How to Stop Water Damage in 7 Emergency Steps

Water doesn’t knock before it enters your home. Whether it’s a burst pipe at 2 AM or a washing machine that decides to flood your laundry room on a Tuesday morning, water emergencies have terrible timing and zero regard for your schedule.

Here’s the reality: the actions you take in the first hour after discovering water damage will determine whether you’re dealing with a manageable cleanup or a major restoration project. Our team at RemediH2O has responded to thousands of water emergencies across Colorado’s Western Slope and Roaring Fork Valley, and we’ve seen how quick thinking can save homeowners tens of thousands of dollars.

The difference between a small headache and a massive disaster often comes down to knowing exactly what to do when water shows up uninvited. With over 25 years of combined experience in water damage restoration, we’ve distilled our emergency response into seven critical steps that every homeowner should know by heart.

Step 1: Safety First – Turn Off the Power

Before you do anything else, think about electricity and water. They’re about as compatible as oil and water, which is to say, not at all.

Toilet overflows are common water emergencies that require immediate action to prevent extensive damage to flooring and surrounding areas.

Immediate Safety Actions:

• Turn off electricity to affected areas at the circuit breaker
• Never enter standing water if electrical outlets or appliances might be submerged
• Use a flashlight instead of light switches
• Wear rubber boots if you have them

If you’re dealing with more than a few inches of water, especially in basements where electrical panels are often located, call an electrician before proceeding. Your safety is worth more than any quick fix.

Step 2: Stop the Water Source

This might seem obvious, but you’d be surprised how many people focus on cleaning up the mess before stopping the flow. It’s like trying to fill a bucket with a hole in it.

Can’t find your main water shut-off? It’s usually near where the water line enters your house, often in the basement, crawl space, or near the water meter outside. Pro tip: locate this before you need it and teach everyone in your family where it is.

Step 3: Document Everything for Insurance

We know your first instinct is to start cleaning, but hold on. Your insurance company will thank you (and so will your wallet) if you document the damage first.

Proper airflow with fans and dehumidifiers is essential for preventing mold growth and accelerating the drying process.

Documentation Checklist:

• Take photos and videos of all affected areas
• Capture the water source if visible
• Document damaged belongings and furniture
• Note the time you discovered the damage
• Keep receipts for any emergency supplies you purchase

According to the Insurance Information Institute, proper documentation can significantly speed up your claims process. Most smartphones take great photos these days, so use what you have and take more pictures than you think you need.

Step 4: Remove Standing Water Quickly

Here’s where time becomes critical. Standing water doesn’t just sit there politely waiting, it starts causing damage immediately. Within 24-48 hours, you’re looking at potential mold growth, and nobody wants that uninvited guest.

Water Removal Methods:

• Small amounts: Towels, mops, buckets
• Larger amounts: Wet/dry shop vacuum (if you have one)
• Extensive flooding: Call professionals immediately

For significant water damage throughout Colorado’s Roaring Fork Valley, our team uses industrial-grade equipment that can extract thousands of gallons quickly. Sometimes the DIY approach just isn’t enough, and that’s okay.

Step 5: Move and Protect Your Belongings

Water has a talent for finding its way into everything. The faster you can get your belongings to safety, the more you’ll be able to save.

Priority Items to Move:

• Electronics and appliances
• Important documents and photos
• Furniture and rugs
• Clothing and personal items
• Anything with sentimental value

Move items to a dry area, preferably elevated off the floor. If furniture is too heavy to move, try placing aluminum foil or plastic sheeting under the legs to prevent further water absorption.

Step 6: Start the Drying Process

Colorado’s dry climate can actually work in your favor here, but you still need to be proactive about drying out the affected areas.

Drying Techniques:

• Open windows and doors for air circulation (weather permitting)
• Use fans to increase airflow
• Run dehumidifiers if available
• Remove wet carpets, padding, and baseboards if heavily saturated

Important note: If you’re dealing with sewage backup or contaminated water, don’t attempt to clean this yourself. This falls into the category of hazardous cleanup that requires professional mold remediation services and specialized equipment.

Step 7: Monitor for Hidden Moisture and Mold

Just because you can’t see water doesn’t mean it’s not there. Water loves to hide in walls, under flooring, and in other sneaky places.

Signs to Watch For:

• Musty odors
• Discolored or warped walls
• Peeling paint or wallpaper
• Increased humidity levels
• Soft or sagging areas in walls or ceilings

Mold can start growing within 24-48 hours in the right conditions. If you notice any of these signs, it’s time to call in professionals who have moisture meters and thermal imaging cameras to detect hidden problems.

Emergency Water Damage Response Checklist

Here’s a quick reference guide you can save or print:

When to Call the Professionals

Look, we’re not going to tell you that every small leak needs professional intervention. A minor toilet overflow that you catch quickly? You’ve probably got this. But there are times when calling professionals isn’t just recommended, it’s necessary for your family’s health and your home’s integrity.

Call professionals when you’re dealing with:

• More than a few inches of standing water
• Contaminated water (sewage, flood water)
• Water that’s been standing for more than 24 hours
• Structural damage to walls or flooring
• Any situation that feels overwhelming

If smoke or fire damage is also involved (from electrical issues or other causes), you’ll need comprehensive fire damage restoration services as well. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, proper cleanup and restoration is essential for preventing long-term health issues.

Our team serves the entire Western Slope, from Grand Junction to Aspen, and we’ve helped thousands of homeowners through these exact situations. Sometimes peace of mind is worth the investment.

Want to learn more about preventing water damage in the first place? Check out our guide on how to prevent broken pipes this winter or learn about preventing flash flood damage.

Frequently Asked Questions