odors, and mold. Restoration experts will sanitize the affected areas to make them safe and clean.
- Damage Repair and Restoration: Once dried and sanitized, experts will begin the structural repair work, which includes drywall replacement, floor restoration, or reconstruction, to return your property to pre-loss condition.
The water damage restoration process can take up to a month, depending on the severity of the damage. If you’ve experienced significant water damage, be prepared for it to take at least a couple of weeks.
How to Prevent Future Water Damage
Preventing a future water damage emergency requires some vigilance, and as such, you can add it to an annual checklist of inspections you do for your property. Many homeowners do a property check in the springtime when snow is melting and the potential for leaks and flooding is heightened. Here are some suggestions for preventing future water damage:
- Inspect Regularly: Check your pipes, plumbing, roof, and foundation. This can be as simple as a thorough walkaround of your property. Look closely for mold, leaks, and water stains.
- Improve Drainage: Proper drainage is essential for preventing water damage, especially flooding. Make it a habit to check your roof for leaks, and while you’re up there, inspect gutters and downspouts to ensure they’re clear and directing water away from your home.
- Install Water Leak Detection Devices: Place smart sensors near appliances, pipes, or basements. They alert you early to leaks or rising moisture levels, helping you stop damage before it starts.
As the saying goes, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” That couldn’t be more true when it comes to preventing water damage. A few simple checks now can save you from major headaches — and costly repairs — down the road.
Need Help Navigating a Water Damage Emergency?
If you’re dealing with water damage in your home or business, you don’t have to manage it alone. Advanced 24/7 Restoration is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week in case of emergencies. Call us at 720-722-4777 any time, day or night, and we will respond.
Advanced 24/7 is Denver’s premier emergency water restoration company. We have helped Denver homeowners and business owners recover from significant water damage. Contact us today with questions or for an assessment.