What to Do in the First 24 Hours After Water Damage Strikes

When water decides to throw an unannounced party in your home, every minute counts. Whether it’s from a burst pipe, a monsoon that got a little too enthusiastic, or your water heater finally giving up the ghost, those first 24 hours can make the difference between a manageable cleanup and a full-scale disaster. We’ve been helping Chandler homeowners through these exact situations for nearly a decade, and trust us when we say that quick action is your best friend. Our team at Gateway Restoration has seen it all, and we’re here to walk you through exactly what you need to do when water damage strikes your home.

Stop the Water Source (If It’s Safe to Do So)

Before you do anything else, you need to play detective and find where the water is coming from. If it’s a burst pipe under the sink, turn off the water valve. If your water heater is flooding your garage, shut off the main water supply. Understanding why pipes burst can help you prevent future incidents, but right now, stopping the flow is priority number one. Here’s the thing, and this is important: only do this if it’s completely safe. If there’s any electrical equipment nearby or you’re dealing with sewage backup, step away and call in the professionals immediately.

We can’t tell you how many times we’ve had to remind folks that no amount of property is worth risking your safety. Water and electricity make terrible roommates, and sewage brings its own set of health hazards that you definitely don’t want to mess with.

Document Everything for Insurance

Once you’re safe, grab your phone and start snapping pictures like you’re a paparazzi photographer. Document everything: the water source, damaged items, water levels, affected rooms, the whole shebang. Your insurance company will thank you later, and honestly, it’s one of the smartest moves you can make.

Take photos before you move anything, then take more photos as you clean up. Create a video walkthrough if you can. The more documentation you have, the smoother your insurance claim process will be. Trust us on this one, we’ve helped plenty of Chandler families navigate these claims, and the ones with good documentation always have an easier time.

Safety First: Turn Off Electricity to Affected Areas

This one’s non-negotiable. If water has reached any electrical outlets, appliances, or is anywhere near your electrical panel, you need to shut off the electricity to those areas at the main breaker. Water conducts electricity, and that combination can be deadly.

If you’re not comfortable doing this yourself or if the water is near your main electrical panel, don’t take chances. Call an electrician or your utility company. We’d much rather help you with a water cleanup than have you become a statistic.

Remove Water and Start Drying Process

Time to channel your inner sponge. The longer water sits, the more damage it causes, and the higher your chances of dealing with mold issues down the road. Here’s your action plan:

Immediate Water Removal Steps:

• Small amounts: Use towels, mops, and buckets
• Standing water: Rent a wet/dry vacuum or call professionals
• Large amounts: This is definitely professional territory

Getting Air Moving:

• Open windows if weather permits (Arizona weather usually cooperates)
• Set up fans to create cross-ventilation
• Turn on your HVAC system to help with air circulation
• Use dehumidifiers if you have them

The goal is to get water out and air moving. Stagnant, humid conditions are like rolling out the red carpet for mold, and nobody wants that uninvited guest showing up to the party. Speaking of unwanted water, if you’re dealing with basement flooding specifically, check out our guide on preventing basement flooding to understand common causes and prevention strategies for the future.

Remove Damaged Items and Materials

Some things can be saved, others need to make a trip to the curb. Here’s the reality check: porous materials that have been soaked for more than 24-48 hours are usually done for. We’re talking about:

When in doubt, err on the side of caution. It’s better to toss something questionable than deal with mold problems later. We’ve seen too many situations where someone tried to save a water-damaged item, only to have it become a mold factory weeks later. If you’re noticing signs of potential pipe problems that led to this situation, our guide on spotting damaged pipes can help you identify threats before they become full-blown disasters.

Know When to Call the Professionals

Look, we get it. Nobody wants to spend money they weren’t planning to spend. But some situations are just beyond the DIY approach. Here’s when you need to pick up the phone and call in the cavalry:

We’ve been handling water damage restoration in Chandler for nearly a decade, and we’ve learned that early professional intervention almost always costs less than trying to fix bigger problems later. Plus, we handle all the insurance paperwork, which honestly, nobody enjoys dealing with. For comprehensive information about our fire damage restoration services, we’re equipped to handle multiple types of disaster recovery.

Monitor for Mold in the Following Days

Even if you do everything right in the first 24 hours, you’re not out of the woods yet. Mold can start growing within 24-48 hours in the right conditions, and Arizona’s climate can sometimes create perfect conditions for unwanted growth.

Signs to Watch For:

• Musty odors
• Visible mold spots (they don’t always look like what you expect)
• Increased allergy symptoms
• Water stains that seem to be spreading

If you notice any of these signs, don’t ignore them. Mold removal is much easier when caught early than when it’s had time to establish itself throughout your home.

Your 24-Hour Water Damage Action Checklist

Here’s your quick reference guide for when disaster strikes:

The Bottom Line on Water Damage Response

Water damage is stressful, no doubt about it. But remember, it’s just stuff, and stuff can be replaced or restored. Your safety and your family’s safety come first, always. When you’re dealing with water damage in Chandler, know that you’re not alone in this. Our team at Gateway Restoration has helped countless families and businesses get back on their feet after water disasters, and we’re here 24/7 because we know disasters don’t stick to business hours.

The key is acting fast but acting smart. Don’t take unnecessary risks, document everything, and don’t hesitate to call in professionals when the situation calls for it. We’ve seen homes that looked completely destroyed come back better than ever, and we’ve also seen small problems turn into major headaches when they’re not handled properly. According to the EPA’s guidelines on water damage, quick response is critical for preventing secondary damage.

If you’re currently dealing with water damage, take a deep breath. You’ve got this, and we’re here to help if you need us. For immediate assistance or questions about your specific situation, give us a call at (480) 990-4142 or contact our team anytime. You can also learn more about our comprehensive restoration services at our Chandler location page.

Frequently Asked Questions