A burst pipe, an overflowing water heater, or a storm that sends water under the door: water damage is stressful, and what you do in the first day makes a big difference.
1. Stay safe
If water is near outlets, appliances or your electrical panel, don't walk through it. Turn off power to the affected area if you can do it safely, or wait for help.
2. Stop the water
Shut off the main water valve if the source is a pipe or appliance. Knowing where your main shut-off is before an emergency saves precious minutes.
3. Take photos
Before you move anything, photograph the water, the damage and the source. It helps with your insurance claim.
4. Move what you can
Lift furniture off wet carpet, or put foil or plastic under the legs so wood stains and rust don't transfer. Move rugs, electronics and important papers to a dry area.
5. Call for extraction and drying fast
Household fans and towels can't pull water out of carpet pad and subfloor. Mold can start growing within 24 to 48 hours, so the sooner professional extraction and drying starts, the more of your flooring can usually be saved.
Clover answers water emergencies 24/7 in El Paso and Austin. We extract the water, set up commercial air movers, and monitor moisture until everything is properly dry.