The First Hour
- Stay safeIf water is near outlets, appliances or your electrical panel, don't walk through it. Turn off power to the affected area at the breaker only if you can reach it while standing somewhere dry. If ceilings are sagging, stay out from under them.
- Stop the waterShut off the main water valve — usually where the line enters the house, in the garage, crawlspace or near the water heater. For a toilet or sink, use the small valve behind or under it.
- Take photos and videoBefore you move or throw anything away, document everything: the source, standing water, damaged floors, walls, furniture and belongings. This is the foundation of your insurance claim.
- Protect your belongingsMove electronics, documents, rugs and furniture to a dry area. Put foil or plastic under furniture legs that are sitting on wet carpet.
- Call a restoration companyThe faster drying starts, the less damage there is. Mold can begin growing within 24–72 hours.
- Call your insurance companyReport the loss and get a claim number. You can choose your own restoration company — you don't have to use the one your insurer suggests.
What Not To Do
- Don't use a household vacuum to pick up water — it's an electrical hazard and will ruin the vacuum.
- Don't turn on ceiling lights or fans if the ceiling is wet.
- Don't wait to "see if it dries." Water wicks into drywall, insulation and subfloors where you can't see it.
- Don't throw away damaged items before they're photographed and your adjuster has had a chance to see them.
- Don't paint over water stains — the moisture behind them is usually still there.
The Timeline of Water Damage
- Minutes: water spreads across floors and soaks into carpet, drywall and wood.
- Hours: drywall swells, wood flooring starts to cup, furniture can stain carpet.
- 24–72 hours: mold can begin to grow. Musty odors start.
- Days to weeks: structural damage, widespread mold, and much higher repair costs.
How Insurance Usually Works
Every policy is different, so always check yours. In general, homeowners insurance often covers damage that is sudden and accidental — like a burst pipe or a failed water heater supply line. It often does not cover damage from a slow leak that happened over a long time, or from outside flooding (which usually requires separate flood insurance).
Don't let that stop you from getting it fixed. If you've noticed damage and the leak was slow or went on for a long time, reach out to us — we'll take a look, talk through your options, and work it out with you. Call 425-535-6001 or request a free estimate.
We work with all insurance carriers. We document the damage with photos and moisture readings from day one and communicate directly with your adjuster, so you're not stuck in the middle.
Signs Of Hidden Water Damage
- A musty or earthy smell that won't go away
- Stains, bubbling paint or soft spots on walls and ceilings
- Warped, cupped or lifting floors
- Higher water bills with no change in use
- Condensation or damp insulation in the crawlspace
Want to prevent it next time? See our season-by-season home checklist.
Not sure? We can check with moisture meters and thermal imaging. Request a free estimate →