Discovering water damage in your home can feel overwhelming, but the steps you take in the first few minutes can reduce further damage and help protect your property. Whether the problem came from a burst pipe, appliance leak, overflowing toilet, roof leak, or flooding, safety should come first. Hurry Restoration provides 24/7 emergency water damage restoration throughout Riverside County and the Inland Empire.
1. Make Sure Everyone Is Safe
Avoid entering areas where water may be touching electrical outlets, appliances, or wiring. If it is safe to do so, turn off the electricity to the affected area. Keep children and pets away from standing water, especially if the source may involve sewage or contaminated water.
2. Stop the Source of the Water
If you can safely identify the source, shut off the nearest water valve or the home’s main water supply. Do not attempt repairs involving electricity, sewage, or damaged plumbing. Stopping the flow quickly can limit how far the water spreads and reduce damage to flooring, drywall, cabinets, and personal belongings.
3. Call a Professional Water Damage Restoration Company
Water can move behind walls, beneath flooring, and into cabinets where it may not be immediately visible. A professional restoration team can inspect the affected areas, remove standing water, set up drying equipment, and monitor moisture levels until the structure is properly dried. Hurry Restoration provides 24/7 emergency water damage restoration throughout Riverside County and the Inland Empire.
4. Document the Damage
Take clear photos and videos of the affected rooms, damaged materials, and the suspected source of the water. Documenting the condition before cleanup begins can help support your insurance claim. Avoid throwing away damaged materials until they have been photographed or reviewed by your insurance company or restoration contractor.
5. Contact Your Insurance Company
Report the loss to your insurance company as soon as practical and ask what documentation they need. Keep your claim number, adjuster contact information, photos, receipts, and restoration documents together. Hurry Restoration can provide moisture documentation, photographs, estimates, and other information that may help with the claims process.
6. Do Not Assume the Area Is Dry
Surfaces may feel dry even when moisture remains trapped beneath flooring, inside wall cavities, or behind cabinets. Hidden moisture can lead to additional damage and microbial growth. Professional moisture meters and drying equipment are used to confirm when affected materials have reached appropriate drying conditions.
7. Avoid Common Cleanup Mistakes
Do not use a household vacuum to remove standing water, and do not place fans in areas that may contain sewage or contaminated water. Avoid removing large sections of drywall, flooring, or cabinetry without documenting the damage first. Improper cleanup can spread contamination or make the damage harder to evaluate.
Need Emergency Water Damage Help?
If your home or business has water damage, call Hurry Restoration at 1-800-528-9110 for 24/7 emergency assistance. Our team provides water extraction, structural drying, moisture monitoring, and restoration services throughout Riverside County and the Inland Empire.
Learn more about our water damage restoration services or view our service areas.