Discovering water damage in your home—whether from a burst pipe, a leaking appliance, or heavy Pacific Northwest rain—is a homeowner’s nightmare. The immediate shock can lead to panic, but your actions in the first 24 hours are the most critical for limiting the damage, preventing mold growth, and ensuring a smoother recovery.
For homeowners in Tacoma, where water is a constant element, knowing exactly what to do immediately after a water emergency is the key to protecting your property. Here is your essential checklist for the first day after water damage occurs.
Hour 1: Safety and Containment
1. Stop the Source of Water (Safely): Your absolute first priority is to stop the flow. If the source is a burst pipe or a plumbing issue, shut off the main water valve to your house immediately. If the issue is a sewage backup or an electrical failure, do not enter the affected area.
2. Turn Off Electricity in the Affected Area: Water and electricity are a deadly combination. Before you touch anything or start cleanup, turn off the circuit breakers for the flooded sections of your home. If you have to wade through water to get to the breaker box, call a professional to do it.
3. Call for Emergency Help: Immediately contact a professional Water Damage Restoration Tacoma WA company. Time is the enemy when dealing with water, and a professional crew can be on-site quickly to begin extraction and drying before damage progresses.
Hours 2-4: Document and Protect
4. Document the Damage: Before moving anything, take extensive photos and videos of the affected area and damaged contents. This documentation is crucial for your insurance claim. Focus on water lines, wet walls, damaged flooring, and ruined furniture.
5. Remove Contents: Safely move wet furniture, rugs, and portable items out of the waterlogged areas. The sooner you get porous items out of standing water, the higher the chance they can be salvaged. Place aluminum foil or plastic under furniture legs that are still in place to prevent rust stains on carpets or hardwood.
6. Contact Your Insurance Company: Call your insurer to report the damage and start the claims process. They will assign an adjuster to your case. Be ready to share your photos and the name of the Water Damage Restoration Tacoma WA company you hired.
Hours 5-24: Mitigation and Stabilization
7. Begin Water Extraction (Professional Only): A professional crew will arrive with commercial-grade pumps and vacuums to remove standing water quickly. This is a vital step, as every hour water sits, the more it compromises drywall, flooring, and structural materials.
8. Start the Drying Process: Once the water is extracted, industrial-strength air movers and dehumidifiers will be strategically placed. This process stops moisture from absorbing deeper into the structure and is the single best defense against mold growth. Mold can start forming in as little as 24 to 48 hours.
9. Check for Hidden Moisture: Your restoration professional will use moisture meters and thermal imaging to find water trapped behind walls and under floors. Simply drying the visible area is not enough; all hidden moisture must be removed to prevent long-term damage and mold.
Taking swift, organized action in the first 24 hours is the difference between a minor restoration and a complete structural disaster. Trust a professional Water Damage Restoration Tacoma WA company to handle the complex extraction and drying protocols required to save your home.