What to Do in the First 24 Hours After Water Damage in Las Vegas?

From late-summer flash floods to interior plumbing failures, many Las Vegas homes are at risk of serious water damage. Even a minor plumbing leak can turn into a major issue if left unaddressed, as it can lead to rapid mold growth in warm, damp weather. We’ll explore what to do in the first 24 hours if your home is exposed to water damage in Las Vegas, as well as actions to avoid for the safety of you and your home.

Key Highlights

• After water damage occurs, turn off the electricity and water and call a damage restoration pro immediately.

• Avoid walking in damaged areas, using electricity, or turning on HVAC systems.

• Mold growth can start in as little as a few hours, so always call a professional as soon as possible if you suspect water damage.

What to Do in the First 24 Hours After Water Damage

Stay ahead of residential water damage by taking action with these steps:

Step one: Turn off the electricity

Standing water and flooding from water damage pose a risk of electrocution, so the first step is always to shut off the electricity to the affected part of your home. If you’re not sure how far the water damage has spread, it’s best to err on the side of caution and turn off the electricity at the main breaker.

Step two: Turn off the water

If you’re dealing with water damage caused by a plumbing leak or appliance failure, turn off the water to that part of the home to stop any further damage from occurring. If you’re not sure exactly where the leak is coming from, you can shut off the main water valve to be safe.

Step three: Call a restoration professional

Once you’ve addressed the main risks of water and electrical damage, it’s time to call a pro. At Restorerz Emergency Services, we offer a 60-minute response time so you can feel confident knowing someone is on their way to help as soon as possible. Depending on the type of water damage, the dispatch team may have specific recommendations for your situation.

Step four: Call your insurance provider

Next, contact your insurance company to start your claim. They may have a particular protocol they’ll ask you to follow, so it’s always a good idea to reach out to them before you take any more action in your home. At Restorerz, we work directly with all insurance providers to make your claims process a breeze.

Step five: Document the damage

While you wait for your restoration professional to arrive, you can get started documenting the water damage for your insurance company. Take detailed photos and videos of everything, including furniture and belongings, exactly how it was when the water damage occurred. It’s important to document the situation before you move any objects. If it’s safe to do so, you can also take pictures of the source of the water damage — for example, a leaking washing machine or burst pipe.

Step six: Remove personal belongings

Once you’ve spoken to a restoration professional and your insurance provider, you can proceed to remove your personal belongings from the impacted area. Only go near the area if it’s safe to do so. Water damage can quickly cause structural risks, so if you have any doubts about the safety of your home, stay safe and wait for a restoration pro to confirm that the area is secure before you move furniture or belongings.

What NOT to Do After Water Damage in Las Vegas

If you suspect water damage to a house in Nevada, make sure to avoid these common risks:

Don’t walk into flooded areas

While it may be tempting to enter a flooded area to save your belongings, water damage can pose serious health and safety risks. Water can quickly cause structural damage, putting your floors, ceilings, and walls at risk of collapse and injury. Flooded areas can also contain contaminants, such as sewage and chemicals, that pose a health hazard. Instead, wait for a pro before you approach any damaged areas.

Don’t use electrical items

Even if you can’t see visible water damage near you, there may be flooding or water that’s come into contact with your appliances and devices. This poses a high risk of electrocution. Instead, turn off the power and wait for water-damage experts before using any electrical items in the area.

Don’t use vacuums or HVAC systems

Most household vacuums aren’t designed for wet/dry environments, so attempting to clean up water can damage your vacuum. It’s also important to avoid DIY restoration attempts since water damage often contains contaminants. Using a household vacuum or turning on your HVAC system can spread these contaminants through your home, increasing the area of damage and creating further health risks.

Don’t move anything

It can feel urgent to move damaged furniture and belongings, but doing this before the pros arrive can actually decrease your insurance claim. It’s important to make sure everything is fully documented before you touch anything, so when in doubt, wait for the pros before you move any personal objects.

Don’t delay calling a pro

The longer you wait to call a pro, the more water damage can impact your home. Call a professional at the first signs of water damage so they can send someone out as soon as possible to stop the source of the issue, prevent mold growth, and get the restoration process started.

How Long Does Water Damage Restoration Take in Las Vegas?

Water damage restoration in Las Vegas typically starts at about three days and can last up to several weeks, depending on the severity of the damage. When you call Restorerz, we’ll send somebody out within 60 minutes to get the process started quickly. The initial drying phase usually takes three to five days for minor to moderate restoration, while major damage may take one to three weeks to dry multiple rooms and perform structural repairs. 

Call Restorerz for Expert Water Damage Restoration in Las Vegas

When water damage strikes, Restorerz helps you keep your head above the water with professional water damage solutions in Las Vegas. Our certified disaster restoration specialists are experts at solving all types of water damage, from home plumbing issues to flooding and natural disasters. Alongside our competitive rates, we also offer coupons and specials to help you save even more on restoration. We’re available 24/7, 365 days a year, so you’ll never have to wait in an emergency. Contact us today to discover our 100% satisfaction-guaranteed restoration services for your Nevada home.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should be done immediately after water damage?

Immediately after water damage, you should turn off the electricity and water and call a damage restoration professional. Next, carefully document any damage, provided you can do so without walking into affected areas, as this can pose a safety risk.

How long does mold set in after water damage?

In most cases, mold can set in within 24 to 48 hours of water damage. Although less common, mold can begin to grow in ideal conditions within just a few hours. It’s rarely visible at this stage, but the spores are setting into the damp materials, and mold growth is beginning.

Can water damage happen overnight?

Yes, water damage can happen overnight, and major damage can happen in less than 24 hours. Damage can include mold growth and structural damage, as well as damage to individual home components like drywall and floors if the materials absorb water.

Does homeowners’ insurance cover water damage in Las Vegas?

While water damage coverage will depend on your specific insurance provider and policy, most homeowners’ insurance in Las Vegas covers sudden and accidental water damage. This includes things like burst pipes and appliance issues, but typically does not cover water damage from floods or plumbing neglect. Separate flood insurance is often required to cover water damage from weather and natural disasters.

What is the first thing to do when you have ceiling water damage?

The first thing to do for ceiling water damage repair in Las Vegas is to shut off electricity to that part of the home and then locate the source of the damage. For example, if it’s a burst pipe, you’ll need to shut off the water to prevent further damage. Remember that water damage often causes structural issues, and it may not be safe to go near that part of the home. Always call a professional to handle water damage and avoid damaged areas to protect your safety.