Should I hire a restoration company or clean it myself?

Small, clean-water spills you can often handle with fans and a wet vac. For large areas, sewage, or water inside walls, a restoration company has the equipment to dry it properly.

Who pays if the leak came from my upstairs neighbor?

Often the neighbor’s insurance, if their pipe or appliance caused it. Report it to your own insurer too; they can sort it out between companies.

Home / Your home

A pipe burst or the basement flooded: what to do first

The first steps after a burst pipe or flooded basement: stop the water, stay safe, document it, call insurance and dry it fast.

Quick answer

Shut off the main water valve, stay away from water near outlets, and take photos and video before cleanup. Call your insurance company for a claim number, then dry everything within 24 to 48 hours to stop mold. Keep every receipt. Sudden bursts are often covered; outside flooding usually needs flood insurance.

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Your checklist

Shut off the main water valve
Stay away from water near outlets
Take photos and video
Call your insurance company
Dry it out within 24 to 48 hours
Keep every receipt

Rather read it? Here’s the whole thing.

Stop the water

Find the main shut-off valve, usually where the water line enters the house, near the meter, in the basement, a garage or a utility closet. Turn it clockwise until it stops.

Stay safe

Don’t walk through water near outlets or the electrical panel. Turn power off only from a dry spot; otherwise call the power company.

Document everything

Take photos and video of the water, where it came from, and damaged walls, floors and belongings, before you clean up.

Call your insurer

Get a claim number and ask what they need. Write down names and dates.

Dry it fast

Remove standing water, run fans and a dehumidifier, and pull up soaked carpet and padding. Mold can start in a day or two. For large areas or dirty water, call a water damage restoration company.

What’s usually covered

Sudden, accidental bursts are often covered. Damage from slow leaks usually isn’t. Rising water from outside needs flood insurance, and sump pump backups often need an add-on.

Official sources, and where to look

FloodSmart (National Flood Insurance Program)floodsmart.gov
EPA: mold and moistureepa.gov
Ready.gov: floodsready.gov

To find your local office, search for:

[your city] water damage restoration
[your state] department of insurance claim help

Pick sites that end in .gov. Official forms are almost always free.

Common questions

Can I stay in the house after a flood?

If the power is safe, there’s no sewage, and the structure is sound, often yes. If not, ask your insurer whether your policy pays for a hotel while repairs happen. More ›

Should I throw away wet things right away?

Photograph them first and ask your insurer. They may want to see damaged items or a list before you throw them away. More ›

Where is my main water shut-off valve?

Usually where the water line enters the house: near the water meter, in the basement or crawlspace, a garage, or a utility closet. In warm areas it may be outside near the foundation. Find it before you need it. More ›

Does homeowners insurance cover a burst pipe?

Often yes, when the burst is sudden and accidental. Damage from a slow leak or poor upkeep is usually not covered. Read your policy or ask your agent. More ›

Does insurance cover a flooded basement from a sump pump?

Often only if you have a “water backup” add-on to your policy. Without it, many standard policies won’t pay. Check before the next storm. More ›

How long does it take mold to grow after a leak?

It can start in 24 to 48 hours if things stay wet. Drying quickly is the best way to prevent it. More ›

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Part of:Something just went wrong Something broke at home

Not yet reviewed by an expert. Last checked 2026-10-29. This is general help, not legal, medical or professional advice. Rules are different in every state.