Water damage in the home can happen at any time, often without warning. A burst pipe, storm, appliance malfunction, or even a small leak can quickly escalate into a major problem. When the water starts to rise, it’s crucial to take immediate action to minimize the damage and protect your home. The big question is: Who should you call first?
In this blog post, we’ll walk you through the steps to take when water damage occurs in your home and explain who to call first, so you can get things under control as quickly and effectively as possible.
1. Call Your Insurance Company (First Step to Protect Your Finances)
Before you rush into cleanup mode or call a restoration company, the first thing you should do is notify your homeowner’s insurance provider. Water damage claims are often covered by standard home insurance policies, but there are some important steps to follow to ensure your claim is processed smoothly.
Why Call Insurance First?:
- Documentation: Your insurance company will guide you on how to properly document the damage, which is essential for a successful claim. This may include taking photos, noting the extent of the damage, and making a list of affected items.
- Guidance on Coverage: Depending on your policy, your insurer can help clarify what types of water damage are covered and what is excluded. Some policies cover sudden, accidental damage (like a burst pipe), but flooding might require a separate flood insurance policy.
- Prevention of Further Damage: By notifying your insurance provider right away, you’re documenting the damage before you start any major clean-up or repairs, which is often a requirement for filing a claim.
What to Do:
Call your insurance company’s emergency claims line. Many insurance companies have 24/7 hotlines specifically for emergencies.
Follow their instructions on how to proceed. They may advise you on the next steps for cleanup, whether they’ll send an adjuster, and whether you can begin any temporary repairs (like shutting off the water or covering up holes in the roof).
2. Turn Off the Water Supply (Prevents Further Damage)
If the water damage is due to a plumbing issue, such as a burst pipe or an overflowing appliance, turning off the water supply should be your next immediate step.
Why It’s Important:
If the water is still flowing, the damage will continue to worsen. By stopping the flow of water as soon as possible, you can prevent additional flooding and minimize the overall damage.
If you’re unsure where your shut-off valve is located, don’t hesitate to ask your insurance provider for guidance, or locate it based on the type of damage (e.g., the main water valve for general plumbing issues, or an appliance-specific valve for dishwasher or washing machine leaks).
What to Do:
Locate the main water shut-off valve in your home, which is typically found in the basement, crawl space, or outside near the meter.
Turn it off to stop the water flow.
3. Call a Water Damage Restoration Company (Expert Help for Cleanup)
Once the water is turned off and you’ve contacted your insurance provider, the next important step is to call in the professionals to help with cleanup and restoration. A water damage restoration company specializes in handling water-related disasters and has the right equipment to quickly mitigate further damage.
Why Call Restoration Pros?:
- Fast Response: The longer water sits in your home, the more damage it will cause. Professionals can respond quickly—often within an hour or two—using powerful pumps, dehumidifiers, and industrial fans to remove water and start the drying process.
- Expert Knowledge: These professionals are trained to identify hidden moisture in areas like walls, floors, and ceilings that might not be obvious to the untrained eye. They can also assess the structural integrity of your home to ensure it’s safe.
- Mold Prevention: Mold can begin growing within 24-48 hours in damp environments. A restoration company will focus on preventing mold growth by using specialized drying equipment and antimicrobial treatments.
- Insurance Liaison: Restoration companies often work with insurance companies directly, helping you file claims more efficiently and ensuring that all documentation is provided for proper reimbursement.
What to Do:
- Find a local water damage restoration company with experience, and be sure they offer 24/7 emergency services.
- Provide them with the details of the damage so they can prepare the right equipment and team.
- Ask them about their process, including how they plan to handle water removal, drying, and mold prevention.
4. Contact a Plumber (If the Damage is Due to a Plumbing Issue)
If the water damage is the result of a plumbing problem, such as a burst pipe or a malfunctioning water heater, you should also contact a licensed plumber to repair the underlying issue. Restoring the water supply is impossible without fixing the cause of the leak or flooding.
Why It’s Important:
- Prevent Recurrence: Calling a plumber ensures the source of the problem is properly repaired, so you won’t face additional water damage after the cleanup process.
- Prevent Further Damage: Plumbing issues like burst pipes or water heater failures can cause long-term damage if not fixed properly.
- A plumber will repair the issue, ensuring that your home stays dry in the future.
- Coordinating with the Restoration Company: If a plumber is needed to stop the source of the water, it’s best to have them coordinate with the restoration company, so there’s no overlap or delay in addressing the damage.
What to Do:
Contact a licensed, insured plumber who specializes in emergency repairs.
Make sure the plumber inspects the issue thoroughly and provides a permanent fix to avoid recurring leaks or water damage.
5. Document the Damage (Before You Begin Clean-Up)
While waiting for professionals to arrive, it’s important to document the damage thoroughly. This is crucial for your insurance claim and can help expedite the process when dealing with your insurer.
Why It’s Important:
- Proof for Insurance: Your insurance company will require documentation to process your claim. The better the documentation, the easier it will be to prove the extent of the damage.
- Protect Yourself: Good documentation ensures that you’re properly compensated for all the damage and losses. If there are disputes over the claim, having detailed photos and notes can help you present your case.
What to Do:
- Take clear photos of all affected areas, including furniture, walls, floors, and appliances.
- Write down the date and time the damage occurred, and any steps you’ve taken (like turning off the water) to prevent further harm.
- Make a list of damaged or destroyed personal items to help your insurance adjuster assess the situation.
Conclusion: The Right Sequence for a Smooth Recovery
Dealing with water damage in your home is overwhelming, but knowing who to call first can make all the difference in minimizing the damage and getting back to normal. To recap, here’s the proper order of steps to take:
- Call your insurance company to report the damage and get instructions.
- Turn off the water supply to prevent further damage.
- Call a water damage restoration company for professional cleanup and mitigation.
- Contact a plumber if the issue is plumbing-related to fix the source of the water damage.
- Document the damage thoroughly for your insurance claim.
By acting quickly and in the right order, you can reduce the damage, prevent mold growth, and restore your home faster. It’s a stressful situation, but with the right professionals by your side, you can get your home back to normal in no time.
Have you ever dealt with water damage? Share your experience or any tips you have in the comments below!