Emergency · fix it
Water damage? Here's what to do first
What you do in the first hour decides whether this is drying or demolition. Stop the water, kill the power to the area, document, then dry.
Call a pro
Do the safe first steps below, then get a licensed professional for the repair itself.
Intermediate About 60 min
Never enter standing water that may be in contact with electricity. Sewage-contaminated water is a health hazard and requires professional remediation.
Video: Matt Risinger / Build Show (YouTube)
What to do, in order
- Step 1: Shut off the water at the source or at the main.
- Step 2: Do not walk into standing water near outlets or appliances — shut the breaker to that area first.
- Step 3: Photograph everything before you move it; insurers ask for this.
- Step 4: Lift furniture off wet carpet and get air moving with fans and a dehumidifier.
- Step 5: Call a mitigation company the same day if drywall, insulation, or subfloor got wet.
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This page also helps with
- flooded room
- ceiling dripping
- wet carpet