Water Damage Action Checklist
Work through these in order. Your progress updates as you check items off.
Estimates use typical industry ranges and published methods. They are not a quote. An on-site moisture inspection sets the actual scope.
1. Make it safe
Water and electricity are the first danger. If water is near outlets, cords, appliances or the electrical panel, turn off power to that area at the breaker, but only if you can reach the panel without standing in water. If you can't, leave the house and call. Watch for sagging ceilings, and stay out of sewage or floodwater without boots and gloves.
2. Stop the water
Close the valve on the fixture or appliance that failed. If you can't find it or it doesn't work, close the main shutoff. In most Mesquite homes it's in the meter box by the street or at a valve near the front hose bib. For roof leaks, catch drips and tarp when it's safe.
3. Document everything
Before moving anything, take photos and video: wide shots of each room, close-ups of damaged items, the water line on walls, and the source (burst hose, failed fitting, roof damage). Keep the failed part. Adjusters want to see the cause of loss.
4. Protect your belongings
Move furniture, rugs, electronics and valuables out of the wet area. Put aluminum foil or wood blocks under furniture legs you can't move, which keeps stains and rust off the carpet. Hang draperies up off the floor. Get photos and important papers to a dry place.
5. Get water out and drying started
This is where hours count. Professional extraction and drying within the first day can save carpet, drywall and wood that would otherwise be torn out. Mold can start within 24–48 hours. Call (214) 910-5552 for 24/7 help.
6. Call your insurance company
Report the claim promptly. Ask about your deductible, whether you have coverage for additional living expenses, and whether you need approval before mitigation (most insurers expect you to start drying immediately to prevent further damage). Write down the claim number and adjuster's contact details. Our Texas insurance claim guide covers what is and isn't usually covered.
7. Keep records
Save receipts for anything you buy (fans, tarps, hotel nights, meals), samples of flooring and carpet for matching, and copies of every moisture reading and invoice.
What not to do
- Don't use a household vacuum on water.
- Don't turn on ceiling fans or lights in rooms with wet ceilings.
- Don't run HVAC if ducts or the air handler were wet, or if the water was sewage.
- Don't throw out damaged items before photographing them.
- Don't paint or reinstall anything until moisture readings confirm it's dry.