Does water damage qualify as an emergency?
Yes, in most cases. Water you can still see is only part of the problem; moisture is moving into drywall, insulation, subfloor and carpet padding the whole time. Treat it as an emergency if any of these are true: water is still flowing, it is more than a puddle, it came from a toilet, sewer or flood, it is near electrical outlets or the breaker panel, or it is soaking ceiling or wall materials. A tiny spill you wiped up within an hour is not.
The first hour: step by step
- Get everyone safe. If water is near outlets, appliances or the panel, stay out. Standing water and electricity can kill.
- Stop the water. Close the shutoff valve at the fixture, or the main valve for the home. In a condo, the unit shutoff is often under a sink or in a utility closet; if you cannot find it, call building management right away.
- Cut power to the affected area only if you can reach the breaker without stepping in water. Otherwise call your utility, such as FPL, or an electrician.
- Take photos and video of the water, the source and damaged items before you move anything. Your insurer will want them.
- Call a 24/7 restoration company. Crews in Florida typically arrive faster when you give the address, the water source and whether it is clean, gray or sewage.
- Protect what you can. Lift furniture legs onto foil or blocks, move rugs and electronics to a dry room, and open interior doors for airflow.
- Notify your insurer. Report the loss early and ask what they require, including whether you may choose your own restoration company. Ask for a written scope before major work begins. See how to file a water damage insurance claim.
Who should you call: plumber, restoration company or insurer?
Usually all three, in this order. A plumber fixes the broken pipe or fixture. A restoration company extracts and dries; call it at the same time, not after the plumber leaves, because every hour counts. Your insurer opens the claim and may direct you to approved vendors. If you are weighing options, our guide to choosing a water damage restoration company lists what to ask.
For a burst pipe, call restoration first if the plumber cannot arrive quickly. Crews can often extract and start drying while you wait. If you are in a metro area, you can go straight to local pages for Miami, Tampa, Orlando or Clearwater.
What to do before the restoration crew arrives
- Mop or squeegee surface water if it is clean and you can do so safely.
- Run fans and open windows only if outdoor humidity is lower than indoor; in Florida summers it often is not, so use your A/C instead.
- Remove small items from wet carpet; do not walk on soaked ceilings or bulging drywall.
- Do not use a household vacuum on water or turn on ceiling fixtures with water in them.
- Keep a log: times, photos, names of people you spoke to, and receipts for any emergency expense.
What the emergency crew will do when they arrive
Expect a safety check, water extraction, moisture readings and equipment set-up on the first visit. Technicians decide what has to come out now, such as wet padding or baseboards, and what can be dried in place. You should receive a scope of work and a clear explanation of drying goals. For the full sequence, read how the process works.
Storms, floods and sewage: different rules
Water from storm surge, rising rivers or a sewer backup is Category 3 and should not be handled with household supplies. Stay out, wear protective gear if you must enter and call professionals. FEMA's flood resources at fema.gov explain disaster assistance and flood insurance, and the Florida Department of Financial Services offers consumer help with claims. During hurricane season, build a simple plan ahead of time: know your shutoff, keep your insurer's claim number handy and save restoration contacts in your phone.
Frequently asked questions
Who do I call first in a water damage emergency?
Call a 24/7 water damage restoration company and a plumber at the same time, then report the loss to your insurer. Turn off the water at the main valve first if you can do so safely.
What should I do before the restoration company arrives?
Stop the water source, keep clear of electrical hazards, photograph everything, move valuables to a dry room and protect furniture legs from standing water. Do not use a household vacuum on water.
Is a burst pipe a water damage emergency?
Yes. A burst pipe can release hundreds of gallons quickly and soak walls, ceilings and floors. Shut off the main valve, call a plumber and call a restoration company immediately.
Should I turn off the electricity during a water leak?
Only if you can reach the breaker without standing in water. If you cannot, stay out and call your electric utility or an electrician.