Water damage is one of the most frustrating and damaging events for a homeowner. Whether it’s from a burst pipe, sewer backup, a leaky washing machine, or a full-on flood, the damage can sneak up on you and quickly get out of hand.

Trust us—we’ve seen it all at COIT. The good news? No matter what caused the damage, there are some steps you can take right away to stop things from getting worse. 

Here’s our water damage checklist to help you handle the mess and start getting your home back in shape.

Step 1: Find the Source and Stop the Water

First things first: stop the water! The faster you can stop the flow, the better. 

If the source is obvious, like a burst pipe or overflowing appliance, turn off the water supply immediately. If you can’t figure out where it’s coming from, you might need to shut off the water to the entire house until you can investigate further.

• If the water is clean, like from a busted pipe, you’ve got a better shot at minimizing damage.
• If it’s contaminated (sewage, floodwater), evacuate the area and call in a professional immediately—this is not the time for a DIY situation.

Step 2: Safety First

Water and electricity don’t mix. Before you do anything else, switch off the power to any affected areas. If water is near electrical outlets, appliances, or your circuit breaker, call an electrician before you try to enter.

• Put on protective gear like gloves and boots. Even if the water looks harmless, you never know what’s been mixed into it. Mold, bacteria, and other contaminants could be present.
• Be cautious of any structural damage. If the ceiling looks like it’s sagging or the walls are cracking, the weight of the water could cause them to collapse. Don’t risk it—leave that to the experts.

Step 3: Document the Damage for Insurance

Before you grab a mop, grab your phone. Document the damage thoroughly, because your insurance company will need proof of everything.

• Take photos and videos of the damage. Get multiple angles of each room and focus on items like furniture, walls, floors, and other affected areas.
• List your damaged items. Create an inventory of everything that was damaged, and try to include the value or purchase date if you can. If you have receipts, that’s even better.
• Call your insurance company and get the claim process started. They might want to send things out to an adjuster or recommend contractors for repairs. Don’t forget to ask about what’s covered!

Step 4: Begin the Drying Process

Water spreads fast, and the longer it sits, the worse it gets. You’ll want to get rid of standing water and start drying things out right away.

Remove standing water

You can use a wet-vac, towels, or buckets to get rid of water—whatever gets the job done. For larger volumes, you might need to use professional extraction equipment.

Air out the space

Open windows, run fans, and, if possible, set up dehumidifiers. Your goal is to reduce the humidity and speed up the drying process. In some cases, drying can take a few days, so don’t rush it! 

Check the nooks and crannies

Water can hide behind walls, under floors, and in insulation. Don’t just dry what you can see—hidden water can cause long-term problems. Using thermal imaging or moisture meters can help you detect unseen moisture, or contact us at COIT to bring in our specialized equipment.

Step 5: Check for Mold Growth

Mold loves water and can start growing within just 24 hours. That’s why it’s so important to act fast and check every corner of your home.

• Look for visible signs of mold—stains, black spots, or discoloration on walls, floors, or ceilings. Don’t forget to check inside your closets, under carpets, and behind furniture.
• Pay attention to odors. Even if you don’t see mold, a musty smell is usually a tell-tale sign it’s starting to form.
• Bring in professionals. If you suspect mold or if it’s already visible, it’s best to call in a mold remediation expert. At COIT, we can help remove mold safely and ensure your home is completely dry and mold-free.

Step 6: Salvage What You Can

Once the water is gone, it’s time to take stock of what can be saved and what needs to go.

• Furniture and rugs: If they’ve been soaked for more than a day, especially in contaminated water, it might be time to say goodbye. For items you think you can still salvage, dry them out completely and consider having them professionally cleaned.
• Documents and photos: For important papers, you can try freeze-drying to stop further damage. Consult a restoration company for your more sensitive documents.
• Electronics: Water and electronics don’t play nice. Even if they seem functional after drying out, it’s usually safer to have them checked or replaced to avoid electrical issues down the line.

Step 7: Call in the Professionals

With water damage, you should never try to handle it alone. Even if things seem dry on the surface, hidden moisture can lurk behind walls or under floors and cause long-term damage you might not even notice until it’s too late. That’s why it’s always best to leave it to the professionals.

At COIT, we know how overwhelming water damage can be, and we’ve made it our mission to help homeowners like you get their space back to normal. From the first call to the final inspection, we’ve got you covered:

• We hunt down hidden water in places you wouldn’t think to look (trust us, we've seen it all).
• Our team can handle everything from minor repairs to major structural fixes—whatever it takes to get your home back in shape.
• We don’t just stop at water—mold? We’re on it. Our mold removal services will make sure your home is safe and healthy.

Don't let water damage linger. Call COIT now and let us take care of the rest—because when it comes to your home, you deserve nothing but the 'all clear.'

Step 8: Prevent Future Water Damage

Once the immediate chaos is over, you should start thinking about prevention. What steps can you take to reduce the risk of future water damage?

Check your plumbing regularly

Inspect your pipes, hoses, and the connections around appliances like your washing machine and dishwasher. Replace any old or worn-out parts.

Install water sensors

Place leak detectors in key spots—under sinks, behind toilets, or near the water heater. These can help alert you to leaks before they turn into big problems.

Consider a sump pump 

If you live in a flood-prone area, a sump pump can save your basement from serious flooding. Make sure it’s in working order and consider installing a backup battery. 

Step 9: Don’t Forget About Structural and Electrical Issues

Water can compromise your home’s structure, so it’s important to have everything inspected once the water is removed.

Check the foundation

If the water has been standing for an extended period, it could damage the foundation of your home. Cracks, shifts, or settling should be looked at immediately by a professional.

Inspect electrical systems

Water damage and electricity don’t mix. Have a licensed electrician inspect any wiring, outlets, or appliances that might have come in contact with water to prevent future hazards.

Step 10: Take Care of Yourself

Dealing with water damage in your home isn’t easy. Make sure you’re also taking care of yourself and your family during the restoration process.

• Stay in a safe space. While your home is being restored, you might need to stay with family, friends, or in a hotel. Don’t rush back into your home until it’s been thoroughly inspected for safety.
• Reach out for help. Don’t try to go through this process alone. There are plenty of resources available from insurance companies, local aid organizations, and restoration experts to guide you through the process.

At COIT, we’ve got the experience, tools, and know-how to handle any water damage situation. Don’t wait until it’s too late—call us today and let’s get your home back to its best.

Schedule Your Water Damage Repair!!