Whether it’s a burst pipe, flooding from groundwater, storm surge, or an appliance malfunction, taking the right steps quickly can make a huge difference in minimizing damage and costs. Acting fast can save homeowners from major headaches down the line. Here are our five best tips on taking action when you discover water damage in your home.
Safety First
Before anything else, make sure your home is safe. What exactly do we mean? Water damage can bring electrical hazards, slippery surfaces, and even bacterial and hazardous contamination if the water is from a sewer backup. Here’s what we suggest:
- Turn off the electricity in the affected area if it’s safe to do so.
- If water is near electrical outlets or appliances, avoid entering the area until a professional deems it safe.
- Wear protective gear like gloves, boots, or other protective clothing if you must enter the flooded area.
- If the water is from a sewer backup or flooding, avoid contact with it, as it may contain harmful bacteria or contaminants.
We also like this guide on safety tips during water damage emergencies from the
American Red Cross.
Find and Stop the Source of the Water
Identify and stop the cause of your flooding, if possible. For example:
Shut off the main water supply if a burst pipe or plumbing issue is the cause (if you don’t know where this is in your house, consider this your encouragement to identify where it is!)
If flooding is from a storm, use sandbags or other barriers to prevent more water from entering your home. Sandbags can be a great proactive purchase if you live in a coastal town where flooding has occurred in the past.
Stopping the source quickly can help limit the extent of the damage. If you’re unsure how to locate or stop the water source, contact a professional immediately (psst..
We take emergency calls 24/7!) Homeowners in coastal towns like Scituate or Quincy may find additional tips on flood prevention from the
Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA).
Document the Water Damage
Before you start any cleaning or removal of water, take photos and videos of EVERYTHING. This documentation is critical for filing an insurance claim, and they will absolutely ask you for proof of your flood and damage. Make sure to:
- Capture all visible damage, including furniture, walls, flooring, and personal belongings.
- Keep a record of any immediate actions you take, like moving items out of standing water.
- Contact your insurance company right away to report the damage and start the claims process.
Many homeowners’ policies cover water damage caused by accidental events that happen in the home, such as a burst pipe or leaking shower. However, coverage for flooding from natural waterways or ocean water may require separate flood insurance.
The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) provides valuable resources for understanding what can be covered under flood insurance. Depending on where you are located on the South Shore, it is quite possible that you live in a flood plain and are already familiar with Flood Insurance requirements in your area. If this is the case, being prepared with photographic evidence of the flood you experience will make your insurance claim process that much smoother.
Start Water Removal and Drying
Removing water and drying the area quickly is crucial to prevent mold growth, which can begin within 24-48 hours. Steps to take:
- Use a wet/dry vacuum or pumps to remove standing water. Don’t have a ShopVac? In the neighborly fashion of Greater Boston, you may be able to request the use of one from a neighbor, post on a neighborhood forum or local Buy Nothing group, or pick one up at your local hardware store. Rather than going bucket by bucket, this will make your job a LOT quicker and easier, so find one asap or purchase one proactively when you can!
- Open windows and doors to increase ventilation, if weather allows. The quicker you can get the area dried out, the better.
- Improve airflow and speed up drying with fans and a dehumidifier. These are also supplies that we would suggest having ‘just in case’. A dehumidifier can be frequently handy even if you don’t have a flood in your house, and these items may be a pain to rush and go buy in the event of a flood. Thinking ahead can save you a lot of time and money in the long run!
For larger-scale water damage, professional equipment may be necessary. If you’re looking at sitting water and wondering how on earth you’re going to get it out of your house,
it’s time to give us a call. Atlantic Water Remediation offers 24/7 emergency water removal services when the flood water is too overwhelming to handle on your own.
Call a Water Damage Remediation Professional
While DIY cleanup can help mitigate damage initially, professional remediation ensures thorough drying, sanitization, and repair. A quality remediation company will:
- Assess hidden damage inside walls, floors, and structural components.
- Use advanced drying equipment to prevent mold.
- Restore your home to its pre-damage condition.
- Work with you and your insurance so that your claim gets filed properly.
Water damage can feel overwhelming, but taking these steps immediately can help minimize the damage and get your home on its way back to normal. As always, we’re here to support homeowners across the South Shore, from Quincy to Braintree and beyond. Stay tuned to our
blog for more tips on protecting your home from water, fire, mold, and other disasters!
