What should I do first when there's water damage?
Stop the water at the main shutoff, make the area safe (power off to wet rooms if you can reach the panel safely), move belongings out of the water, take photos, and call a water damage company.
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Answered by MyLocalWaterDamagePros · First steps
Stop the water at the main shutoff, make the area safe (power off to wet rooms if you can reach the panel safely), move belongings out of the water, take photos, and call a water damage company.
Key points
- Shut off the water.
- Make it safe.
- Photos before cleanup.
- Call to start drying.
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Call (844) 990-0433General information, not a substitute for an inspection. More: How to shut off your water.
Questions
More about first steps
How do I shut off the water to my house?Find the main shutoff valve, usually where the water line enters the house: basement front wall, garage, near…Is it safe to walk in water in my house?Not if the water could reach outlets, cords, appliances or the panel. Keep out until power to that area is…Should I turn off the electricity after a leak?Turn off breakers for wet rooms if the panel is in a dry spot and you're standing on a dry floor. If the…Should I take photos of water damage before cleanup?Yes. Photos and video of the water, the source and damaged items are useful for your records and for anyone…
