Water damage can happen quickly — whether it’s from a leaking pipe, appliance failure, storm runoff, or a broken water heater. The first hours matter. Acting quickly can prevent mold, structural damage, and thousands of dollars in future repairs.

This guide walks you through what to do immediately after water damage, how to protect your home, and when to call a professional restoration team.

1. Prioritize Safety First

Before anything else, make sure the area is safe to enter.

• Turn off electricity to affected areas if possible

• Avoid standing water near outlets

• Watch for ceiling sagging

• Keep children and pets away

If you feel unsafe, step back and call a professional right away.

2. Stop the Source of Water

You’ll need to determine where the water is coming from:

• Burst or leaking pipe → Shut off main water supply

• Appliance overflow → Turn appliance off

• Roof or storm damage → Temporarily block entry points

If you can’t stop the source, call your local plumber or our emergency team — we can help coordinate.

3. Document the Damage

Before cleaning anything, take photos and note:

• Where the water traveled

• When you discovered the damage

• Furniture, flooring, or walls affected

This documentation helps with insurance claims and ensures proper coverage for repairs.

4. Start Drying the Area

Water spreads quickly — and mold can begin forming in as little as 24–48 hours.

Begin drying if safe to do so:

• Use fans and open windows

• Remove standing water with towels or a wet/dry vacuum

• Move items to dry rooms when possible

However, DIY drying often isn’t enough. Water can seep into:

• Subfloors

• Drywall

• Insulation

• Baseboards

This is where professional mitigation prevents long-term damage.

5. Call a Professional Restoration Team

A certified restoration team ensures:

• Moisture is fully removed

• Mold is prevented

• Structural materials are properly dried

• Insurance documentation is handled correctly

At Resto Pro Idaho, we provide:

• Emergency water mitigation

• Professional drying & dehumidification

• Mold prevention treatment

• Reconstruction and finishing repairs

We also work directly with insurance to reduce stress and speed up approvals.

6. Repair and Restore

Once the home is fully dried, we work with you to restore flooring, walls, paint, trim, cabinetry, and any structural repairs — returning your home to pre-loss condition.

If you’ve experienced water damage, fast action is essential.

Contact Resto Pro Idaho to request your inspection and estimate: 208-244-1724

You don’t have to handle this alone — we’re here to help you get your home back.