A burst pipe at 2 AM. A washing machine that failed while you were at work. A storm that overwhelmed your basement. Water damage is one of the most common — and most underestimated — disasters a homeowner can face.

The first 24-48 hours after water damage determine whether you're looking at a $3,000 problem or a $30,000 one. Here's everything you need to know to act fast, deal with insurance correctly, and avoid getting ripped off by restoration companies.

The First 60 Minutes: What to Do Right Now

If you're reading this while standing in water, here's your priority list:

Immediate Actions

  1. Stop the water source — turn off the main water valve if it's a plumbing issue. If you can't find it, call a plumber immediately.
  2. Cut the power — if water is near any electrical outlets, switches, or your breaker panel, shut off electricity at the main breaker. If the panel is in standing water, do not touch it — call your electric utility's emergency line.
  3. Document everything — before you move anything or start cleaning up, take photos and video of every affected area. Walk through every room. Open closets. This documentation is critical for your insurance claim.
  4. Call your insurance company — most policies require "prompt" notification. Call today, not tomorrow.
  5. Start water removal — if it's safe, start removing standing water with a wet/dry vacuum, mop, or buckets. Every minute counts.

What NOT to Do

  • Don't use your regular household vacuum — it's not rated for water and you'll electrocute yourself or destroy the motor
  • Don't turn on the HVAC system — if water reached the ducts, you'll spread contamination throughout the house
  • Don't pull up carpet and padding yourself if the water is contaminated (sewage, flood water) — that's a biohazard job
  • Don't assume it's "just water" — water behind walls causes mold within 24-48 hours

Types of Water Damage (This Matters for Insurance)

Insurance companies and restoration professionals classify water damage into three categories. The category determines cost, cleanup method, and what insurance covers.

Category 1 — Clean Water

Source: Broken supply lines, faucets, toilet tanks (not bowls), rain water through roof Risk level: Low initially, but becomes Category 2 within 48 hours if not dried Typical cost: $3 — $5 per square foot Insurance: Almost always covered under standard homeowner's policies

Category 2 — Grey Water

Source: Washing machine overflow, dishwasher discharge, toilet overflow (urine only), sump pump failure Risk level: Moderate — contains bacteria, chemicals, and biological contaminants Typical cost: $5 — $8 per square foot Insurance: Usually covered, but may require documentation of the source

Category 3 — Black Water

Source: Sewage backup, river/stream flooding, storm surge, standing water that's been stagnant 72+ hours Risk level: HIGH — pathogens, bacteria, chemicals, and serious health risks Typical cost: $8 — $15+ per square foot Insurance: Covered if caused by a covered event. Flood damage from natural flooding requires separate flood insurance (NFIP or private).

How Much Does Water Damage Restoration Cost?

Scenario Typical Cost Range
Small leak, 1 room, Category 1 $1,500 — $4,000
Burst pipe, multiple rooms, Category 1-2 $5,000 — $15,000
Basement flood, Category 2 $7,500 — $25,000
Sewage backup, Category 3 $10,000 — $40,000
Major flood, whole house, Category 3 $20,000 — $75,000+

These numbers include water extraction, drying equipment, antimicrobial treatment, damaged material removal, and basic reconstruction. They don't include replacing your belongings — that's a separate claim.

Filing Your Insurance Claim: Step by Step

Getting your insurance claim right is the difference between full coverage and a denied claim. I've seen families lose tens of thousands of dollars because they made avoidable mistakes in the claims process.

Step 1: Notify Immediately

Call your insurance company the same day. Most policies have "prompt notification" requirements. Some policies specify 24-72 hours.

Step 2: Document Before Cleanup

Your phone is your best friend. Take:

  • Video walkthrough of every affected area
  • Close-up photos of specific damage
  • Photos of the source — the burst pipe, the failed appliance, the entry point
  • Photos of your belongings that were damaged

Step 3: Mitigate Further Damage

Your policy requires you to take "reasonable steps" to prevent additional damage. This means:

  • Removing standing water
  • Tarping a damaged roof
  • Turning off the water supply
  • Running fans if safe to do so

Keep all receipts — mitigation costs are covered by insurance. Even that $400 wet/dry vacuum you bought at 3 AM is reimbursable.

Step 4: Get Your Own Estimate

Don't just accept the insurance company's preferred vendor. Get 2-3 estimates from independent restoration companies. Use IICRC-certified firms (Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification).

Step 5: Don't Sign an Assignment of Benefits (AOB) Without Reading It

Some restoration companies will ask you to sign an AOB, which transfers your insurance claim rights to them. This is a huge red flag in most cases. Once you sign, the company negotiates directly with your insurer and you lose control of the process. Some states have banned or restricted AOBs because of abuse.

Step 6: Consider a Public Adjuster

If your claim is over $10,000, a public adjuster may be worth the 10% fee. They work for you, not the insurance company, and typically get 30-50% higher settlements.

How to Find a Legitimate Restoration Company

The restoration industry has its share of storm chasers and scammers. After every major water event, companies appear overnight, do terrible work, and disappear.

Must-Haves

  • IICRC certification — this is the industry standard. Non-negotiable.
  • WRT (Water Restoration Technician) certification for the lead tech on your job
  • Insurance — general liability AND professional liability
  • Local presence — a physical office you can visit, not just a phone number
  • References — ask for 3 recent water damage jobs you can contact

Red Flags

  • They showed up at your door unsolicited (storm chasers)
  • They want you to sign an AOB immediately
  • They pressure you to "start right now" before you've called insurance
  • They can't show IICRC certification
  • They quote a firm price before moisture testing

Check our vetted professionals directory for verified restoration companies in your area.

The Mold Clock: Why Speed Matters

Mold begins growing within 24-48 hours of water exposure. Once mold colonizes behind walls, under floors, or in your HVAC system, you're looking at a separate remediation project that can cost $10,000-$50,000+ on top of your water damage restoration.

This is why the first call you make (after turning off the water) should be to your insurance company, and the second should be to a restoration company. Every hour matters.

For more on mold after water damage, read our mold remediation guide.

When to Get Professional Help

Call a professional immediately if:

  • Water is Category 2 or 3 (grey or black water)
  • Water has been standing for more than 24 hours
  • More than one room is affected
  • Water reached electrical systems, HVAC, or behind walls
  • You see or smell mold
  • The structure feels compromised (soft floors, bowing walls)

You might handle it yourself if:

  • Small Category 1 leak caught immediately
  • Less than a few square feet of damage
  • You have a wet/dry vacuum and fans
  • No water reached walls, subfloors, or cavities

Every guide on WhenItHappens is written by someone with hands-on experience in disaster recovery. We don't write from textbooks — we write from the homes we've been in. Call us at (855) 566-2405 or find a vetted restoration company.