Flooding may seem like a problem limited to coastal areas, but wherever you live, you should be ready to protect your home from serious water damage. Your first sign of trouble might not come from a rain cloud … it may come in the form of a backed-up drain, low water pressure, or a wet spot on a ceiling.
Why Speed Matters
Water damage isn’t just inconvenient — it’s a race against time. Within 24 hours, mold can begin to grow. Within days, structural materials may start to rot or warp. Acting quickly not only protects your home and health, but it can also save you thousands in repairs and replacements.
1. PREPARE - Water damage can occur at any time, so be ready for it!
- Know how to shut off your water supply. The shut-off valve may be on the outside of your house (usually near the meter) or in your basement or garage.
- Stock up on supplies. Have plastic sheeting, duct tape, and wooden blocks or bricks to elevate furniture off the floor.
- Invest in a wet/dry vacuum. There are many affordable models that can be used for a variety of indoor and outdoor maintenance tasks.
- Have a few fans on hand. These can be used to speed drying if water damage occurs.
2. RESPOND - If you’re not in immediate danger, act quickly but carefully.
- Stop the flow of water. If a leak is coming from a pipe … either inside the house or in your yard … turn off the water supply to your house and call a plumber. If water is pouring in through a broken window, tape plastic sheeting over the opening.
- Consider electrical risk. If water starts rising rapidly, call your electric company or fire department to see about cutting off power. Do not attempt to reach your breaker box unless advised to do so.
- Relocate what you can. Move furnishings and valuables to a higher level, another room, or off the floor.
- Furniture can be elevated on boards or bricks. If that’s not possible, put furniture legs in plastic bags, then tie or tape off the bags to secure.
- Move belongings to shelves, counters, tables, or on top of beds.
- Prioritize. Inexpensive furnishings can be replaced, so secure heirlooms, photos, and irreplaceable items first.
3. RECOVER - Once you’ve taken immediate steps, you can assess damage and move to clean-up mode.
- Call your insurance company. Let them know what happened and get instructions for how to proceed.
- Take pictures. Document the source of damage as well as all rooms and items affected.
- Remove water. Use wet/dry vacuum, mops, and rags to clean up as much water as possible.
- Maximize air circulation. Use portable fans and dehumidifiers in damaged areas.
- Call in professionals. Unless damage is extremely limited, contact a water damage restoration company, which specializes in services you may not be able to do yourself. This can involve pulling up carpets and pads, removing floorboards, cutting holes in sheetrock to prevent mold, and providing industrial strength fans.
- Be vigilant. After repairs are done, keep an eye out for signs of hidden water damage or mold on walls or carpet. Watch for damp spots on ceiling or floors, high humidity in closets or small rooms, or a pervasive musty smell.
Caution!
If you’re in the path of a storm, protect yourself — not your possessions — first.
- Don’t delay in responding to evacuation orders or changing conditions.
- If you must evacuate, don’t return until authorities say it’s safe.
- Don’t enter a flood-damaged home unless electricity has been shut off by the power company or an electrician.
- When cleaning up, beware of broken glass and other dangerous debris.
Recovering from water damage can be overwhelming — but you don’t have to do it alone.
Give us a call and speak with one of our Mortgage Specialists. We’re here to help. A home equity loan could help fund repairs and get your home back on track.
This article was repurposed with permission from Ellie Mae, Inc. - Encompass© in the 2025 Vibrant Living Newsletter.