Water damage can happen in an instant, but the first 24 hours are critical in preventing serious structural damage and mold growth. Whether caused by a burst pipe, a leaking roof, or flooding, taking immediate action can save your home and reduce costly repairs.
At Good To Be Clean, we specialize in professional water damage restoration, helping homeowners and businesses recover quickly from unexpected water disasters. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the essential steps you need to take within the first 24 hours after water damage occurs.
Step 1: Stop the Water Source (If Safe to Do So)
If the water damage is from a burst pipe, appliance leak, or plumbing issue, turn off the water supply immediately to prevent further flooding.
? For plumbing leaks – Locate your home’s main water shut-off valve (often found in basements, crawl spaces, or near the water heater) and turn it off.
? For appliance leaks – Shut off the valve connected to the leaking appliance (such as a washing machine or dishwasher).
? For storm or flood-related damage – If water is entering from outside, do not attempt to stop it. Instead, focus on safety and evacuate if necessary.
⚠️ Important: If the flooding involves sewage backup or contaminated water, do not attempt cleanup yourself—this requires professional biohazard cleanup.
Step 2: Ensure Safety First
Before assessing the damage, make sure your home is safe to enter. Water damage can create hidden dangers such as electrical hazards and weakened structures.
✅ Turn off electricity – If there’s standing water near electrical outlets, do not enter the area. Instead, shut off power at the breaker box.
✅ Wear protective gear – If you must enter the area, wear rubber boots, gloves, and a mask to protect against contaminated water and airborne particles.
✅ Check for structural damage – Look for warped floors, bulging ceilings, or sagging drywall, as these could indicate serious structural instability.
Step 3: Document the Damage for Insurance Claims
Before moving or removing anything, take photos and videos of the damage for insurance purposes. Proper documentation will help you when filing a claim with your homeowner’s insurance.
? What to document:
✔️ The source of the water damage (if visible)
✔️ Affected rooms, floors, walls, and ceilings
✔️ Damaged furniture, appliances, and personal items
✔️ Any visible mold growth or standing water
? Tip: Save receipts for any emergency expenses related to the damage, as insurance may reimburse these costs.
Step 4: Remove Standing Water & Begin Drying
Water extraction is crucial in preventing further damage and mold growth. While towels and mops can help for small leaks, larger floods require industrial-strength drying equipment.
? For Small Water Spills (Less than 1 Inch of Water):
✅ Use mops, towels, or a wet/dry shop vac to soak up standing water.
✅ Open windows and doors to increase air circulation.
✅ Turn on fans and dehumidifiers to speed up drying.
? For Significant Flooding or Carpet Soaking:
? Standard household vacuums cannot handle deep water extraction. A professional water damage restoration team can use high-powered pumps, industrial dehumidifiers, and moisture meters to ensure thorough drying.
⚠️ Warning: If water has seeped into walls, insulation, or flooring, hidden moisture can lead to mold within 24-48 hours. Professional water mitigation services can prevent costly repairs.
Step 5: Prevent Mold Growth (Act Fast!)
Mold can begin growing in as little as 24 hours in moist conditions. To prevent mold damage, follow these steps:
✅ Remove wet furniture and rugs – Place furniture on blocks or aluminum foil to prevent moisture absorption.
✅ Dry walls and baseboards – Even if they appear dry, use dehumidifiers and professional drying methods to remove trapped moisture.
✅ Disinfect surfaces – Use an EPA-approved antimicrobial cleaner to prevent bacteria and mold growth.
? When to Call a Professional for Mold Remediation:
• If musty odors develop within a few days
• If mold spots appear on walls, ceilings, or floors
• If the affected area is larger than 10 square feet
Mold spreads quickly and can cause respiratory issues—professional mold removal ensures safe and thorough remediation.
Step 6: Call a Water Damage Restoration Professional
Even if you’ve removed visible water, moisture can remain trapped behind walls, under floors, and in insulation. Hiring a certified water damage restoration company ensures your home is completely dry and free from mold risks.
? What Professional Water Restoration Includes:
✔️ Industrial-strength water extraction
✔️ High-powered dehumidification and air movers
✔️ Thermal imaging to detect hidden moisture
✔️ Structural drying to prevent long-term damage
✔️ Mold prevention and antimicrobial treatments
? Need Emergency Water Damage Cleanup? Call Good To Be Clean at (316) 320-6767.
What Happens If You Don’t Act Fast?
Ignoring water damage can lead to severe consequences, including:
❌ Mold growth within 24-48 hours
❌ Permanent structural damage (warping floors, crumbling drywall)
❌ Electrical hazards and fire risks
❌ Bacteria and contamination in flooded areas
❌ Higher repair costs from delayed restoration
The sooner you act, the less damage your home will suffer.
Final Thoughts
Water damage can be overwhelming, but with the right immediate response and professional restoration, your home can recover quickly.
✅ Quick Recap of What to Do in the First 24 Hours:
✔️ Stop the water source (if safe)
✔️ Ensure safety (turn off power, avoid structural hazards)
✔️ Document the damage for insurance
✔️ Remove standing water and begin drying
✔️ Prevent mold growth with dehumidifiers and cleaning
✔️ Call a professional water damage restoration service ASAP
? If you’re dealing with water damage, don’t wait—call Good To Be Clean at (316) 320-6767 for 24/7 emergency service.