Stop the source when it is safe
Use a normal shutoff valve only if you can reach it without entering standing water or approaching electrical hazards. Contact the utility or emergency services when conditions are unsafe.
Property damage guidance
Water Damage Restoration & Repair
Water can spread beyond what you can see. PostDamage helps you organize the next steps, understand the restoration process and connect with local help when appropriate.
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What to do right now
Keep people away from hazards
Avoid rooms with sagging ceilings, energized equipment, structural damage or potentially contaminated water. Do not enter an unsafe area to take photos or retrieve belongings.
Document what you can see
From a safe location, photograph the source and visible damage. Note when you discovered it and contact your insurer if you may file a claim.
What professional help may include
The right scope depends on the cause, safety conditions and affected materials. A qualified professional should explain what your property actually needs.
Water extraction
Removing standing water with equipment appropriate to the volume and contamination category.
Drying and dehumidification
Reducing moisture in affected materials and indoor air while monitoring progress.
Moisture detection
Checking walls, floors and cavities to understand how far water may have traveled.
Cleaning and damaged materials
Cleaning salvageable surfaces and identifying materials that may need controlled removal.
Repair planning
Planning repairs after the affected area is dry and the extent of damage is understood.
Mold prevention
Addressing persistent moisture promptly to reduce the conditions that allow mold growth.
Common causes
- Burst or leaking supply lines
- Appliance and water-heater failures
- Roof and window leaks
- Plumbing backups and overflows
- Stormwater or exterior flooding
- HVAC condensate and hidden slow leaks
When professional help makes sense
- Water has reached walls, insulation, cabinets or multiple rooms.
- The source may involve sewage, floodwater or another contaminant.
- There are electrical, ceiling or structural concerns.
- Materials remain wet or odors persist after surface cleanup.
- You need moisture measurements or a documented drying plan.
How the restoration process typically works
01
Assess and make the area safer
A qualified professional identifies immediate hazards, the water source and the apparent extent of damage.
02
Extract and stabilize
Standing water is removed and urgent measures may be taken to limit additional spread.
03
Dry and monitor
Air movement and dehumidification are adjusted using moisture readings rather than guesswork.
04
Clean and restore
Affected materials are cleaned, removed or repaired based on condition and safety.
Cost factors
Cost varies with the water source, affected area, contamination, materials, drying time and repairs. A small clean-water event may require limited drying, while widespread or contaminated water can require extraction, removal and reconstruction. Get a written scope before authorizing non-emergency work.
Insurance considerations
Coverage depends on the cause of loss and your policy. Sudden internal plumbing failures may be treated differently from long-term leaks, maintenance issues or exterior flooding. Document the damage, protect the property when safe and ask your insurer what evidence and approvals it requires.
Related problem guides
Some problem types have standalone national pages. Others are covered here as part of this service guide.
Find help near you
PostDamage currently accepts requests in every location listed below.
Frequently asked questions
- How quickly should water damage be addressed?
- As soon as it is safe. Water can continue moving through porous materials, and persistent moisture can increase damage. Urgency depends on hazards, contamination, source and extent.
- What is the difference between mitigation and restoration?
- Mitigation focuses on limiting additional damage, such as extraction and drying. Restoration is the broader process of cleaning, repairing and returning affected areas to usable condition.
- Can I dry water damage myself?
- Very small clean-water spills on nonporous surfaces may be manageable. Hidden moisture, contaminated water, saturated building materials, electrical hazards or a large affected area warrant professional evaluation.
- Does homeowners insurance cover water damage?
- It depends on the cause and policy. Sudden accidental losses may be handled differently from flooding, repeated seepage or maintenance problems. Your insurer must evaluate the specific claim.
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