What to Do in the First 24 Hours After Water Damage
By Faulkner Restoration · · 6 min read
The first 24 hours after a burst pipe, appliance leak, or basement flood decide how much of your home can be saved. Here's exactly what to do — in order — while help is on the way.
1. Make Sure Everyone Is Safe
Standing water and electricity are a dangerous mix. If water is near outlets, cords, or your electrical panel, do not walk through it. Shut off power at the breaker only if you can reach it from a dry spot.
2. Stop the Water Source
Find your main water shut-off valve — usually in the basement, crawl space, or near the water heater — and turn it clockwise. For appliance leaks, close the supply valve behind the unit.
3. Document Everything for Insurance
Before moving anything, take photos and video of every affected room, the water source, and damaged belongings. Your adjuster will want to see the damage as it was.
4. Protect What You Can
If it's safe, take these quick steps:
- Move electronics, documents, and photos to a dry floor
- Place foil or wood blocks under furniture legs
- Lift rugs and drapes off wet floors
- Open interior doors to improve airflow
5. Call a Certified Restoration Company
Household fans and towels won't dry water trapped inside walls and subfloors. Mold can begin growing within 24–48 hours, so professional extraction and structural drying should start as soon as possible. Faulkner Restoration dispatches IICRC-certified technicians across Central Indiana within the hour, 24/7.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I use a shop vac on standing water?
Only for small, clean-water spills away from electricity. Larger losses need commercial extraction and moisture mapping.
Will homeowner's insurance cover water damage?
Most policies cover sudden, accidental water damage like a burst pipe. Gradual leaks and flooding from outside are often excluded.