Homeowner guide / First steps
A calmer first hour after water damage.
Start with safety and the source. Then record what you can see, protect what you can safely move and prepare a consistent account for your insurer and the people assessing the damage.
01 / Safety
Do not enter an unsafe area.
Keep away from standing water where electrical hazards may exist. Water from outdoors or sewage needs different precautions from a small clean-water leak. Follow emergency, utility or licensed professional guidance where relevant.
02 / Stop and document
Separate stopping the source from cleanup.
If you can safely shut off a private-property water source, do so. For a suspected public-system problem, use SAWS reporting guidance. Photograph affected rooms and materials before moving items when it is safe; note discovery time and repairs made.
- Rooms and surfaces affected
- Known or suspected source and discovery time
- Visible water level, staining and moved belongings
03 / Scope and records
Ask what the assessment will measure.
Request a written description of extraction, material assessment, drying, monitoring, disposal and repair responsibilities. Keep receipts and ask your insurer how to document the claim. Coverage decisions come from the insurer, not this site.
Sources worth opening
Use the primary guidance.
Questions homeowners ask
A little more clarity.
Should I wait for an insurance decision before taking any action?
Ask your insurer for claim instructions promptly. Immediate safety and reasonable steps to prevent further damage may still matter; document what you do and keep receipts. Policy terms and insurer instructions control coverage.
Next conversation
Know the damage. Ask about the whole job.
Bring the affected address, rooms, source and photos to a qualified assessment when an approved provider route is available.