If you’ve just discovered water damage in your Virginia Beach home, every minute counts. Acting fast can mean the difference between a quick cleanup and thousands of dollars in repairs. This step-by-step guide explains exactly what to do right after water damage — before professionals arrive.
🚨 1. Stop the Source of the Water
First, locate and stop the cause of the leak. Shut off your home’s main water supply if necessary. Common sources include burst pipes, overflowing toilets, or appliance failures.
If the water is still flowing, you can’t begin safe cleanup or drying — so make sure it’s stopped before doing anything else.
⚡ 2. Turn Off Electricity in the Affected Area
Safety comes first. If the flooded area is near outlets or appliances, shut off power at your breaker panel. Never step into standing water with electricity still active — this can be extremely dangerous.
📸 3. Document the Damage for Insurance
Before removing anything, take clear photos and videos of all visible damage. Capture the water source, floors, walls, furniture, and personal items. These will support your insurance claim later.
🧽 4. Remove Excess Water if It’s Safe
If the water level is low and the area is safe to enter, start removing water using towels, a mop, or a wet/dry vacuum. The goal is to minimize further absorption into drywall, carpet, and wood surfaces. For larger floods or sewage backups, wait for professionals — contaminated water requires specialized cleaning.
💨 5. Start Drying and Air Circulation
Use fans, dehumidifiers, and open windows to help air out the affected area. The faster surfaces dry, the lower the chance of mold growth or structural damage. If your carpet was soaked during the flood, learn how professional carpet cleaning in Virginia Beach helps remove residue and prevent mold growth.
🧰 6. Contact a Professional Water Damage Restoration Company
Once immediate steps are done, call an IICRC-certified restoration company like Tidewater Restoration & Cleaning. Our 24/7 emergency response team in Virginia Beach can:
Extract standing water safely
Sanitize and dehumidify your home
Prevent mold and odor problems
Restore damaged materials and flooring
We use professional grade equipment to ensure your home is fully dried and safe to occupy again.
🕒 Act Fast — Every Hour Matters
Water damage spreads quickly beneath floors and inside walls. Even small leaks can lead to long-term problems if not handled properly. The faster you act, the less costly your repairs will be.
Curious about what restoration costs might look like after water damage? Check out our guide on how much water damage restoration costs in Hampton Roads.
📞 Call Tidewater Restoration & Cleaning
For 24/7 water damage cleanup in Virginia Beach, call 757-289-5831 or contact us online. Our certified technicians respond fast to stop the damage, restore your home, and bring peace of mind. For related help, see our carpet cleaning services or 24/7 emergency cleanup options.