Key takeaways
- Short answer: Stop the water at the main shutoff, cut power to wet areas if it's safe, photograph everything, remove standing water and valuables, call your insurer, and get professional drying started within 24–48 hours.
- Shut off water and power safely
- Photograph before cleanup
- Start drying within 24–48 hours
- Typical water damage restoration cost: $1,270–$5,376 per typical job.
Hour-by-hour checklist
- Hour 0: Shut off the main water valve. Turn off breakers to wet rooms if you can reach the panel safely.
- Hour 1: Photograph and video every wet area and damaged item.
- Hours 1–3: Mop and wet-vac standing water; move rugs, furniture and electronics to dry space.
- Hours 2–4: Call your insurer to open a claim, then a water mitigation company.
- Hours 4–24: Run fans and dehumidifiers, open cabinets, pull up wet area rugs.
- Within 48 hours: Professional extraction and drying with moisture monitoring.
Don't do this
- Don't use a household vacuum on water
- Don't turn on ceiling fans or lights in wet ceilings
- Don't throw away damaged items before the adjuster sees them or you document them
- Don't wait to see if it dries on its own
Related questions
Should I call insurance or a restoration company first?
Stopping further damage comes first. Most insurers expect you to start mitigation promptly — call both the same day.
Can wet carpet be saved?
Carpet wet with clean water and dried within 24–48 hours often can. The pad underneath usually needs replacing.
Is it safe to stay in a water-damaged house?
Usually, for clean-water leaks in a few rooms. Leave if there's sewage, electrical risk or a sagging ceiling.
Other water damage restoration questions homeowners ask
What should I do first after a pipe bursts?
Shut off the main water valve, turn off power to wet areas, photograph everything, then call your insurer and a restoration company. Start drying within 24–48 hours.
How fast does mold grow after water damage?
Mold can begin growing within 24–48 hours on wet drywall, carpet pad and wood, which is why fast drying matters.
How long does it take to dry a house after water damage?
With professional dehumidifiers and air movers, most structures dry in 3–5 days. Rebuilding drywall, flooring and cabinets takes longer.
How much does water damage restoration cost?
A typical restoration job costs about $1,270–$5,376. Clean-water jobs are priced around $3.30–$4.10 per square foot nationally, and sewage cleanups cost more.
Is flood damage covered by homeowners insurance?
No. Flooding from rising water needs a separate flood policy through the NFIP or a private insurer, and NFIP policies usually have a 30-day waiting period.
How much does it cost to fix a water-damaged ceiling?
A small patch is relatively inexpensive, but larger repairs that include drying, new drywall, insulation and paint cost more. Fix the leak source first or the damage returns.
Does homeowners insurance cover burst pipes?
Usually yes for sudden, accidental leaks like a burst pipe. Gradual leaks, poor maintenance and flooding from outside are typically excluded.
Can wet drywall be saved?
Often yes if it was soaked by clean water and dried within 24–48 hours without sagging or swelling. Drywall wet with gray or black water should be removed.
Water Damage Restoration at a glance
Timeline
Drying usually takes 3–5 days. Rebuilding drywall, flooring and cabinets adds 1–4 weeks.
Permits
Drying needs no permit, but rebuild work such as electrical, plumbing or structural repairs may.
DIY or pro?
A small clean-water spill dried within 24–48 hours can be DIY. Anything that soaks drywall, flooring or insulation, or any sewage, needs professional drying.
What water damage restoration costs
Water damage restoration averages about $3,250, with most jobs costing $1,270–$5,376. Price depends on the water category (clean, gray or sewage), how much area is wet and how much drywall, flooring or subfloor must be replaced.