With water damage, every hour matters — for your home and your claim. The visible water is usually the smallest part of the problem; moisture travels through drywall, insulation, and framing. Here's what to do.
Right away
- Stop the source if you safely can — shut off the water
- Turn off electricity to affected areas if there's any risk
- Photograph and video everything before you clean up
- Move belongings out of the water to prevent further loss
Then: dry, document, and file
- Begin proper drying quickly to prevent mold — but document first
- Don't start major demolition before the loss is documented
- Keep receipts for emergency mitigation
- Have the full extent — including hidden moisture — documented before filing
Sudden, accidental water damage is usually covered, but it's often recharacterized as a 'gradual leak' to avoid coverage. Documenting the cause and the hidden damage is critical — and a public adjuster inspects for free.