Short answer
Stay safe, stop the water, and start drying fast. Turn off power to wet areas if it is safe to reach the panel, shut off the water main or the supply to the leaking fixture, take photos for insurance, and get furniture and rugs off the wet floor. Then call a water damage team, because mold can start within 24 to 48 hours if things stay wet.
How do you stay safe around a leak?
Water and electricity do not mix. If water is near outlets, cords or appliances, turn off power to that area at the breaker panel, but only if you can reach the panel without standing in water. Watch for sagging ceilings under a leak, and keep kids and pets out of the wet rooms.
How do you stop the water?
Shut off the valve under the leaking sink, toilet or appliance. If you cannot find the source, turn off the main water shutoff for the house. It is worth finding yours before you ever need it.
Then call a plumber to fix the leak itself.
What should you document for insurance?
Before you move much, take photos and video of the water, the source and every damaged item. Keep damaged materials for now instead of throwing them out. Notes on when you found the leak and what you did help with a claim later.
Tetris Cleaning Services works directly with insurance companies and can help you file.
What can you do to limit the damage?
Lift furniture off wet carpet or put foil or plastic under the legs so stains do not transfer. Pick up area rugs, books and anything on the floor. Mop up what you can, but do not use a household vacuum on standing water.
Open interior doors and run the AC to help move air.
When should you call a water damage team?
As soon as water has soaked carpet, pad or drywall. Wet carpet that looks dry on top can still be soaked underneath, and drying should be measured with meters, not judged by touch. Tetris Cleaning Services answers water damage calls 24/7 across Leander, Cedar Park, Georgetown, Round Rock and Williamson County.
Call (512) 825-4005 or see our Water Damage Restoration page.