Key facts: What to do after water damage
- Ready.gov advises not touching electrical equipment if it is wet or if you are standing in water [1].
- EPA recommends drying water-damaged areas and items within 24 to 48 hours to help prevent mold [2].
- EPA flood guidance says porous items soaked by floodwater that cannot be cleaned and dried should be thrown away [3].
- Standard homeowners policies typically exclude flood; separate flood insurance covers it [4].
The first hour
The first hour, step by step
- 1
Make sure everyone is safe
Get people and pets away from the wet area, especially from flooded basements and sagging ceilings.
- 2
Stop the water
Close the valve at the fixture or appliance, or the main shutoff. In many northern Delaware houses the main is in the basement near the front wall; in slab homes it may be in a utility closet or garage.
- 3
Cut power to wet areas
Turn off breakers for affected rooms only if you can reach the panel from a dry place.
- 4
Photograph everything
Wide shots of each room, close-ups of damage, the waterline on walls, and the source if visible. Do this before moving things.
- 5
Move what you can
Lift electronics, papers, photos and rugs off wet floors. Put foil or blocks under furniture legs.
- 6
Remove water you can safely remove
Mop, towel and use a wet/dry vacuum on clean water. Do not use a household vacuum.
Know your water
Figure out what kind of water it is
Where the water came from changes what you should touch and what can be saved. Water from a broken supply pipe or a water heater starts clean. Water from a washer or dishwasher drain carries some contamination. Sewage from a floor drain or toilet, and floodwater from outside, are heavily contaminated. Restoration contractors use these distinctions from the IICRC S500 standard, explained in our water damage categories guide [5].
If the water is sewage or floodwater, do not try to clean porous things yourself. Keep children and pets away, wear boots and gloves if you must enter, and wash thoroughly afterward. EPA advises discarding porous items soaked by floodwater that cannot be cleaned and dried [3].
The first day
The rest of the first day
- 1
Call your insurer
Report the loss and ask what they need: photos, a list of damaged items, receipts, and whether they want to inspect before anything is thrown out.
- 2
Call for help
A plumber or roofer for the cause, and a restoration contractor for the water. Calling this site connects you with an independent restoration contractor in covered northern Delaware ZIP codes.
- 3
Start drying if it is safe
Run air conditioning or a dehumidifier if the power is safe. In humid weather, keep windows closed.
- 4
Keep a timeline
Write down when you found the water, when you shut it off, and who you called.
- 5
Keep damaged parts
Ask the plumber to save the failed pipe, hose or valve.
Who to call
Who to call for which problem
| Problem | First call | Then |
|---|---|---|
| Gas smell, fire, electrical danger | 911 or the utility, from outside | Restoration once safe |
| Burst pipe or leaking fixture | Plumber | Restoration contractor |
| Roof leak in a storm | Roofer for a tarp or repair | Restoration contractor |
| Sump pump failure | Plumber | Restoration contractor |
| Sewage backup | Plumber or sewer contractor | Restoration contractor |
| Outside flooding | Follow emergency instructions | Restoration contractor and flood insurer |
Avoid these
Common mistakes in the first day
- Waiting to see if it driesEPA recommends drying within 24 to 48 hours to help prevent mold [2]. Waiting usually means more removal later.
- Throwing things out before photographing themYour insurer may need to see them, or at least photos.
- Using fans without dehumidifiersFans alone can push moisture into dry parts of the house.
- Turning the heat way upUneven, fast heat can damage wood and does not remove moisture from the house.
- Painting or patching too soonCovering wet materials traps moisture.
- Restoring power to a flooded basement yourselfHave it checked first.
Delaware notes
Notes for northern Delaware homeowners
In northern New Castle County, many water damage events are storm-related: heavy rain that floods basements, nor'easters that drive rain into walls, and creek flooding such as the record Brandywine Creek crest in Wilmington in 2021. Flooding from outside is typically excluded from homeowners policies and covered by separate flood insurance; the Delaware Department of Insurance has consumer information on flood coverage [4].
If you are renting, tell your landlord right away, in writing if possible. Building repairs are usually the owner's responsibility; your belongings are usually covered, if at all, by your renters insurance.
The days after
What happens over the following days
Once a restoration contractor is involved, expect extraction of any remaining water, removal of materials that cannot be dried, and drying equipment running for several days with regular moisture readings. Our guide to how long drying takes explains the usual range. If drywall is wet, see wet drywall: save or replace.
When the insurance adjuster visits, your photos, timeline and list of damaged items will help. See working with your insurance adjuster.
Records
A simple record to start on day one
- TimelineWhen you found the water, when it was stopped, and when help arrived.
- Photos and videoEvery wet room, before and after cleanup.
- Damaged items listWhat each item is, roughly how old, and whether it was thrown out.
- ReceiptsFor anything you buy to deal with the damage, such as fans or a dehumidifier.
- NamesWho you spoke with at the insurer, the plumber and the contractor.
FAQ
First steps questions
What is the very first thing to do after water damage?
Make sure everyone is safe, then stop the water at the fixture or the main shutoff. Keep away from electrical hazards and sagging ceilings.
Should I call my insurance company right away?
Yes, report the loss promptly and ask what documentation they need before you throw anything out.
Can I clean up water damage myself?
Small clean-water spills, yes. Soaked carpet, wet walls, basements, sewage or floodwater are best handled by a restoration contractor.
How soon does mold start?
EPA recommends drying within 24 to 48 hours to help prevent mold. Growth can start sooner in some conditions.
Should I open the windows?
Only if the outside air is drier than inside. In humid summer weather, keep them closed and run air conditioning or a dehumidifier.