What to Do Immediately After Water Damage

When water invades your home or business, it doesn’t just soak into surfaces, it disrupts your life. At DRYOUTpro PLUS, we’ve seen firsthand how quickly water damage can turn a space upside down. Whether it’s the result of a burst pipe, overflowing appliance, heavy rain, or a sewage backup, one thing remains the same: the faster you respond, the better the outcome.

In this guide, we’re walking you through exactly what to do immediately after water damage occurs. Acting fast can minimize the destruction, reduce the risk of mold growth, and help get your property on the road to recovery. We’re here to help you take the right first steps and avoid common mistakes.

• Shut off the water source if it’s safe to do so.
  
• Turn off electricity in affected areas to avoid electrical hazards.
  
• Document all damage with photos and videos for insurance purposes.
  
• Contact a professional water damage restoration company like DRYOUTpro PLUS immediately.
  
• Remove valuable or salvageable items from the affected area.
  
• Avoid walking through standing water if electricity is still on.
  
• Begin drying efforts using fans and dehumidifiers if possible.
  
• Don’t attempt major cleanup without professional help — it could make things worse.
  

Your safety is the number one priority after any type of water damage. Before you begin any cleanup efforts, assess the situation carefully.

If water is still entering the property due to a broken pipe or overflowing appliance, shut off the water source. If you’re unsure how to do that, call a plumber or your utility provider right away.



If there’s standing water near electrical outlets or if you hear buzzing sounds, leave the area immediately. Turn off the power to the affected areas at the breaker panel, but only if it’s safe. Water and electricity are a dangerous combination, and it’s better to be cautious.

Additionally, avoid walking through water if you’re unsure about contamination. Water from sewage backups or floods can carry bacteria and toxins.

Once you’ve handled the immediate hazards, your next call should be to a professional water damage restoration company. At DRYOUTpro PLUS, we respond 24/7 to emergency calls because we understand how critical those first hours can be.

Why call the pros first? Because time is of the essence. Water can seep into drywall, flooring, and substructures in minutes. Within 24 to 48 hours, mold can start to grow. The sooner we can assess the damage and begin water removal and drying, the more we can save.

We’ll perform an initial inspection, use moisture meters to detect hidden water pockets, and create a custom plan for restoring your property. We also help with documentation for insurance claims.

Before moving anything or beginning cleanup, take photos and videos of the affected areas. This includes water-stained walls, ceilings, furniture, flooring, and any personal items that were damaged.



Try to get clear shots from different angles and include close-ups of valuable or unique items. This documentation can be crucial when filing your claim with your insurance provider.

It’s also a good idea to start a written inventory of affected items, and include the approximate value, purchase date, and condition before the incident.

DRYOUTpro PLUS works directly with many insurance companies and can help guide you through the claim process to ensure you get the coverage you deserve.

If it’s safe to enter the affected space, remove personal belongings and furniture that are not completely soaked. Focus on items that are most vulnerable to damage like:

• Electronics
  
• Important documents
• Rugs
  
• Upholstered furniture
  
• Artwork or photographs

If it’s possible, place aluminum foil or wooden blocks under furniture legs to prevent further damage from moisture. Move items to a dry area where they can be assessed for restoration.



Note: Avoid removing items that are heavy, waterlogged, or moldy — leave that to the professionals.

Once the water source has been stopped and you’ve removed important belongings, it’s time to start the drying process.



Open windows and doors to increase airflow if the weather permits. Use fans and dehumidifiers to help move moisture out of the space. Even if you're waiting on professional help, this step can begin to reduce the humidity levels and slow the spread of water damage.

That said, don’t rely on household equipment alone for serious water damage. Professional-grade drying equipment is far more effective at reaching moisture trapped in walls, subfloors, and behind cabinets. At DRYOUTpro PLUS, we use industrial air movers, dehumidifiers, and moisture sensors to ensure every inch of your space is dried thoroughly.

It can be tempting to grab a mop and tackle water damage on your own, but without proper tools, training, and safety equipment, you may end up doing more harm than good.

DIY cleanup often misses hidden moisture, which leads to mold growth, warping, and structural issues. It also exposes you to possible contaminants if the water came from a dirty or unsanitary source.



Our trained technicians know how to identify the type of water damage (clean, gray, or black water) and apply the appropriate cleaning methods to sanitize the area. We follow strict industry standards to ensure your home or business is safe and properly restored.

Step 7: Watch for Signs of Mold Growth

Mold can begin developing in as little as 24 hours after water damage, especially in humid or poorly ventilated areas. Common signs include:

• A musty odor
  
• Visible spots or patches on walls and ceilings
  
• Increased allergy or asthma symptoms
  
• Peeling paint or wallpaper
  

At DRYOUTpro PLUS, we don’t just remove water, we also monitor your space for mold development and can take immediate action if we detect any growth. Our goal is to restore your property to a clean, healthy environment and prevent future issues.

Step 8: Stay in Communication with Your Insurance Company

After you’ve documented the damage and reached out to a restoration professional, notify your insurance provider as soon as possible. File your claim and keep detailed notes of your conversations, including claim numbers, contact names, and any instructions provided.



We know how confusing this process can be, especially during a stressful time. That’s why DRYOUTpro PLUS works closely with both homeowners and insurance adjusters to provide the information and documentation needed to process your claim quickly and efficiently.

Step 9: Trust the Restoration Process

Once the drying and cleaning phases begin, it’s important to give the process time. Professional restoration is thorough for a reason, as cutting corners could leave behind unseen damage that causes long-term problems.

Our team will walk you through each phase of restoration, from initial water removal to structural drying and sanitization. We also provide regular updates, so you’re never left wondering what’s next.

Step 10: Prevent Future Water Damage

Once your property is fully restored, it’s time to think about prevention. We always recommend taking a few key steps to reduce the risk of future water incidents:

• Install water leak detectors near appliances and plumbing lines.
  
• Regularly inspect your roof and gutters for signs of wear or clogs.
  
• Insulate pipes to prevent freezing in winter.
  
• Know where your main water shut-off valve is located — and make sure everyone in your household does too.
  

DRYOUTpro PLUS also offers inspections and advice for safeguarding your property against future damage. Prevention is always easier (and cheaper!) than cleanup.

Your Partner in Water Damage Restoration

Water damage is never convenient, but with the right team on your side, you can get through it. At DRYOUTpro PLUS, we’re committed to helping homeowners and business owners navigate the unexpected with compassion, speed, and professionalism.

Our trained and certified technicians are available around the clock to respond to water emergencies and begin the restoration process. We use advanced equipment, proven techniques, and a customer-first approach to make sure you’re not just cleaning up, you’re recovering.

When disaster strikes, don’t wait. Call DRYOUTpro PLUS and let us handle the stress while you focus on getting back to normal.

Need Help Now? We’re Here for You

Every minute matters when water damage happens. If you’re dealing with an emergency, don’t try to handle it all on your own. Call the experts at DRYOUTpro PLUS.