Finding water across the floor raises a lot of questions at once. Is the house safe? Will insurance cover the damage? Should you call your insurance company or a restoration crew first?
Start by getting everyone somewhere safe. Then document the damage, report it to your insurer, and arrange cleanup. You can work on the insurance claim while a mitigation company handles the water removal and drying.
Get everyone out of the affected area
Keep children and pets away from the water. After a major storm or an evacuation, follow local officials’ instructions before returning. If the house has structural damage, have it checked before going inside.
Never walk through standing water to reach the breaker panel, and don’t use electrical equipment while standing in water. If you can’t shut off power from a dry, safe location, call an electrician or your utility company. Smell gas? Leave immediately and call the gas company or emergency services from outside.
Treat water from outside flooding or a sewage backup as contaminated. Even water that looks clear can carry waste and other hazards.
Stop the water if you can do it safely
If a burst pipe or appliance leak is causing the problem, turn off the water supply if you can safely reach the shutoff valve. A plumber may be needed to repair the source of the leak.
Move dry belongings away from the affected area when it’s safe to do so. Leave heavy furniture, contaminated items, and anything near electrical hazards alone.
Take photos before cleanup starts
Before you move damaged items or pull up flooring, take photos and a short video of each affected room. Start with a wide view, then get close-ups of waterlines, damaged walls, soaked furniture, and appliances. Photograph the source of the water if it’s visible and safe to reach.
Make a list of damaged belongings while the details are fresh. Include brands, model numbers, approximate ages, and purchase prices when you have them. Mark estimates clearly.
Ask your insurer about keeping small samples of damaged flooring or carpet. You don’t need to keep unsafe materials in your home just to prove the damage. Photograph items that pose a health risk before disposal, and note what was removed and why.
Call your insurance company
Report the damage promptly and have your policy number handy. Explain what happened and where the water came from, if you know. If you’re unsure, say so.
Whether insurance covers a flooded house depends on the cause of the damage and your policy:
- Sudden damage from a burst pipe or an appliance leak may fall under homeowners insurance.
- Flooding from rising outdoor water generally requires separate flood coverage.
- Sewer or drain backups may require an added water-backup endorsement. Ask your agent what applies.
Ask about your deductible, claim deadlines, and any documents the adjuster needs. Find out how emergency cleanup costs are handled and whether temporary housing is covered. You can also ask whether damaged belongings are valued at actual cash value or replacement cost.
Write down your claim number and your adjuster’s contact information before ending the call.
Arrange water mitigation while the claim gets started
You can contact a water mitigation company while you’re reporting the loss. Once the home is safe, don’t leave it wet simply because an adjuster hasn’t arrived. Document the damage, tell your insurer what emergency work is needed, and keep records of the cleanup.
Water mitigation includes emergency water extraction, moisture checks, and drying. Water can remain beneath flooring and inside walls after the surface looks dry, so professional drying involves checking moisture levels throughout the affected area.
The CDC recommends cleaning and drying a flooded home within 24 to 48 hours if possible to help prevent mold growth. Start as soon as it’s safe, and let the restoration team assess what can be dried and what needs to be removed.
Before work begins, get a written scope and estimate, confirm the company’s insurance and any required licensing, and understand the payment terms. Coordinate permanent repairs with your insurer after the damage has been documented and the adjuster has provided instructions.
Keep your claim paperwork together
Save photos, estimates, drying records, invoices, and insurance emails in one folder. Keep receipts for cleanup supplies, temporary repairs, and lodging, even while you’re checking what the policy covers. A short note after each phone call can help you remember who said what and what happens next.
Water damage restoration in Lawrenceville and Metro Atlanta
If your home has flooded, Committed Restoration can help with water removal, drying, and flood damage cleanup in Lawrenceville, Gwinnett County, and Metro Atlanta.
Call (678) 837-6999 for 24/7 emergency service. Tell us what happened and which areas are wet, and we’ll help you figure out the next step.