A Nightmare Homecoming 

Emma pulled into her driveway, eager to kick off her shoes and relax after a long day at work. But as she opened the front door, an unsettling sound greeted her—dripping water. With her heart pounding, she stepped inside and felt the squish of soaked carpet under her feet. Her stomach sank. A pipe had burst in the upstairs bathroom, sending water cascading down like an indoor waterfall. 

Panic set in, but Emma quickly realized she needed to act fast. Time was of the essence. Water damage can escalate quickly, leading to mold, structural damage, and costly repairs. Luckily, you don’t have to navigate this disaster alone. As an IICRC-certified water restoration company based in Leander, Texas, we know exactly what needs to be done when disaster strikes. 

Here’s your step-by-step guide on what to do immediately after discovering a water leak or flood in your home. 

Step 1: Stop the Water Source (If Safe to Do So) 

The first thing Emma needed to do? Stop the water from causing further damage. 

  • If the leak is from a burst pipe, turn off the main water supply immediately. The shutoff valve is usually located near the water meter, often outside or in a basement. 
  • If the leak is from an appliance, like a washing machine or dishwasher, turn off the water valves directly connected to the appliance. 
  • If flooding is due to heavy rains or a natural disaster, do not attempt to stop the water. Instead, prioritize safety (more on that below). 

Pro Tip: If you don’t know where your main water shutoff valve is, take the time to locate it before an emergency happens. 

Step 2: Ensure Safety First 

Emma noticed some water pooling near electrical outlets. This was a red flag. 

Water and electricity are a dangerous mix. If the water is near outlets, appliances, or your breaker box: 

  • Shut off the power at the main breaker only if it is safe to do so. 
  • If the breaker box is already in standing water, do not attempt to turn off the power. Instead, evacuate the home and call an electrician. 
  • If you do not feel comfortable turning off the electricity or have any safety concerns, call an electrician.  

Other Safety Considerations: 

  • If flooding is severe, avoid walking through standing water—it may be contaminated or hide structural damage. 
  • Watch out for slippery surfaces to prevent falls. 
  • If you suspect structural damage, evacuate and call a professional. 

Step 3: Call an IICRC-Certified Water Restoration Company 

Now that Emma had stopped the water and ensured her safety, it was time to call in the professionals. 

A water restoration company that is IICRC-certified (like us!) follows industry standards to properly dry, clean, and remediate homes after water damage. This is crucial because: 

  • Water seeps into materials quickly, leading to mold growth in as little as 24-48 hours. 
  • DIY drying methods are rarely enough to remove moisture from walls, flooring, and furniture fully. 
  • Insurance policies often require homeowners to take immediate action to mitigate damage—and hiring a professional is usually part of that requirement. 

Emma’s call to a certified restoration team meant expert technicians would be on their way to assess the damage, extract water, and set up professional drying equipment right away. 

Step 4: Document the Damage for Insurance 

Before Emma started cleaning anything up, she grabbed her phone and took photos and videos of the damage. 

Why? Because most insurance policies require proof of the damage before they approve claims. 

  • Take clear pictures and videos of affected areas, including walls, floors, ceilings, and furniture. 
  • If possible, document where the water originated (e.g., a burst pipe or overflowing appliance). 
  • Save receipts from any emergency repairs or purchases related to mitigation efforts. 

Step 5: Begin Water Extraction and Drying 

Once the restoration team arrived, they got straight to work: 

  • Water Extraction: Using industrial-grade pumps and vacuums, they removed standing water from Emma’s home. 
  • Moisture Detection: Specialized equipment (like thermal cameras and hygrometers) helped identify hidden moisture behind walls and under floors. 
  • Removal: Discard porous materials like soaked carpets or pads, insulation, and baseboards/trim if they cannot be dried quickly. 
  • Drying & Dehumidification: High-powered air movers and dehumidifiers were placed throughout the house to ensure all excess moisture was thoroughly removed. 

Emma was relieved—what seemed like an overwhelming disaster was now in the hands of trained professionals. 

Step 6: Contact Your Insurance Company 

After calling the restoration company, Emma’s next call was to her insurance provider. 

  • Most homeowners' insurance policies cover sudden water damage (like a burst pipe) but not gradual damage (like a slow leak over time). 
  • Many policies require immediate action to mitigate damage—this is why calling a water restoration company right away is essential. 
  • The insurance adjuster may send an inspector or ask for documentation (which Emma had already gathered). 

Step 7: Prevent Mold Growth 

Mold thrives in damp environments, and with Texas humidity, mold growth can accelerate quickly. 

  • Dry all affected areas thoroughly—this is why professional drying equipment is crucial. 
  • Sanitize and disinfect surfaces to prevent bacteria and mold from spreading, if needed. 

Thanks to the quick response, Emma avoided mold issues. But she knew she’d need to keep an eye on things in the coming weeks to ensure no musty odors or discoloration appeared. 

Step 8: Repairs & Reconstruction 

Once the drying process was complete, Emma worked with her reconstruction team to return her home to its pre-loss condition. 

  • Damaged drywall and flooring were replaced. 
  • Repainting and refinishing were done to restore the aesthetic appeal. 
  • Preventative measures were taken to reduce the risk of future leaks, such as replacing old pipes and sealing potential weak spots. 

Emma could finally breathe easy, knowing her home was safe and sound. 

Why Hiring an IICRC-Certified Company Matters 

Throughout the process, Emma felt confident knowing she had hired a certified restoration company that followed IICRC (Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification) standards. 

  • Expert Training: Technicians are trained in the latest water damage restoration techniques. 
  • Proper Equipment: Advanced tools ensure thorough drying and moisture detection. 
  • Insurance Compliance: Most insurance companies prefer working with IICRC-certified professionals because they follow industry best practices. 

When disaster strikes, choosing a certified team can make all the difference between a quick recovery and lingering damage. 

Final Thoughts 

Emma’s story had a happy ending because she acted quickly and called the right professionals. If you ever find yourself facing a water leak or flood, follow these steps: 

✔️ Stop the water (if safe to do so) ✔️ Prioritize safety ✔️ Call an IICRC-certified water restoration company ✔️ Document the damage for insurance ✔️ Start the drying and mitigation process immediately ✔️ Prevent mold growth ✔️ Work with your insurance provider ✔️ Repair and restore your home 

Water damage is stressful, but with the right approach, you can minimize damage and get your home back to normal as quickly as possible. 

If you’re in Texas and dealing with a water leak or flood, don’t wait—call our IICRC-certified team today. We’re here 24/7 to help you through the process, just like we did for Emma! 

Need Immediate Assistance? Contact us now for expert water damage restoration services in Texas! 🚨