Whether it's a burst pipe, a roof leak during a Florida storm, or flooding from a nearby water source, water damage is one of the most stressful situations a homeowner can face. The good news? Taking the right steps quickly can save thousands of dollars and prevent long-term damage to your property. Here's exactly what you need to do.

Step 1: Ensure Safety First

Before you do anything else, make sure your family is safe. If there's significant standing water, do not walk through it — water may be in contact with electrical outlets or contain contaminants. Turn off the electricity at the breaker box if you can safely access it.

Step 2: Stop the Water Source

If the water damage is from a burst pipe or appliance malfunction, locate your home's main water shutoff valve and turn it off immediately. This valve is typically located near the water meter or where the main line enters your home. For roof leaks during active storms, focus on containing the water with buckets and tarps until the weather passes.

Step 3: Document Everything

Before you start cleaning, document the damage thoroughly for your insurance claim. This step is critical and often overlooked in the urgency of the moment.

1. Take photos and videos of all affected areas from multiple angles
2. Document damaged personal property (furniture, electronics, belongings)
3. Note the water level with measurements if possible
4. Save any damaged materials — your insurance adjuster may need to see them
5. Write down the date, time, and cause of the water damage

Step 4: Contact Your Insurance Company

Call your homeowner's insurance company as soon as possible to begin the claims process. Most policies have time limits for reporting water damage. Your adjuster will walk you through coverage details and may recommend approved restoration contractors.

Keep detailed records of every conversation with your insurance company, including the adjuster's name, claim number, and what was discussed.

Step 5: Begin Water Removal and Drying

The faster you remove standing water and begin the drying process, the less damage your home will sustain. Mold can begin growing within 24-48 hours of water exposure, so time is critical.

• Use wet/dry vacuums to remove standing water
• Open windows and doors to promote air circulation (weather permitting)
• Set up fans and dehumidifiers in affected areas
• Remove wet carpeting, rugs, and upholstered furniture
• Pull saturated drywall away from walls to check for hidden moisture

For large-scale water damage, professional-grade equipment is essential. Restoration companies use industrial dehumidifiers, air movers, and moisture meters to ensure complete drying — something consumer-grade tools simply cannot match.

Step 6: Call a Professional Restoration Company

While minor leaks can sometimes be handled DIY, significant water damage almost always requires professional restoration. A qualified restoration company brings the expertise, equipment, and experience to properly dry your home, prevent mold growth, and restore damaged structures.

The biggest mistake homeowners make after water damage is waiting too long to call for help. What starts as a manageable situation can escalate to major structural damage and mold growth in just a few days.

Why Choose Full Service Pros for Water Restoration

At Full Service Pros, we provide comprehensive water damage restoration services across South Florida. Our team responds quickly with state-of-the-art equipment including thermal camera inspections to detect hidden moisture that causes long-term problems.

• Rapid emergency response throughout South Florida
• Complete water extraction, drying, and dehumidification
• Mold prevention and remediation
• Structural repair and full reconstruction
• Direct insurance billing to reduce your stress

Don't let water damage become a bigger problem. Contact Full Service Pros for immediate assistance, or call us at (954) 304-9734 for emergency service.