Water damage is one of the most common — and most costly — home emergencies for Canadian homeowners. Every hour you wait can dramatically increase both the damage and the restoration cost. Here is exactly what to do in the first 24 hours.

Why Time Matters

Restoration costs average $2,500–$4,000 when addressed within 24 hours. After 48–72 hours of delay, that number jumps to $8,000–$12,000+. After one week, costs can reach $15,000–$40,000 due to mold remediation and structural repair.

Step 1: Ensure Your Safety (Immediately)

Before doing anything else, make sure it is safe to enter the affected area. Water and electricity are a deadly combination.

Do not walk through standing water near electrical outlets, appliances, or extension cords
If safe to do so, turn off electricity at the breaker panel for affected areas
If you cannot reach the breaker without crossing standing water, call your utility company or a licensed electrician
Watch for sagging ceilings — wet drywall can collapse without warning

Step 2: Stop the Water Source

If the water damage is caused by a burst pipe, appliance failure, or plumbing issue, shut off the main water supply to prevent further flooding. The shutoff valve is usually located near the water meter, in the basement, or on an exterior wall.

Step 3: Document Everything Before Touching Anything

This step is critical for your insurance claim. Before you start cleaning or moving anything:

Take photos and video of all affected areas and damaged items
Document the water source and current water levels
Keep a written record with timestamps
Do not throw away any damaged items until your insurance adjuster has reviewed them

Step 4: Call Your Insurance Company

Contact your homeowner's insurance company as soon as possible to initiate a claim. Most policies cover sudden and accidental water damage such as burst pipes and appliance leaks.

What Insurance Typically Does NOT Cover

Gradual damage from slow leaks you were aware of
Flood damage (requires separate flood insurance)
Damage caused by lack of maintenance or neglect

Step 5: Contact a Professional Restoration Company

Professional water damage restoration companies have commercial-grade equipment that household tools simply cannot match. They use industrial dehumidifiers, infrared moisture detectors, and professional extraction equipment to thoroughly dry your home.

Look for contractors who are IICRC certified, licensed, insured, and available 24/7.

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Step 6: Start Removing Water and Drying

While waiting for professionals, you can begin the drying process:

Use a wet/dry vacuum to remove standing water
Open windows and doors for ventilation (only if the water is clean — Category 1)
Run fans and dehumidifiers around the clock
Elevate furniture off wet floors using aluminum foil or wood blocks under legs
Remove area rugs, curtains, and loose upholstery to dry separately

The Mold Timeline: Why 24 Hours Matters

Mold is the biggest hidden threat after water damage. Here is what happens when water is not properly addressed:

Time	What Happens
0–24 hours	Drywall swells, wood warps, metal tarnishes, musty odors develop
24–48 hours	Mold spores begin germinating, hardwood floors start cupping, clean water degrades to gray water
48–72 hours	Visible mold colonies appear, restoration costs increase 3–5x, biohazard risk rises
1–2 weeks	Widespread mold infestation, structural wood degradation, airborne contamination
2+ weeks	Severe structural damage, remediation costs $15,000–$40,000+

What Can Be Saved vs. What Must Be Discarded

Often Salvageable (if addressed within 24–48 hours)

Solid wood furniture
Hard-surface flooring (tile, vinyl, sealed concrete)
Metal items (may tarnish but can be cleaned)
Documents and photos (freeze immediately if you cannot dry them)
Clothing and washable textiles

Usually Must Be Discarded

Drywall that has bubbled, softened, or warped
Carpet padding (almost always needs replacement)
Particle board and pressed-wood furniture
Mattresses and pillows
Wet insulation (fiberglass or cellulose)
Any porous material exposed to sewage water

5 Common Mistakes to Avoid

Waiting too long to act — every hour of delay increases damage and cost exponentially
Using only household fans — they move air but do not reduce humidity or extract moisture from walls and subfloors
Throwing away damaged items before documenting — your insurance adjuster needs photo evidence of all damage
Assuming dry-looking surfaces are safe — moisture hides behind baseboards, in subfloors, and inside wall cavities
Hiring unqualified contractors — general handymen typically lack the specialized equipment and IICRC certification needed for proper restoration

Related Resources

For deeper detail on terminology and pricing:

Water Damage Glossary → — 35 industry terms (IICRC certifications, water categories, equipment, insurance terms)
Water Damage Cost Guide 2026 → — Pricing data by water category, damage class, room type, and US region

Quick Reference Checklist

☐ Ensure safety — do not enter if electrical hazard exists
☐ Stop the water source
☐ Document everything with photos and video
☐ Call your insurance company
☐ Call a professional restoration company
☐ Begin removing standing water
☐ Run fans and dehumidifiers
☐ Move valuables to dry areas
☐ Elevate furniture off wet floors
☐ Do not use electrical appliances near standing water

Dealing With Water Damage Right Now?

Every minute counts. Connect with a licensed contractor in your area — initial assessments typically offered at no charge, with around-the-clock emergency response from many network contractors.

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