Water damage: stop it, dry it, document it, and get it fixed
This hub covers indoor water damage from leaks, burst pipes, appliances and roofs: what to do first, how restorers grade the damage, how claims work, what it costs and how to hire. The rule that matters most: stop the water, then dry wet areas within 24–48 hours, which EPA says prevents mold growth. Photograph everything before it is moved or torn out.
Happening right now? Go to the first-48-hours stepsFirst 48 hours
- Water damage: what to do in the first 48 hoursBurst pipe or leak? Shut off the water main, stay clear of wet electrics, photograph everything, call your insurer and dry out within 24 to 48 hours.
- How fast does mold grow after water damage?EPA says to dry water-damaged materials within 24 to 48 hours to prevent mold. What that window means, what speeds growth and what to do after 48 hours.
Understand the damage
- Water damage categories and classes, explained for homeownersCategory 1, 2 or 3 says how dirty the water is. Class 1 to 4 says how much got wet. Here is what each means for your cleanup bill and your claim.
- Water mitigation vs restoration: what's the difference?Mitigation stops the damage: water removal, drying and temporary repairs. Restoration rebuilds what was lost. Here is how each is scoped, billed and claimed.
Mold risk
- Mold on drywall: clean it or replace it?Surface mold on painted drywall can sometimes be wiped off; growth into the paper or the back side means cutting it out. How to decide and how far to cut.
- Mold in the basement: causes, cleanup and preventionBasement mold comes from leaks, groundwater and humid air on cool walls. How to clean concrete, what to throw out, what it costs and how to keep it dry.
- How to prevent mold: humidity, ventilation and the 24–48-hour ruleKeep indoor humidity below 60%, ideally 30 to 50% (EPA), dry leaks within 24 to 48 hours and vent moisture outside. AC and airflow tips for humid climates.
- Best dehumidifiers for mold-prone homes, and the humidity targetHow to choose a dehumidifier to keep mold away: 2019 DOE pint ratings, ENERGY STAR, humidistats, pumps, low-temperature use and noise, plus five models.
What it costs
Insurance
- Does homeowners insurance cover water damage? Sudden vs gradualUsually yes for sudden leaks like a burst pipe, usually no for slow leaks, flooding or sewer backup. How insurers draw the line, with a decision table.
- How to file a water damage insurance claim, step by stepStop the water, document everything, give prompt notice, then track proof of loss, inspection and payment deadlines, including Florida's one-year rule.
- Home insurance claim denied? How to read the letter and appealFind the policy reason in the denial letter, get the claim file, then use reconsideration, appraisal, mediation or a complaint. Florida steps included.
- Public adjusters: what they do, what they charge, when to hire oneA public adjuster is a licensed pro you hire for a share of your claim payout. What they do, Florida's 10% and 20% fee caps, and how to check a license.
Hire a pro
- Questions to ask any restoration company before you signAsk these questions before a water, mold or fire restoration company starts work: license, IICRC certification, written scope, insurance paperwork, payment.
- IICRC certifications explained: WRT, AMRT, FSRT, S500 and S520What IICRC certifications like WRT, ASD, AMRT and FSRT mean, how the S500, S520 and S700 standards fit in, and how to verify a company on the IICRC site.
- Should you use your insurer's preferred vendor?Insurer preferred vendor and managed repair programs explained: whether you can refuse, the trade-offs, how Citizens' program works and what to ask.
- Restoration scams and red flags: deposits, AOBs and unlicensed workThe restoration red flags state attorneys general warn about: big deposits, claim-rights paperwork, deductible waivers, storm chasers and unlicensed work.
What should you do in the first hours after a leak?
Safety comes first. If water has reached outlets, cords or the electrical panel, keep clear. Ready.gov’s rule is simple: do not touch electrical equipment if it is wet or if you are standing in water. Then stop the water at the fixture valve or the main shutoff, and move what you can out of the wet area. Our water damage emergency page walks through the first 48 hours in order.
How does water damage usually unfold?
Water moves fast and dries slowly. It wicks up drywall, soaks under flooring and pools in wall cavities you cannot see. EPA says water-damaged areas and items should be dried within 24–48 hours to prevent mold growth. That window is the clock behind every decision on this page. Miss it, and a water job can turn into a mold job. Reading how fast mold grows now will help you decide how hard to push on drying.
How bad is it? Categories and classes
Restoration companies grade water by how dirty it is and by how much has soaked in. The industry standard, ANSI/IICRC S500 (5th edition, 2021), sorts water into categories, from clean supply-line water up to Category 3, the most contaminated grade, which includes sewage. Dirtier water means more material has to come out and more protective steps go in. Our guide to water damage categories and classes explains what each grade means for your home and your bill. If the water came from a sewer line or a flood, go to the sewage hub or the flood hub instead.
Document before you dry
Take photos and video of every wet room before anything is moved or torn out. Keep damaged items, or a sample of them, until your insurer says you can throw them away. Save receipts for fans, dehumidifiers, plumbers and hotel nights. Then report the loss. How to file a water damage claim covers the paperwork and deadlines, and water damage coverage explains why insurers treat a sudden burst pipe differently from a slow leak. Your declarations page and your insurer are the final word on what your policy covers.
Mitigation first, then restoration
The work comes in two stages. Mitigation stops the damage: extracting water, removing wet materials that cannot be saved, and drying with air movers and dehumidifiers. Restoration puts the home back together: drywall, flooring, cabinets and paint. Many homeowners hire one company for both, but you do not have to. Our explainer on mitigation vs restoration shows where the line falls and why it matters on the estimate.
What does it cost, and who should you hire?
Water damage is common and expensive. The Insurance Information Institute reports that water damage and freezing claims averaged $15,400 each over 2019–2023, at about 1.5 claims for every 100 insured homes per year. Your own bill depends on the category of water, the square footage and how long it sat. See water damage restoration costs for current published ranges.
Before you sign, work through our questions to ask a restoration company. If your insurer suggests a contractor, read using your insurer’s preferred vendor first, and ask your insurer in writing whether you may pick your own contractor.
Sources
- A Brief Guide to Mold, Moisture and Your Home, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (February 18, 2026)
- Floods, Ready.gov (FEMA) (October 17, 2024)
- Facts + Statistics: Homeowners and renters insurance, Insurance Information Institute (accessed 2026-10-19)
- ANSI/IICRC S500 Standard for Professional Water Damage Restoration, Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (accessed 2026-10-19)