Water damage in the home is an emergency. The first hour after discovery determines whether you have a manageable restoration project or a multi-month mold and structural repair ordeal. Here's exactly what to do, in the right order, in the first 60 minutes.
The First 5 Minutes: Safety and Water Control
Cut electrical power to the affected area at your breaker panel before entering any area with standing water. This takes 30 seconds and can save your life. If the breaker panel is in the affected area and already wet, call your utility company to disconnect power at the meter — do not enter.
Identify the water source and stop it if you safely can. A burst pipe: shut off the water main (typically located near the front of the house, near the street, or in the garage in California homes). An overflowing toilet or sink: shut the angle stop valve behind or under the fixture. An appliance failure: unplug the appliance or shut off its dedicated water supply line. Storm or roof leak: you can't stop rain, but you can move contents away from the affected area.
Minutes 5–15: Protect Valuables and Document
Move electronics, documents, photos, and portable valuables out of the water path to a dry area. Lift rugs and begin removing portable furniture if you can do so without further exposing yourself to contaminated water. Do not move large, heavy furniture through standing water unnecessarily.
Take 2–3 minutes to photograph and video all visible damage from multiple angles. This documentation is essential for your insurance claim. Don't wait for the "perfect" photos — quick, comprehensive coverage is better than careful composition.
Minutes 15–60: Make the Critical Calls
Call Water Damage Champ at (888) 510-9436. Our dispatch team will ask about the water source, affected area size, and whether there's standing water. Based on your answers, we'll dispatch the appropriate equipment and crew. Emergency response across California: 2–4 hours.
Call your insurance company to report the event. Most insurers have 24/7 claims lines. Report the event, get a claim number, and ask about any immediate authorization limits for emergency services. You generally do not need to wait for adjuster approval before starting emergency extraction — policies authorize emergency services to prevent further damage.
What NOT to Do in a Water Emergency
Do not use a regular household vacuum to remove water — it creates electrocution hazards and is not designed for water extraction. Do not run your HVAC system — it spreads moisture and, in sewage events, pathogens throughout the house. Do not use electric fans in rooms with standing water. Do not wait to see if it dries on its own — it won't, and the delay is the most expensive mistake homeowners make.