Emergency Water Removal: 5 Things to Do Before Calling a Professional

Dealing with a water emergency is stressful, and knowing what to do in the first few moments can make a huge difference in how the situation plays out. Emergency water removal might seem like a job best left to professionals, but the reality is that the actions you take in the early stages of a water emergency can help contain the damage and make the entire cleanup process easier. From our experience with homeowners dealing with water emergencies, we’ve found that those who take the right steps early on tend to have better outcomes in the long run. The most important thing is to know the key actions you need to take to minimize the damage instead of just completely relying on professionals who are minutes or hours away from your home.

In this blog, we’ll cover five key things you can do immediately to help protect your home and belongings to give you peace of mind while you wait for the experts to arrive.

What Is an Emergency Water Removal?

Emergency water removal refers to the process of quickly and efficiently removing water from a property after a water-related disaster, such as a burst pipe, flood, or leaky roof. The goal is to minimize damage to the home or business and prevent further issues like mold growth, structural damage, and electrical hazards.

Water can spread rapidly, seeping into carpets, walls, flooring, and furniture, causing significant damage in just a short amount of time. Emergency water damage repair is critical to stopping the water from continuing to spread and to start the drying process immediately. This usually involves using specialized equipment, like wet vacuums, pumps, and dehumidifiers, to extract the water and dry out the affected areas.

When Is Emergency Water Removal Needed?

• Flooding from heavy rains, storms, or natural disasters
• Burst pipes or plumbing issues causing significant water leakage
• Sewer backups or sewage overflow
• Leaking roofs during or after storms, leading to water infiltration
• Appliance malfunctions, such as water heater leaks or refrigerator ice maker failures
• Broken windows or damaged structures allowing water to enter
• Crawl space or basement flooding due to poor drainage or heavy rainfall
• High humidity or condensation leading to water accumulation in certain areas

5 Things to Do Before Calling a Professional for Emergency Water Removal

Image by LAP from Getty Images on Canva

When you’re faced with an unexpected water emergency, such as a flood or burst pipe, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. The good news is that there are steps you can take right away to minimize the damage before professional help arrives. Here are five things you should do as soon as possible:

1. Shut Off the Water Supply

The first step in preventing further damage is to stop the flow of water. If the source of the flooding is a burst pipe, broken appliance, or plumbing issue, locate your water main and turn it off. This will immediately halt the flow of water into your home, preventing additional flooding and giving you time to assess the damage. If you can’t find the main shut-off valve, try to locate the valve for the specific affected area, like under sinks or behind toilets.

2. Turn Off the Electricity

Water and electricity don’t mix. If water has come into contact with electrical outlets, wiring, or appliances, it can pose a serious electrical hazard. For your safety, go to your home’s circuit breaker and turn off the power to the affected areas. If you’re unsure or if the water has reached the electrical panel, it’s safer to shut off the entire power supply to the house. Always prioritize safety before doing anything else.

3. Move Valuables and Furniture

To minimize damage, immediately remove any valuable items, furniture, and electronics from the affected area. Water can damage carpets, upholstery, and personal items quickly, so the more you can move to a dry area, the better. If furniture is too heavy to move, try placing aluminum foil or plastic under the legs to prevent water absorption. The quicker you act, the higher the chances of saving your belongings.

4. Contain the Water

If the flooding is manageable, try to contain the water in one area. Use towels, blankets, or rags to soak up any standing water, and if you have a wet/dry vacuum, use it to remove as much water as possible. If water is flowing from a specific source, try to block or redirect it using sandbags or other makeshift barriers. While this won’t stop the flooding entirely, it can help reduce the spread of water until professionals arrive.

5. Document the Damage

Before starting any cleanup efforts, take clear photos or videos of the damage, including the areas of flooding and any affected possessions. This documentation will be vital for insurance claims, as it provides a record of the extent of the damage. Be sure to take photos of the water source, as well as any damaged furniture, flooring, or walls. The more thorough the documentation, the smoother the claims process will be.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use household fans or heaters to dry out the area?

While household fans can help dry some areas, they might not be powerful enough to fully dry out walls, floors, or hidden spaces, especially if the flooding was significant. Professional drying equipment, like industrial dehumidifiers and air movers, is often necessary to remove moisture effectively and prevent long-term damage like mold growth.

What happens if I don’t call a professional right away?

Delaying professional intervention can lead to more significant and costly damage. Water can seep into hidden spaces, leading to structural damage, mold growth, and a higher risk of electrical hazards. The longer the water remains in your home, the more extensive the cleanup and repair process will be.

How can I tell if the water damage is severe enough to need professional help?

If the water has spread over a large area, soaked through walls, ceilings, or floors, or affected your electrical systems, it’s best to call a professional immediately. Professionals have the tools and expertise to assess the full extent of the damage, including hidden moisture that could lead to mold growth. If you’re unsure, it’s always safer to have an expert evaluate the situation.

Is emergency water removal covered by homeowners insurance?

In most cases, yes, emergency water removal is covered under standard homeowners insurance policies, provided the water damage is due to a covered event (e.g., burst pipes, storm flooding). However, it’s essential to check your specific policy for details. If you’re not sure, contact your insurance provider to confirm coverage and understand any deductibles or limitations.

Need Help with Flood Cleanup? Call PuroClean Zephyrhills Today!

Though it’s impossible to predict when a water emergency will happen, knowing what to do ahead of time can make a huge difference. By following these steps, you’re already ahead of the game. Remember, getting professional help is key to getting your home restored and back to normal after a water disaster.

If you need help with water damage in Zephyrhills, PuroClean Zephyrhills is here to help. Don’t wait any longer to take action. Call us today to schedule an appointment.