What should I do immediately after water damage?
Stop the water at its source, stay away from electrical hazards, move valuables to dry ground, photograph everything and call a restoration company right away. The first day decides how much has to be torn out later, because wet drywall and insulation begin to grow mould within a few days.
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The first hour, in order
- Stop the waterClose the main shut-off valve if a pipe or appliance is the cause. If the water is coming from outside or from a drain, do not stand in it.
- Make the area safeIf water is near outlets, a panel or appliances, switch off power to that area only if you can reach the panel while dry. If you cannot, stay out and call an electrician or us.
- Take photographsPhotograph the water, the damaged materials and your belongings before anything is moved. Note when you found it.
- Lift what you canMove rugs, electronics, books and papers to a dry room. Lift furniture legs onto foil or plastic so stains do not set.
- Call a restoration companyThe sooner moisture meters and drying equipment arrive, the less has to be removed.
What not to do
Do not run the central vacuum or a household vacuum on wet floors. Do not use a space heater to dry a wet room, because it dries the surface while moisture stays in the wall. Do not leave wet carpet in place hoping it will dry, and do not walk through water that may have come from a drain, since it can carry bacteria.
If the water came up a floor drain or toilet, treat it as contaminated and keep children and pets out. Our page on sewer backup in Toronto explains why that kind of loss is handled differently.
Condo units and rentals
In a condo, tell the property manager at once, because the source may be a neighbour's unit or a shared stack, and the corporation has its own duties after damage. In a rental, tell the landlord in writing, take photographs and still protect your belongings.
Do not wait for either to respond before you limit the damage. Lifting belongings and starting drying are steps you can take immediately, and a crew can work in your unit while the question of responsibility is sorted out.
Why speed matters in Toronto homes
Many Toronto houses have finished basements with carpet over concrete and drywall running to the floor. Water wicks up that drywall far above the visible waterline. Older brick homes hide water behind plaster. Once a crew maps the moisture with meters and thermal imaging, you know what must come out and what can be saved, instead of guessing.
Calling the same day also keeps the record clean for your insurer: photographs, a time of discovery and daily readings. We bill your insurance company directly and deal with your adjuster, while decisions about your policy stay with them. See our flood damage restoration work for how a typical response runs.
Related questions
Should I call my insurer or a restoration company first?
You can call both, and you do not have to wait for the insurer before starting emergency work. Protecting the home from further damage is part of your duty after a loss.
Can I start cleaning up myself?
You can lift belongings and stop the source. Leave removal of wet building materials and disinfecting to a crew with the equipment to do it safely.
Is it an emergency if the water has already stopped?
Yes. Hidden moisture keeps damaging the structure after the visible water is gone.
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