What to Do Immediately After Water Damage in Your Home

1. Stop the water and stay safe

If the water is coming from a burst pipe or an appliance, shut off the water at the main valve. If the source is a supply line under a sink or behind a toilet, use the local shutoff valve. Before you step into standing water, make sure it is safe: water and electricity are a dangerous mix.

• Turn off electricity to affected areas at the breaker if you can do so safely.
• Avoid standing water near outlets, appliances or the electrical panel.
• Treat any water from sewage or flooding as contaminated and avoid contact.

2. Document everything before you clean up

Before you move or remove anything, take clear photos and videos of the damage. This documentation is one of the most valuable things you can do for your insurance claim. Capture the source, the standing water, and every affected room, wall and belonging.

Keep a simple written list of damaged items with rough values. If you have receipts for high-value items, set them aside. A restoration company can also provide detailed documentation and estimates that insurers recognize.

3. Call a restoration professional

The faster water is extracted and the area is dried, the less damage you face and the lower your risk of mold. A professional restoration team arrives with truck-mounted extractors, industrial air movers and dehumidifiers, and moisture meters that find water hidden inside walls and under floors. At Turning On, we respond 24/7 across Washington and work directly with your insurance company. You can reach our team any time at (425) 772-9467.

4. Start removing water and moisture

While you wait for help to arrive, you can reduce damage by removing as much water and moisture as is safe to handle.

• Mop or blot standing water and move small furniture to a dry area.
• Lift curtains off the floor and place foil or wood blocks under furniture legs.
• Open windows and run fans if the weather is dry to improve airflow.
• Remove valuables, documents and electronics from wet areas.

5. Do not wait to address hidden moisture

The water you can see is only part of the problem. Moisture wicks into drywall, baseboards, subfloors and wall cavities where it can quietly feed mold and weaken structure. Professional drying with monitoring is the only reliable way to confirm your home is truly dry, which is why a visual check is never enough.

6. Contact your insurance company

Report the loss to your insurer and ask about your coverage and deductible. Most sudden and accidental water damage, such as a burst pipe, is covered. Share your photos and documentation, and let your restoration company coordinate directly with your adjuster to keep the process moving.

Water damage is stressful, but a fast, organized response makes a real difference. If you are dealing with water damage right now, our water damage restoration team is ready 24/7 to extract water, dry your home and guide you through the claim.