What to Do Immediately After a Water Leak or Flood in Your Home
Don’t Panic. Act Fast. Call the Right Help.
If you’ve discovered a leak, burst pipe, or flood in your home, every minute counts. Your top priorities are to stay safe, stop the source, protect your property, and prevent long-term damage like mold or structural rot. Dry Right Flood & Fire offers 24/7 emergency flood cleanup and water damage restoration throughout San Diego, Riverside, and Orange Counties.
📞 Call us now for immediate response or a free on-site inspection (760) 805-3677
Step-by-Step Guide: What to Do After a Water Leak or Flood
1. Shut Off the Water Supply
The first and most urgent step is to stop the flow of water.
For appliance or fixture leaks (toilets, sinks, washing machines), shut off the local valve.
For larger floods or burst pipes, turn off the main water supply to your home.
Pro Tip: If you don’t know where your main water shut-off is located, find it now—before disaster strikes.
2. Turn Off the Electricity (If Safe to Do So)
If the water has reached any electrical outlets, appliances, or your circuit panel:
Do not touch anything while standing in water.
If safe and dry, shut off power to affected areas.
When in doubt, wait for professionals.
Water and electricity are a dangerous mix—always prioritize safety first.
3. Call a Restoration Company Before a Plumber
A common mistake: calling a plumber first. While a plumber can fix the leak source, they won’t handle water removal, damage assessment, mold prevention, or restoration.
At Dry Right Flood & Fire, we:
Use thermal imaging to find hidden moisture
Extract standing water fast
Dry walls, floors, and insulation
Treat surfaces to prevent mold
Restore damaged areas
Work directly with your insurance company
We can also coordinate with a plumber if needed—so you get a full solution from one call.
4. Document the Damage for Insurance
Take photos or video of:
The source of the leak or flood
Damaged floors, walls, furniture, or electronics
Water levels and areas affected
This documentation helps support your insurance claim and speeds up the process.
5. Start Airflow (If Conditions Are Safe)
While waiting for professionals:
Open windows
Turn on fans
Use dehumidifiers if available
Don’t use your HVAC system if ducts are wet — it can spread mold spores.
6. Avoid These Common Mistakes
Don’t try to remove large amounts of water yourself—DIY often misses hidden damage and can make things worse.
Don’t use bleach to treat mold—it doesn’t penetrate porous surfaces and won’t stop regrowth.
Don’t ignore musty smells—they’re often the first sign of mold forming behind walls.
How Dry Right Flood & Fire Responds
We know that leaks and floods don’t follow a 9–5 schedule—that’s why we offer:
24/7 Emergency Water Removal
Mold Inspection & Remediation
Full-Service Drying & Restoration
Licensed Technicians and Insurance Assistance
Serving homeowners across San Diego, Riverside, and Orange Counties, we respond quickly to minimize damage and get your life back to normal fast.
Time is Everything When Water Hits Your Home
The first 24 hours after a leak or flood are critical. Delays lead to mold, wood rot, ruined drywall, and costly repairs.
📞. Call Dry Right Flood & Fire now for immediate service or request a free on-site inspection at (760) 805-3677.
Local. Certified. Ready 24/7.