Flooded room

A flooded room has standing water on the floor, soaked carpet, or water still coming in. It may come from a broken pipe, an overflowing appliance, a backed-up drain or storm water. The first job is safety. The second is getting the water out fast.

What to do now

1. Stop the source if you can. For a pipe or appliance, shut off the water at the main valve.
2. Be careful with electricity. Turn off the main power only if you can reach the panel from a dry spot. Never switch power on or off while standing in water.
3. Smell for gas. If you smell gas, leave and call emergency authorities. Don't use switches, matches or anything that can spark.
4. Think about where the water came from. Water from a tap or rain is the cleanest. Water from sinks, showers and washers is dirtier. Water from outside flooding or a sewer backup can carry sewage and chemicals. Do not clean up sewage or flood water yourself. Leave it to a provider with protective gear.
5. Take photos for your insurer before moving things.
6. Call a provider to remove the water and start drying.

What not to do

• Don't walk through standing water near outlets, cords or appliances.
• Don't turn power back on until a qualified electrician has inspected the wiring.
• Don't run the heating or air conditioning until cleanup is finished. It can spread mold spores through the ducts.
• If you are older, have asthma or a weak immune system, stay out of the cleanup. The EPA says the same for children.

Why speed matters

The EPA advises drying water-damaged areas within 24 to 48 hours, and says to assume mold has started if that window is missed. Soaked porous items such as drywall, rugs and cloth wall coverings often can't be saved when the water was dirty. The Washington State Department of Health says to replace saturated drywall at least 4 inches above the water line.

What happens next

A provider removes the standing water, takes out materials that can't be dried, and runs fans and dehumidifiers. Moisture readings show whether walls and floors are dry before repairs begin.

What happens when you call

1. You call the number on this page. A short automated assistant asks two or three questions, such as what's wrong and your ZIP code, so we can find the right provider.
2. We connect your call to an independent water damage provider who serves your area.
3. You talk with the provider directly about the problem, timing and price before any work starts.

Main Street Water Damage doesn't charge you for the referral. The provider sets their own prices and does the work. Calls are recorded for quality and billing.