Water Damage Emergency | What to Do in the First 24–48 Hours

Water damage can happen without warning—and what you do in the first few minutes and hours can make a major difference. Chris Poulin of 911 Restoration joins Sarah Johns to explain what homeowners should do immediately after discovering a leak, overflow or other water damage in their home.

Chris walks through the first steps homeowners should take, including identifying and stopping the water source when possible, protecting belongings and documenting the damage with photos and video. He also explains why homeowners should keep damaged plumbing parts, such as a broken supply line, because they may become important documentation when working with an insurance company.

The conversation then goes inside the restoration process to explain what happens during the critical first 24–48 hours. Learn how professionals identify hidden moisture, create a drying plan, establish containment and determine which materials can be dried versus what may need to be removed.

Plus, Chris explains why simply mopping up visible water or putting a fan on the area may not tell the whole story—and why documenting the damage before cleanup can be important if an insurance claim becomes necessary.

🚨 Segment Highlights:

💧 What to Do Immediately After Water Damage

• Identify where the water is coming from

• Shut off the source or your home's main water supply when possible

• Protect belongings and begin controlling visible water

📸 Document the Damage Before Cleanup

• Take both wide shots and close-up photos of affected areas

• Video can help document the extent of the original damage

• Photograph damaged belongings before moving or disposing of them

🔧 Why You Should Keep the Damaged Part

• Don't automatically throw away a broken pipe or supply line

• Set the damaged component aside after a plumber removes it

• Your insurance company may request it as supporting documentation

⏱️ The Critical First 24–48 Hours

• Restoration professionals assess how far the moisture has traveled

• Moisture mapping helps determine affected and unaffected areas

• A drying plan is created based on what materials are wet

🏠 What Professional Water Restoration Looks Like

• Personal belongings may be moved away from the affected area

• Containment can help control temperature and humidity

• Baseboards, cabinet toe kicks or other materials may be removed to reach trapped moisture

⚠️ Water Damage You May Not See

• A surface can appear dry while moisture remains underneath

• Water can become trapped under flooring, behind cabinets and inside walls

• Swollen particle-board cabinets may indicate additional water damage

🌐 Need Help with Water Damage?

Search for "911 Restoration Reno" online to connect with the local team serving Northern Nevada, Lake Tahoe and surrounding communities.

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