The 2:00 AM Flood Checklist: What to Do When the Water Starts Running

The Technician’s Guide to Water Woes

As a water restoration technician, I’ve seen it all—burst pipes, sneaky leaks, and the occasional indoor swimming pool. While I relish the opportunity to save the day, there are a few steps you can take before we get to your house to make the process easier and help us have a better chance of saving your home.

So, grab your notepad and let’s dive into this checklist of what to do when you spot a leak in your house!

1. Stay Calm and Assess the Situation

• Take a deep breath. Panicking won’t fix the leak, but it might cause you to spill your coffee on the floor—let’s not add to the problem!

  
  

2. Locate the Source

• Find the leak. Is it dripping from the ceiling, or is it a sneaky puddle on the floor? Knowing where the water is coming from is half the battle.

  If you suspect it may be grey water, black water or sewerage - stay away from the water and skip to steps 7 and 8.

3. Turn Off the Water Supply

• Shut off the main water valve. This is your superhero move! It’s like putting a stop sign in front of a runaway train—do it before things get out of control.

4. Move Valuables to Higher Ground

• Relocate furniture and electronics. If it’s not waterproof, it’s time to elevate it! Are your phones and computers safe? What do you immediately need?

5. Capture the Water

• Use buckets or towels! Channel your inner water bender and start capturing the intruder! This can prevent further damage before we arrive.

6. Document the Damage

• Take photos. A picture is worth a thousand words, especially when you’re explaining the situation to your insurance company.

7. Notify your insurance company

• Pick up that phone. Your insurance company will handle things from there. Well done, you did it!

8. Not insured? Call a Restoration Technician

• Next best thing - contact a water restoration technician. That’s me! When you’re ready to tackle the aftermath, I’ll be there to help get your property back to the way it was. The sooner the better - as the longer water is left unattended - it will continue causing damage and even mould.

9. Keep a Leak Log

• Document your findings. Jot down what you’ve discovered and what steps you’ve taken. This will be helpful when an Insurance Representative or Restoration Technicians arrive!

10. Take a breather

• The hard part is over. You've done great! Now you just have to wait for help to arrive.

Conclusion

Next time you discover a leak in your home, remember this checklist.

Not only will you be the hero of your own story, but you’ll prevent a whole lot of unnecessary damage.

Together, we can turn that leak into a distant memory. See you next leak!