Water Damage: What to Do in the First 24 Hours

Water damage is one of the most time-critical emergencies a homeowner can face. What you do in the first 24 hours after water damage determines whether you are looking at a manageable repair or a full structural rebuild. Here is the step-by-step guide from Powerhouse HCS's restoration team, which has handled thousands of water damage events across Austin and Central Texas since 1993.

Hour 0–1: Stop the Source and Call for Help

Your first priority is stopping more water from entering. Locate and shut off the main water supply valve if it is a plumbing failure. For roof leaks or storm damage, move valuables and furniture away from the affected area and contain the water with towels or buckets while you make calls.

Call a water damage restoration company immediately — not the next morning. Our restoration team is available 24/7 because water does not wait for business hours. The faster extraction begins, the less secondary damage occurs.

Hour 1–4: Document Everything for Insurance

Before any cleanup begins, document the damage thoroughly:

• Photograph and video every affected room from multiple angles
• Note the water source and approximate time of discovery
• Record which materials are affected: drywall, flooring, furniture, electronics
• Do not throw anything away yet — adjusters need to see the damage

Call your insurance company as soon as possible. Most policies require prompt notification. A restoration company experienced with insurance claims — like Powerhouse HCS — can help document in the format adjusters require.

Hour 4–12: Water Extraction

Standing water must be extracted immediately using industrial submersible pumps and wet-dry extraction equipment. Do not use household wet-vacs — they are not powerful enough for structural water damage and will leave significant moisture behind in subfloor and wall cavities.

Professional extraction removes visible water plus the water absorbed into concrete slabs, hardwood subfloor, drywall, and insulation. Moisture meters and thermal imaging cameras are used to find hidden saturation that looks dry on the surface.

Hour 12–24: Drying and Dehumidification

Once extraction is complete, industrial desiccant dehumidifiers and air movers are placed throughout the affected area. This is not the same as running a box fan — commercial drying equipment can remove dozens of gallons of water vapor per day from the air and building materials.

The drying process typically takes 3 to 5 days with daily moisture readings to track progress. In Austin's humid climate, proper dehumidification is especially critical because ambient humidity slows evaporation.

What NOT to Do After Water Damage

• Do not use a regular household vacuum on standing water
• Do not run ceiling fans if the ceiling may be saturated (collapse risk)
• Do not enter rooms with standing water if electrical panels are involved
• Do not wait to call — every hour matters for mold prevention
• Do not discard damaged items before insurance documentation

After Drying: Restoration and Flooring

Once the structure is certified dry, restoration begins. This typically involves replacing damaged drywall, treating for mold if needed, repainting, and addressing flooring. Our team handles both the emergency mitigation and the full restoration, including hardwood floor restoration and new flooring installation when replacement is required — so you only deal with one company start to finish.