Water in the house right now? Do the first two steps below, then call or send a few details. A local water damage pro will get back to you about getting it dried out.
- Stay safe
If water is anywhere near outlets, cords, or the electrical panel, don’t walk through it. Shut off power to that part of the house at the breaker only if you can reach it while standing somewhere dry. A sagging ceiling can come down, so keep everyone out from under it. If it’s sewage or floodwater from outside, keep kids and pets away.
- Stop the water
Turn off the main water shutoff. If it’s one fixture, like a toilet or a sink, use the valve behind or under it. For a water heater, close the cold water valve on top and turn off the gas or breaker. If it’s a roof leak, put a bucket under the drip and keep everyone out from under a ceiling that’s bulging.
If the break is on the street side of your meter, call your city. The numbers are on the city pages for north Fort Worth, Keller, Southlake, Colleyville, North Richland Hills, and Roanoke.
- Take pictures before you touch anything
Photos and video of every room, the water line on the walls, the source of the leak, and every damaged item. Open cabinets and closets. The Texas Department of Insurance says to document the damage before repairs and to report the claim as soon as possible. Keep receipts for anything you buy, like fans or a hotel night.
- Get things off the floor
Rugs, electronics, papers, photos, shoes, and anything in a cardboard box. Put foil or plastic under furniture legs so stain and rust don’t transfer to wet carpet. Don’t throw things away yet if you’re filing a claim; the adjuster may want to see them.
- Start the drying
The EPA says water-damaged areas should be dried within 24 to 48 hours to keep mold from starting, and the Texas Department of Insurance notes mold can start growing within a day. Open windows if it’s dry outside and run the AC. Box fans help on small spots, but a soaked carpet pad or wet drywall needs real extraction and dehumidifiers. That’s when to call.
What not to do
- Don’t use a household vacuum on water.
- Don’t turn on ceiling fans or lights under a wet ceiling.
- Don’t paint over a water stain until you know the area behind it is dry.
- Don’t try to clean up sewage yourself.
- Don’t sign anything you haven’t read, from anyone, while you’re stressed. It’s fine to take a few minutes.
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Need help now? Call or send the details.