What to Do in the First 24 Hours After Water Damage

Summary: Water damage can happen when you least expect it, and acting quickly makes all the difference. This simple guide walks you through what to do in the first 24 hours to protect your home, stop the damage from getting worse, and start the cleanup right.

Water damage rarely gives a warning. It can happen out of the blue—during a heavy storm, late at night, or when the house is empty. When it does, every minute counts. What happens in the first 24 hours often sets the tone for how manageable the cleanup will be and how much long-term damage can be avoided.

This guide draws on years of hands-on experience helping homeowners and property managers recover from all kinds of water-related disasters—from burst pipes and flooded basements to storm damage and sewageSewage is wastewater containing biological and chemical cont... More backups.

Why the First 24 Hours Matter So Much

Once water starts entering your home, the clock is ticking—and fast. Here’s why acting quickly makes such a huge difference:

• Water spreads fast. According to the experts at the Institute of InspectionInspection is the careful examination and assessment of a pr... More, Cleaning and RestorationRestoration is the process of returning a property to its pr... More Certification (IICRC), water can seep into drywall, insulationInsulation is a material used in buildings to reduce the tra... More, flooring, and furniture in just a few hours. The sooner it’s stopped, the less damage it causes.
• MoldMold is a type of fungus that grows in damp or humid conditi... More can begin to grow in as little as 24 to 48 hours. MoldMold is a type of fungus that grows in damp or humid conditi... More sporesSpores are microscopic reproductive units of fungi or mold t... More love damp spots and, if left unchecked, can quickly turn a wet patch into a much bigger problem that affects your home’s health.
• Your home’s structureStructure refers to the framework or components of a buildin... More can suffer quickly. Wood starts to swell and warp, drywall weakens, and metal parts can begin to corrode—all of which can compromise the safety and stability of your space.
• There are health risks to consider. Especially if the water is dirty or contaminated, it can carry bacteria and virusesViruses are microscopic infectious agents that can only repr... More that can be harmful to you and your family.
• Insurance companies expect quick action. Many policies require that homeowners act promptly to minimize damage. Waiting too long could complicate your claim or even reduce what’s covered.

To put it into perspective: Water damage costs over $15 billion every year in the U.S., and delays in cleanup can cause damage to multiply rapidly. According to the IICRC, if cleanup and dryingDrying is the process of removing moisture from materials, s... More don’t start within 48 hours, the damage can escalate dramatically.

Your Step-by-Step Action Plan for the First 24 Hours After Water Damage

Below is a clear, easy-to-follow plan outlining the key steps to take right away. This will help you stay calm, stay safe, and start putting things right—one step at a time.

Step 1: Ensure Personal Safety First

Before tackling the damage, the top priority is making sure everyone is safe.

• Turn off electricity if water has reached outlets or appliances. Electricity and water don’t mix—if there’s any chance of a shock hazard, leave the home and call a licensed electrician to safely disconnect power before reentering.
• Avoid contact with contaminated water. Floodwaters can carry sewageSewage is wastewater containing biological and chemical cont... More, chemicals, or sharp debris that pose serious health risks. Wear waterproof boots and gloves if you need to enter affected areas.
• Check for structural damage. Watch for sagging ceilings, warped floors, or cracked walls—these could signal weakened structures that might collapse. If anything feels unsafe, evacuate immediately and call a professional.
• Document the damage carefully. If it’s safe, take photos or videos of affected areas. This will help with insurance claims and restorationRestoration is the process of returning a property to its pr... More planning later.

Step 2: Stop the Source of Water

Stopping the water from entering your home is critical to limit further damage.

• Locate your main water shut-off valve and turn it off immediately if the leak comes from plumbing.
• If an appliance is leaking, turn off its water supply or unplug it to stop more water from spilling.
• For storm floodingFlooding is the overflow or accumulation of water in areas t... More or external water, there may be limited options other than waiting for water levels to recede. Focus on protecting valuables and keeping the area as dry as possible.

Step 3: Contact Your Insurance Provider

Getting your insurance company involved early can speed up the claims process.

• Call your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance as soon as possible and explain what happened.
• Provide a detailed description of the damage and which parts of your home are affected.
• Send photos and videos you’ve taken to support your claim.
• Understand that not all policies cover every type of water damage—flooding from groundwaterGroundwater is water that exists beneath the earth’s surfa... More or storms sometimes requires separate coverage.
• An insurance adjuster may want to visit within 24 to 48 hours to assess the damage.

Step 4: Call a Water Damage Restoration Company

When it comes to recovering from water damage, professional help often makes the biggest difference in getting your home back to normal.

Certified restorationRestoration is the process of returning a property to its pr... More specialists have the right tools and experience to thoroughly remove water, dry out your space, and stop moldMold is a type of fungus that grows in damp or humid conditi... More before it takes hold. They handle everything from extracting standing water to dryingDrying is the process of removing moisture from materials, s... More and dehumidifying your home, plus sanitizing affected areas to keep health risks low.

If needed, they’ll also remove and replace damaged materials like drywall, flooring, or insulationInsulation is a material used in buildings to reduce the tra... More to ensure your home is safe and sound.

Look for companies that offer 24/7 emergency service and hold credentials from trusted organizations like the IICRC (Institute of InspectionInspection is the careful examination and assessment of a pr... More, Cleaning and RestorationRestoration is the process of returning a property to its pr... More Certification)—this guarantees they follow proven industry standards.

For trusted, local water damage restoration professionals, find certified contractors near you through RestorationMaster. They connect you with experienced companies that often work directly with insurance providers, helping make your claim process faster and smoother.

Step 5: Start Drying What You Can

While waiting for the pros, taking some initial dryingDrying is the process of removing moisture from materials, s... More steps can help reduce damage.

• Open windows and doors to encourage air circulation, but only if weather and safety allow.
• Use any available fans or dehumidifiers to start pulling moisture out of the air and materials.
• Lift wet rugs, furniture, and belongings off the floor to allow air underneath.
• Blot up water with towels or mops—but avoid using a regular vacuum to suck up water, as it can be dangerous around electricity.
• Soft items like rugs, cushions, and curtains that are soaked may need professional cleaning or, in severe cases, disposal if contaminated.

Step 6: Prevent Mold Growth

MoldMold is a type of fungus that grows in damp or humid conditi... More can begin to take hold quickly after water damage if not addressed.

• Remove heavily saturated materials like drywall, insulationInsulation is a material used in buildings to reduce the tra... More, and carpet padding as soon as possible.
• Use anti-microbial cleaners to disinfect surfaces and discourage moldMold is a type of fungus that grows in damp or humid conditi... More growth.
• Try to keep indoor humidityHumidity is the amount of moisture or water vapor present in... More levels below 50% using dehumidifiers or ventilationVentilation is the process of exchanging or circulating air ... More.
• Watch for signs of moldMold is a type of fungus that grows in damp or humid conditi... More, such as musty odors or visible black, green, or white spots. If moldMold is a type of fungus that grows in damp or humid conditi... More appears, call a specialist for safe removal.

Read: How long does it take for Mold to Grow After Water Damage?

Step 7: Protect What You Can

Moving valuables to a dry area can prevent further damage.

• Gather important documents, electronics, photos, and keepsakes.
• Store these items in plastic bins or waterproof containers rather than cardboard boxes, which can absorb moisture and break down.
• If possible, move these belongings to a higher floor or an unaffected room.

Step 8: Keep Detailed Records

Staying organized will help with insurance and repairRepair is the act of fixing or restoring damaged property, m... More work.

• Keep a folder or digital record of all insurance claim numbers, contractor estimates, and invoices.
• Save receipts for any replacements or repairs you pay for out of pocket.
• Maintain a log of communications with your insurance adjuster and contractors.

This documentation can make the claim process smoother and help avoid misunderstandings later.

---

Frequently Asked Questions