Do this right now
- Stay away from electricity. Don't step into water that may be touching outlets, cords or appliances. Turn off the breakers for wet areas only if you can do it while standing somewhere dry.
- Shut off the water. Close the main shutoff valve. For a single fixture, close the valve under the sink or behind the toilet. For a water heater, close the cold-water valve on top and turn off its power or gas.
- Call for help. Call (910) 555-0100 to get a vetted local water removal crew on the way, often same-day.
- Take photos and video of the water, the source and every damaged room.
- Move what you can. Get electronics, rugs, papers and photos to a dry place. Lift curtains and furniture skirts off the floor.
- Let water out of ceilings safely. If a ceiling is bulging with water, keep everyone out from under it. Don't poke it while standing below.
- Call your insurance company to report the loss and get a claim number.
What not to do
- Don't use a household vacuum to pick up water.
- Don't turn on ceiling fans or lights in rooms with wet ceilings.
- Don't walk on wet carpet more than necessary; it can damage the padding and spread water.
- Don't touch sewage or floodwater without gloves and boots, and keep kids and pets away.
- Don't run the HVAC if water reached the air handler or ductwork until it's checked.
- Don't throw away damaged items before photographing them.
What happens when the crew arrives
- Safety check and source confirmation. They make sure the water is stopped and the area is safe to work in.
- Moisture mapping. Using meters and often a thermal camera, they find how far water spread, including under flooring and inside walls.
- Extraction. Pumps and extraction wands remove standing water from floors, carpet and padding. The more water removed now, the faster everything dries.
- Removing what can't be saved. Soaked padding, swollen baseboards and wet insulation may be removed right away so the structure can dry.
- Drying setup. Dehumidifiers and air movers are placed and left running, usually for several days, with moisture readings taken along the way.
- Documentation. Photos, moisture readings and notes on the source and category of water help support your insurance claim.
Learn more about the full process on our water damage restoration page.
Common emergencies we hear about in coastal homes
- Water heater failures, often in a closet or garage, flooding adjacent rooms
- Burst or leaking supply lines to toilets, sinks, refrigerators and washing machines
- AC condensate overflows from attic or closet air handlers, leaking through ceilings during the long cooling season
- Roof leaks during storms, especially after high winds lift shingles or flashing
- Sewer and drain backups after heavy rain
- Pipes that burst in a rare hard freeze, particularly in crawl spaces and exterior walls
Why the first 48 hours matter
Drywall wicks water upward within hours. Wood floors and subfloors absorb moisture quickly. The EPA notes that drying wet materials within 24 to 48 hours usually prevents mold growth, and coastal heat and humidity make that window feel even shorter. Clean water that sits can also become contaminated, which means more materials have to be removed.
Insurance tips during an emergency
- Report the loss promptly and write down your claim number.
- Keep receipts for anything you buy to protect your home, like tarps, fans or a wet vac.
- Ask the crew for a copy of their photos and moisture readings.
- Don't sign anything you don't understand, including any document that assigns your insurance benefits to someone else. Ask questions first.
This is general information, not legal or insurance advice. Your policy and adjuster have the final word on coverage.
Get help now
Dry Coast Restoration connects you with a vetted local restoration crew, often same-day, anywhere in New Hanover, Pender, Brunswick and Onslow counties. Call(910) 555-0100. For an active leak, calling is faster than the form.