What to Do If Your Home Has Experienced Water Damage

It’s critical to be aware of the initial steps to deal with water damage as well as the best ways to cut your losses.

Even a tiny water leak in your home can result in major damages that are costly to repair. Broken pipes, leaking appliances, or more catastrophic problems like sewage backups, flooded basements, or even water damage caused by fire, can all lead to significant problems.

Even with modest quantities of water, mold can begin to grow in as little as 24 hours. Structural issues or safety dangers caused by water damage are another problem, and you might not be aware of these until it's too late.

Below we’ll discuss eight steps you can take after experiencing water damage in your home:

1. Find the source of the leak and turn off the main water supply if needed

Determine the source of the leak, particularly if the cause of the damage is not readily evident. Carefully check the ceiling and walls for water stains and also make sure to inspect the plumbing and pipes.Particular areas are prone to issues, so it’s helpful to check them first. Washing machines, for example, are notorious for overflows and hose line breaks, more often if the lines are not braided.

Begin by looking at the back of the machine where the hose lines are connected. (Typically the shut-off is located between the hot and cold water lines.) Pull the lever or turn the knob clockwise to shut the water off.

Then, there are dishwashers and sinks, both of which have frequent pipe breaks or pin hole leaks which can lead to long-term damage.

Thankfully, their valves are easier than most to locate. In the cabinets below the sink, follow the leaking pipe to locate the valve, most of which are knob in style. After finding the knob, turn it clockwise to stop the flow. After you’ve stopped the water flow, open the water tap to release any water remaining in the pipe.

The most common issue is with toilet lines, which connect from the piping in the floor to the toilet itself, with their knobs located at the back of the pedstool. To shut off the flow of water, begin by turning the knob clockwise, which can by the way take some muscle if it hasn’t been turned in awhile.

If you’re unable to identify the issue, shut off the main water supply to your property.

Depending on the particular valve, this is a relatively straightforward process. Some homes have valves which are pulled from the handle of the turnoff, while others have knobs that you shut off by turning them clockwise. If you can’t locate the main shutoff, contact a certified plumber.

2. Protect yourself and your family

Ensuring the safety of you and your family is crucial after any kind of water damage. There are a few things you can do to guard your home and family from harm. First, if dealing with a flood, switch off the electrical before entering again. If you are unable to do so without standing in the floodwater, contact an electrician.



The next thing you should be do is wear safety equipment. When you enter your home again, make sure to put on protective clothes, such as rubber boots and gloves. This will shield you from wounds that can end up with water contaminated with germs.

3. Document the damage

Take photographs of all the items that are impacted, such as your apparel, gadgets, appliances, and furniture. Make record of the flooring, walls, and ceilings that have water damage. This will make it easier for the insurance to estimate the damage and the value of your claim.

4. Talk to your insurance company

After determining the source of the leak, it's critical to get in touch with your insurance company. Even if the level of your coverage varies, it's advisable to contact them as soon as possible to get the process started.



Schedule a loss assessment inspection with your agent and then inquire about a reputable water damage restoration company. After such an event, it’s typical to need help with everything from clean-up to repairs and rebuilding.

5. Dry everything

Any structure that’s been water damaged needs drying.



Depending on the extent of the damage, you may be able to do some of the drying yourself, but if the damage is too great or you’re unsure of how to go about it, you can hire an experienced water restoration company.

If you do opt to start the process on your own, make sure to wear safety gear. Decide what can be saved, and discard everything that is too damaged or unsafe to use.

Furniture and other belongings should be taken out of the room to dry elsewhere. If the conditions are right, direct sunshine is an excellent moisture absorber. Just know, however, that you might not be able to save all your items. Those which are easily absorbent, like carpets, can develop mold and be unsalvageable.

To hasten drying, if at all feasible, rent sizable air movers and dehumidifiers. For at least three or four days, let everything run continuously.

6. Get started on cleanup

Once the home has completely dried out, the moment has come to begin the cleaning and disinfecting process.

Equip yourself with a variety of sanitizing cleaners. Look at the product labels to determine which are suitable for use on porous surfaces. Go over every surface, including the floors, walls, and ceilings.



The longer you delay cleaning the water damage, the greater the damage, so get started right away.

7. Identify potential mold

Standing water makes it easy for mold to grow. Frequently mold begins to grow in only 24 hours. Keep an eye out for mold development on the ceiling, flooring, and walls. If you spot any growth, especially at the leak's source, use cleaning agents like soap and bleach to remove it.

The sooner you take wet items out of the water and start drying them, the less probable it is that they’ll be destroyed by mold. It’s likely though that you’ll need professional assistance to fully eradicate mold, as it can be very difficult to get rid of completely by yourself.



Actually, it’s safest to leave mold extraction to the experts, because there are several safety precautions to follow. Experts are also able to see mold formation in its earliest stages where others might miss it, which can be good protection from additional harm or headaches down the road.

8. Call Craftech - Your restoration company

A home's repair after water damage is a time sensitive emergency and can become a significant undertaking. Broken items frequently require repair, as do floors and occasionally even walls.

We at Craftech recognize how upsetting and unpredictable water damage to your commercial or home property may be and are aware of the urgency to handle it quickly and with understanding and excellence. Our devoted team of experts works tirelessly to restore your home to its finest condition and is educated in all the latest health and safety procedures.

If extensive construction or water removal is required or if you're not sure what you might need, be sure to contact the Craftech team.