Emergency Water Removal: 5 Things to Do Before Calling a Professional

Water emergencies can strike unexpectedly—burst pipes, overflowing appliances, or sudden flooding from heavy rain can leave your home or business vulnerable to serious damage. While calling a professional water damage restoration company like PNW Restoration is essential for comprehensive cleanup and recovery, there are critical steps you should take immediately to minimize damage and ensure safety before help arrives.

Here are five things you should do right away in the event of a water emergency:

1. Ensure Safety First

The most important priority in any water-related emergency is ensuring the safety of everyone on the property. Water and electricity are a dangerous combination, so your first step should be to:

• Turn off the power in the affected areas, if safe to do so.
• Avoid entering rooms with standing water if the electricity is still on.
• Be cautious of slipping hazards and unstable flooring.

If the water damage is extensive or if you’re unsure of the safety conditions, evacuate the area and wait for emergency services or a professional restoration team like PNW Restoration, which is trained to handle hazardous environments.

2. Stop the Source of Water

Once everyone is safe, identify and stop the source of the water intrusion. Depending on the situation, this might mean:

• Shutting off the main water valve if a pipe has burst.
• Turning off the supply line to an appliance like a washing machine or dishwasher.
• Blocking rainwater from entering further with temporary barriers like sandbags or plastic sheeting.

Stopping the flow of water quickly is crucial to minimizing the spread of damage and mold growth.

3. Document the Damage

Before beginning any cleanup, take photos and videos of the affected areas. Proper documentation will be invaluable when filing an insurance claim. Be sure to:

• Capture wide shots of the entire room.
• Take close-up photos of damaged belongings, flooring, walls, and furniture.
• Include images of the source of water, if known.

This step may feel like a low priority in the moment, but it can significantly speed up your insurance reimbursement and make the restoration process smoother when working with companies like PNW Restoration, who often liaise with insurance adjusters.

4. Remove Excess Water (If Possible)

While waiting for professional help, you can begin basic water removal if it’s safe and manageable:

• Use towels, buckets, and mops to soak up standing water.
• If you have a wet/dry vacuum, use it on hard surfaces and carpets to start extracting water.
• Open doors and windows to increase airflow and ventilation, which can slow down the onset of mold.

Keep in mind that this is a temporary solution. Deep water extraction, moisture detection, and drying require professional equipment and expertise, which PNW Restoration provides as part of their comprehensive water damage restoration services.

5. Move Belongings to Dry Areas

Salvage what you can by moving undamaged items to a dry area. This includes:

• Furniture, electronics, rugs, and personal items that can be saved.
• Lifting furniture legs off the ground with aluminum foil or wooden blocks to prevent additional saturation.
• Hanging wet fabrics like curtains or clothing to air dry.

Be cautious when handling water-logged materials, especially if mold has started forming. Professionals like those at PNW Restoration use specialized techniques to clean, dry, and restore property safely.

Why Call a Professional Like PNW Restoration?

While these five steps can help you take control of the situation in the critical first moments, water damage restoration is not a DIY job. Lingering moisture can lead to:

• Mold and mildew growth
• Structural damage to wood, drywall, and foundations
• Health hazards due to contaminated water
• Expensive repairs down the road

That’s where PNW Restoration comes in. As a premier water damage restoration company, they offer rapid emergency response, advanced water extraction and drying equipment, and expert technicians trained to restore your property to pre-loss condition.

With years of experience serving homeowners and businesses throughout the Pacific Northwest, PNW Restoration understands the urgency of water emergencies. Their team is available 24/7 to respond, assess, and act quickly to prevent further damage and ensure your peace of mind.

Final Thoughts

In the face of unexpected water damage, quick thinking and immediate action can make a big difference. By following these five essential steps—prioritizing safety, stopping the water source, documenting damage, removing excess water, and relocating valuables—you can reduce the severity of the damage before the professionals arrive.

But don’t wait too long. Contacting a trusted company like PNW Restoration ensures the job is handled thoroughly, safely, and with your best interest in mind. Their proven track record, fast response times, and customer-focused approach make them a top choice for emergency water removal and restoration services. Call (503) 352-5209 for emergency water extraction. 

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