Emergency Water Damage: What to Do in the First 24 Hours to Help Protect Your Home


Emergency water damage can escalate rapidly—turning a minor leak into major structural issues, mold infestations, and costly repairs. When water infiltrates a home or business, it’s essential to take fast action to limit the damage. Here are the steps to take if you experience water damage in your home or business.

Step 1: Prioritize Safety First

Before you do anything, make sure it’s safe to stay in your home or business. Water damage can create:

  • Electrical hazards

  • Slippery conditions

  • Structural instability

 If any of these risks exist, leave the premises and contact professionals immediately. Our trained teams are equipped to handle dangerous environments safely.

Step 2: Stop the Source of the Water (If Possible)

Whether it’s a burst pipe, storm runoff, or a sewage backup, stopping the source can help prevent further flooding. Shut off your main water supply or isolate the issue if you can do so safely. Once you call an emergency water damage professional, the team can take over quickly with the tools and expertise to stabilize the situation.

Step 3: Call the Emergency Water Damage Experts

Fast, professional help is crucial to minimize long-term damage. That’s why insurance companies, property managers, and homeowners all rely on 1-800 WATER DAMAGE for emergency water damage restoration. Our expert technicians are on-call 24/7, ready to respond quickly and effectively to help minimize the damage and restore your property. It’s important to choose a team that is ready to spring into action, no matter what level of water damage a home or business is dealing with. From flooding to sewage cleanup, leaks, and more, our technicians offer rapid-response, targeted treatment to help. 

 Our local crews across the country are trained to handle:

We offer 24/7 rapid-response service because water damage doesn’t wait—and neither should you.

Step 4: Begin Water Removal and Drying Immediately

In the first 24 hours, moisture can seep deep into drywall, floors, insulation, and structural beams. That’s why our team acts fast with high-capacity water extractors, industrial-grade dehumidifiers, and advanced drying techniques. We help stop water in its tracks and work to prevent the conditions that allow mold to grow.

Step 5: Tackle Debris, Contamination, and Odors

Water damage is rarely clean. You may also be facing mold spores, unpleasant odors, and—especially in cases of sewage or floodwaters—biohazards. Our technicians handle the safe removal of debris and contaminated materials, sanitization of affected spaces, mold treatment and containment, and odor neutralization. Our services go far beyond simple water removal.

Step 6: Begin the Restoration Process

Our work doesn’t stop when the water is gone. From minor cosmetic damage to major structural repairs, we’ll guide your property back to its pre-damage condition. That includes drywall and flooring repair, ceiling restoration, mold-resistant sealing and painting, as well as ongoing moisture monitoring.

What To Expect with Our Emergency Water Damage Services 

In the wake of a plumbing disaster, flooding, or even a fire, you may be dealing with substantial water damage and other related issues. With 1-800 WATER DAMAGE, you’ll always be able to access 24/8 and emergency water damage services. Our trucks are fully packed with state-of-the-art equipment, and our technicians are always ready to help. 

We know that the scale of damage restoration needed will always depend on the level of damage you’re dealing with and other crucial details. That’s why we always take a tailored approach to every home and business we treat. Here’s what that may include: 

  • We’ll first complete a detailed assessment. Before treatment occurs, our technicians will thoroughly assess affected areas. From there, we can build out a rapid-response treatment plan, give you clear timelines, and upfront costs, so you know exactly what to expect. 
  • Our technicians will remove water buildup. We swiftly help to halt further water damage to surfaces or subsurfaces of your property, with quick and comprehensive water removal. Our team uses professional-grade dehumidifiers and industry-specific extraction equipment to get the job done.
  • We clean up debris. In the aftermath of a water damage event, there’s likely to be substantial cleanup required. Our technicians can handle all kinds of materials, including sewage waste and other biohazardous materials, building materials, and more. 
  • We take steps to address mold and odors. If mold or odors have already taken hold of a space, our technicians can treat these issues. 
  • Our team helps to return your property to its pre-damage condition. Whether a property has cosmetic damage or needs more substantial repairs, our team can take care of it all. That includes damage to walls, flooring, ceilings, and other areas of a home or business. 

Get Started with Emergency Water Damage Services Right Away

Insurance companies, property managers, and homeowners all turn to 1-800 WATER DAMAGE in their time of need. For 24/7 and emergency water damage services across the country, 1-800 WATER DAMAGE has got you covered. Simply call us or make an online request for commercial or residential water damage services.