Water damage is one of the few emergencies where the first hour genuinely changes the outcome. Water wicks into drywall, subfloor and framing within minutes, and mold can begin to grow within 24 to 48 hours. Here's how to make that first hour count while help is on the way.
1. Stop the water at the source
If you can do it safely, shut off the water — at the fixture if it's a sink or toilet, or at the main shutoff valve for a burst pipe. Knowing where your main shutoff is before an emergency is one of the best things you can do as a homeowner.
2. Cut the power to wet areas
Water and electricity are a dangerous mix. If water is near outlets, appliances or your panel, switch off power to the affected areas at the breaker — but only if you can reach the panel without standing in water.
3. Get water moving out
- Blot or mop up what you can reach
- Lift furniture off wet carpet, or slip foil under the legs to prevent staining
- Move rugs, electronics, documents and valuables somewhere dry
Don't use a household vacuum to pull up standing water, and don't wait for it to "dry on its own" — trapped moisture is what leads to mold and rot.
4. Document everything
Before anything gets moved or cleaned up, take photos and video of the damage. This protects your insurance claim and gives your adjuster a clear record of what happened.
5. Call for professional extraction
A wet-looking floor is rarely the whole story — moisture spreads into wall cavities and under flooring where you can't see it. Professional crews extract the water, dry the structure with commercial equipment, and confirm it's dry with moisture meters, not guesswork.
If it's already flooding, don't wait to finish this list — call our 24-hour line first, then do what you safely can until we arrive.
Acting fast in that first hour can be the difference between drying a room and rebuilding it.
Dealing with damage right now?
Our team responds 24/7 across Burbank and Greater LA.