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Water Damage: What to Do in the First 24 Hours

The first 24 hours after water damage matter more than almost any other window in the whole process, since mold growth risk rises sharply once that time passes. Stop the source if it is safe, document everything before you touch it, and get water moving out of the space as fast as possible.

In order

What to do in the first 24 hours

1. Stop the source, if safe
Shut off the main water supply for a burst pipe, or the valve behind a specific appliance. If the water is coming from outside flooding, do not try to stop it yourself. Focus on safety instead.
2. Check for electrical hazards
Look for water near outlets, switches, or light fixtures. If you see it, or water levels are high enough to reach an outlet, stay out of that area and cut power from a dry, safe location if you can.
3. Document everything, before touching anything
Photograph and video standing water, wet flooring, stained drywall, ceiling leaks, damaged belongings, and the suspected source. This documentation matters for both insurance and any restoration company you call.
4. Remove standing water carefully
A wet/dry shop vacuum works for small amounts. Do not use a household vacuum on standing water, it is not built for it and creates a real shock and damage risk.
5. Move furniture and valuables
Off wet flooring and away from the affected area, to limit how much gets damaged while the space dries.
6. Start air circulation
Fans and a dehumidifier if you have one. Skip ceiling fans specifically if the ceiling is sagging, that is a structural warning sign, not just a cosmetic one.
7. Call your insurance company
Ideally the same day. Early notification and your documentation from step 3 both matter for how smoothly the claim goes.
8. Call a restoration company
Especially for Category 2 or 3 water, or if more than a few hours have already passed. Professional extraction and drying equipment moves faster than anything available at home.
24 to 48 hours
The window before mold growth risk rises sharply
Step one
Stop the water source first, if it is internal and safe to do so
Before you touch anything
Document damage with photos and video first
Same day
When to notify your insurance company, ideally
Frequently asked

Questions people ask

What is the very first thing I should do?

Stop the water source if it is internal, like a burst pipe or an appliance line, and it is safe to do so. If the water is from an outside source like flooding, prioritize safety over trying to stop it yourself.

Is it safe to use a regular vacuum on standing water?

No. A household vacuum is not built for water and creates a real electrical shock risk. Use a wet/dry shop vacuum for small amounts, and call a professional for anything larger.

Should I turn on fans right away?

Yes, for general air circulation, with one exception: do not turn on a ceiling fan if the ceiling is sagging. That is a sign of structural water weight, not just a wet ceiling.

When should I call a restoration company instead of handling it myself?

For Category 2 or 3 water, contaminated water from an appliance overflow or sewage, or any time more than a few hours have passed since the damage happened. Professional equipment dries a space faster than most households can manage alone.

Should I call insurance before or after I start cleaning up?

As early as possible, ideally the same day, and after you have documented the damage with photos and video. Early notification tends to make the claims process go more smoothly.

Speed and documentation are the two things that actually change the outcome here. Everything else, the repairs, the restoration company, the insurance claim, goes more smoothly when those first two things are handled well.

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