What to Do in the First 24 Hours After Water Damage (Step-by-Step)

The First Hour: Stop the Water and Stay Safe

The single most important step is to stop the source of water. If it's a burst pipe, shut off your main water valve. If it's a leaking appliance, turn off the supply line behind it. If the source is flooding from outside, do what you can to redirect water away from the home.

Next, ensure electrical safety. If water has reached any outlets, appliances, or your electrical panel, turn off power to those areas at the breaker. Never wade into standing water near live electrical sources.

Hours 1–4: Call the Professionals

Call SDU Catastrophe Response at 720-327-9040. Our certified crew arrives within 45 minutes across the Colorado Front Range. Professional water extraction within the first few hours can save flooring, drywall, and contents that would otherwise be destroyed.

While you wait:

• Remove valuables, electronics, and important documents from the affected area.
• Lift furniture onto blocks or move it to a dry room — water wicks up wooden legs fast.
• Place aluminum foil under furniture legs to prevent staining wet carpet.
• Mop up what you can with towels, but don't use a household vacuum on standing water.

Hours 4–12: Professional Extraction and Assessment

Our crew arrives with industrial pumps that remove hundreds of gallons per hour. We also:

• Identify the water category (clean, gray, or black/sewage) — this determines safety protocols.
• Document all damage thoroughly with moisture meters and thermal imaging for your insurance claim.
• Begin structural drying with air movers and dehumidifiers.

Hours 12–24: Drying and Mold Prevention

This is the critical window for mold prevention. Mold can begin growing within 24–48 hours of water exposure. Our team:

• Continues monitoring moisture levels in walls, floors, and framing.
• Applies antimicrobial treatments to prevent mold growth.
• Removes unsalvageable materials (wet carpet padding, saturated drywall) before they become a mold source.

Working With Your Insurance

SDU Catastrophe Response works directly with all major insurance carriers. We:

• Document damage with detailed photos and moisture readings.
• Help you understand what your policy covers.
• Bill your insurance directly so you're not out-of-pocket for covered work.

Keep your own photo records and save all receipts for any expenses related to the damage.

Don't Wait

The longer water sits, the more damage it causes and the higher the risk of mold. If you've had water damage in Denver, Aurora, Littleton, Parker, Castle Rock, Boulder, or Colorado Springs, call 720-327-9040 now — available 24/7/365.