What to Do in the First 24 Hours After Water Damage

Water damage gets worse by the hour. The first day is when you can prevent the most secondary damage—swollen floors, ruined drywall, and mold growth.

1) Make it safe first

• Shut off electricity to affected areas if there’s standing water near outlets, appliances, or the breaker panel.
• Stop the source if you can do so safely (shutoff valve, appliance supply line, etc.).
• If you smell gas, leave and call the utility company.

2) Identify the water category

Professionals classify water into categories:

• Category 1 (clean): supply line break, faucet leak, toilet tank (not bowl)
• Category 2 (grey): dishwasher/washing machine overflow, toilet overflow with urine
• Category 3 (black): sewage backup, river/ground flooding

If you’re unsure, assume it’s contaminated.

3) Start documenting immediately

• Take wide photos (entire rooms) and close-ups (baseboards, wet drywall lines, damaged items)
• Write down when it started, what you did, and any contractor/adjuster conversations
• Save receipts (shop vac rental, fans, hotel stays)

4) Remove standing water (if safe)

• Use towels, a wet/dry vacuum, or a pump for shallow standing water
• Move furniture off wet carpet (use foil/blocks under legs)

If the water is contaminated, avoid DIY extraction.

5) Reduce humidity—but don’t trap moisture

• If safe, run AC and dehumidifiers
• Increase airflow only after the source is stopped
• Avoid closing rooms tightly if cavities (walls/ceilings) are wet

6) Don’t wait on hidden moisture

Even when surfaces look dry, water can wick into:

• drywall and insulation
• subfloors under tile/wood
• baseboards and wall plates
• cabinets and toe-kicks

A professional moisture inspection can prevent months of odor and mold issues.

7) Call a restoration pro

The best time to call is immediately after the source is stopped and the area is safe. A qualified restoration team can:

• map moisture with meters and thermal imaging
• extract water quickly
• set up professional drying equipment
• document drying for insurance

If you’re in an emergency, prioritize safety and fast stabilization.