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Home < Mod Blog < What to Do Immediately After Water Damage

What to Do Immediately After Water Damage

When water damage strikes, whether it’s from a burst pipe, heavy rains, or a malfunctioning appliance, time is not on your side. Taking immediate steps can help you minimize costly repairs and get your space back to normal faster. If you're facing a crisis, here’s what you need to do right away.

How to Take Control After Water Damage Before It Gets Worse

1. Put Safety First

Before doing anything else, make sure the area is safe. If water has reached electrical outlets, shut off power to that section of your home or building. Avoid stepping into standing water unless you’re certain there are no electrical hazards or contaminants. If the damage is severe, it’s best to evacuate and wait for professionals.

2. Stop the Source of the Water

Quickly identify and stop the water source if you can. Shut off the main water valve for plumbing-related issues, or unplug leaking appliances like dishwashers or washing machines. Even placing a container under a small leak can buy you time until help arrives. These early actions can significantly reduce the scale of Water Damage Restoration.

3. Document the Damage for Insurance

Once the area is safe, use your phone to take photos and videos of everything, such as floors, walls, furniture, and electronics that have been affected. Capture water lines or marks that show how far the damage has spread. This documentation can make your insurance claims process much smoother.

4. Call Your Insurance Company

Reach out to your insurer right away to explain the situation. Ask what documents they’ll need and whether they have preferred restoration providers. Keep a record of your conversations, including names, dates, and claim numbers. Our team will work directly with your insurance every step of the way to make sure your claims process is Simple & Quick. While your insurance helps with coverage, a reliable provider like Modernistic handles the real work of water damage restoration in Michigan.

5. Call a Professional Water Damage Restoration Team

DIY methods can only go so far. Professional teams use industrial-grade equipment to dry out hidden moisture in walls, flooring, and air ducts. They also test for potential mold growth and structural damage. Modernistic offers professional water damage restoration in Michigan, where our expert technicians will quickly assess the damage, remove excess water, and thoroughly dry affected areas. 

 

For help in West Michigan, explore Modernistic’s water damage restoration in Grand Rapids. We also serve nearby areas, including Lansing & Jackson, and Saginaw.

6. Start Water Removal & Drying

Begin removing as much water as possible using mops, wet/dry vacuums, or towels. If safe, open windows to allow airflow and set up fans or dehumidifiers to accelerate drying. Remove small rugs, books, and electronics to prevent further damage. The first 24 hours are critical because mold can begin to grow in that time.

7. Protect and Relocate Undamaged Items

Move items that haven’t been affected to a dry space. To keep furniture from soaking up moisture, place blocks or aluminum foil under the legs. Be sure to clean and disinfect anything that came into contact with the water, especially if it was unsanitary.

8. Watch for Mold and Lingering Odors

Even after everything seems dry, it’s important to keep an eye out for musty smells or mold showing up on walls and ceilings. These signs can appear days or even weeks later. At Modernistic, we also offer Mold Remediation services to make sure your home stays safe and clean long after the initial cleanup.

How to Prevent Future Water Damage

Once the immediate crisis is under control, it's important to take proactive measures to safeguard your property against future incidents. Water damage can strike again without warning, so here are practical steps you can take to minimize your risk.

 

  • Install water leak detectors near water heaters, washing machines, dishwashers, and sinks to catch small leaks before they become disasters.
  • Clean gutters and downspouts regularly to prevent overflow that can seep into your foundation or basement.
  • Test and maintain your sump pump, especially before storm season. Consider adding a battery backup system.
  • Insulate exposed pipes during colder months to avoid freezing and bursting.
  • Seal cracks in your foundation or basement walls that could let water in during heavy rain.

 

Being prepared now can save you time, money, and stress in the future.

Emergency Water Damage Restoration in Michigan

Water damage can feel overwhelming, but taking the right steps quickly makes recovery smoother. Working with experienced professionals makes sure the job is thorough and helps prevent long-term issues.

 

If you ever have to deal with a water damage emergency, contact Modernistic today for prompt, certified water damage restoration in Michigan. Call us at 800-609-1000, and our technicians will arrive at your place within 60 to 90 minutes of your call!

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