Water damage doesn’t wait—and neither should you.
Whether it’s from a burst pipe, a flood, or a leaky roof, taking the right steps immediately after water damage can save your home, your health, and your wallet.
At The Flood Company, we’ve helped Utah homeowners through thousands of these emergencies. Here’s exactly what you need to do in the critical first hours—and how our water damage restoration service can help.
Step 1: Stop the Source of the Water (If Safe to Do So)
First things first: find the source and shut it off. If it’s a broken pipe, turn off your water main. If it’s a roof or foundation leak, try to contain the water with towels or buckets.
Important: If water is near electrical outlets or wiring, evacuate and call a professional. Safety comes first.
Step 2: Turn Off Power in Affected Areas
If it’s safe and you can reach your breaker panel without walking through water, turn off electricity to impacted areas. This helps prevent electrical fires and shock.
Step 3: Document the Damage
Take photos and videos of every affected space:
- Flooring, baseboards, walls
- Furniture, electronics, personal items
- Wet ceilings, carpets, and any mold you see
These visuals are essential for your insurance claim—and can help your water damage company speed up the restoration process. For more insights, see our guide on handling the aftermath of flood damage cleanup.
Step 4: Remove Valuable Items
Move important items—documents, electronics, family keepsakes—to a dry area. The longer they sit wet, the harder (or impossible) they are to salvage. Here’s how to protect your belongings during flood cleanup.
Step 5: Contact a Water Damage Restoration Service
Don’t wait to bring in the pros. The longer water sits, the more damage it does.
Mold starts forming in just 24–48 hours. Subflooring, drywall, and framing can soak up moisture fast, leading to structural damage. That’s why calling a trusted water damage restoration company like The Flood Company is one of the smartest first moves you can make.
Learn what to expect during the restoration process and how much it might cost.
Why You Shouldn’t DIY Water Damage Cleanup
It’s tempting to start ripping out carpet and running fans—but most DIY attempts miss moisture behind walls and under floors. This hidden water leads to:
- Mold infestations
- Structural rot
- Costly long-term repairs
- Health issues from airborne mold spores
Instead, our certified experts use:
- Industrial water extraction equipment
- Moisture meters to find hidden pockets
- Drying systems that work fast
- Professional disinfection tools for safety
We’re not just cleaning—we’re restoring. Read more about how we assess and evaluate water damage.
The Real Cost of Waiting
Delays in water damage cleanup can lead to:
- Mold remediation costs (see average pricing here)
- Insurance complications
- Permanent damage to wood, carpet, and drywall
It’s always more cost-effective to act quickly. And when it comes to filing an insurance claim, check out our advice on managing the stress of insurance claims.
What Our Water Damage and Restoration Services Include
- Free water damage assessment
- Emergency 24/7 response
- Direct billing to your insurance (zero out-of-pocket in many cases)
- Mold prevention and odor removal
- Full water damage and restoration from cleanup to reconstruction
Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late
If you’ve experienced water damage—even if it looks minor—taking quick action is critical. Moisture spreads fast, and hidden damage can cause costly long-term issues. You don’t have to handle this alone.
The Flood Company is here to help. With over 20 years of experience and a commitment to fast, thorough, and compassionate service, we’ll restore your home and peace of mind.
Call us today at (801) 316-8362 or request your free water damage assessment to get started. We’re available 24/7 and serve Ogden, Salt Lake City, and all of Northern Utah.
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