When water is pouring through your ceiling, seeping across your hardwood floors, or filling your basement, every minute counts. At RestoPros of Northeast Georgia, we’ve seen firsthand how the actions taken in the first 24-48 hours after water damage occurs can dramatically impact the extent of damage, restoration costs, and recovery time. This guide will walk you through the immediate response actions you should take when facing water damage in your Lawrenceville home or business—before our professional team arrives to take over.
Why Quick Response Matters
Water is relentlessly destructive. Within minutes, it can:
- Spread across floors, seep into walls, and soak through furniture
- Penetrate porous materials like drywall and insulation
- Begin breaking down adhesives and finishes
- Create ideal conditions for mold growth
After just 24 hours, the situation worsens significantly:
- Drywall begins to swell and disintegrate
- Wood furniture starts to warp and crack
- Metal surfaces begin to tarnish and corrode
- Mold spores can begin to multiply
- Odors develop from saturated materials
24/7 Emergency Water Damage Restoration Help
Facing a flood, pipe burst, or storm damage? RestoPros of Northeast Georgia is ready to respond anytime—day or night. Let our certified restoration team protect your home and peace of mind.
This progressive timeline is why our RestoPros team offers 24/7 emergency response throughout Lawrenceville and surrounding areas. Call us immediately at (770) 758-2619, then follow these critical steps while waiting for our arrival.
Health Risks Associated with Water Damage
Before taking any action, understand that water damage presents several immediate health and safety risks:
Safety Hazards
- Electrical shock risk: Water and electricity create potentially fatal hazards
- Structural weakness: Saturated materials may collapse unexpectedly
- Slip and fall dangers: Wet surfaces become extremely slippery
- Contaminated water: Category 2 (gray) and Category 3 (black) water contain harmful microorganisms
Long-term Health Concerns
- Mold exposure: Can trigger allergic reactions, respiratory issues, and other health problems
- Bacterial growth: Particularly concerning with sewage backups
- Chemical contamination: Floodwaters may contain hazardous chemicals
- Persistent moisture: Can exacerbate asthma and other respiratory conditions
Never prioritize saving possessions over personal safety. If the water damage presents serious safety risks, evacuate immediately and call both emergency services and RestoPros from a safe location.
Immediate Steps to Take After Water Damage Occurs
1. Ensure Personal Safety First
- If water is rising rapidly or structural damage is evident, evacuate immediately
- Avoid rooms with sagging ceilings
- Never enter flooded areas where electrical outlets, panels, or appliances are submerged
- Wear protective gear (rubber boots, gloves) if you must enter affected areas
2. Stop the Water Source (If Possible and Safe)
- For plumbing failures: Locate and shut off the main water valve (typically located near the water meter, in the basement, crawlspace, or utility room)
- For specific fixture leaks: Turn off the shutoff valve for that fixture
- For appliance leaks: Unplug the appliance if safe to do so and turn off its water supply
- For roof leaks: Cover the area with a tarp if it can be done safely
- For natural flooding: Focus on protecting contents rather than stopping the water
3. Turn Off Electricity to Affected Areas
- Locate your electrical panel
- Switch off circuit breakers to rooms with water damage
- If water is near the electrical panel or you’re unsure which circuits to turn off, turn off the main breaker
- If you can’t reach the panel without standing in water, call an electrician immediately
4. Document Everything for Insurance
Before removing water or moving items:
- Take detailed photos and videos of all damage
- Make a list of damaged items
- Note the water level at its highest point
- Capture any visible source of the water
- Record the date and approximate time the damage began
5. Begin Water Removal (If Safe)
If the water is minimal and it’s safe to proceed:
- Use towels to soak up small amounts of water
- Use buckets to remove standing water
- Use a wet-dry vacuum (only if plugged into a dry, safe outlet)
- Mop hard surface floors
- Never use a household vacuum on wet surfaces
6. Protect Your Belongings
- Remove small valuable items from affected areas
- Place aluminum foil under furniture legs to prevent staining
- Remove rugs from wet flooring
- Hang wet fabrics with space between them
- Remove art and photos from damp walls
- Gather loose items from floors
7. Promote Air Circulation (For Clean Water Only)
For Category 1 (clean) water situations only:
- Open windows if weather permits
- Use fans to increase air movement (only if no structural damage exists and electrical safety is confirmed)
- DO NOT turn on central air conditioning or heating systems if ductwork may be affected
8. Call RestoPros Immediately
Don’t wait to see if the situation improves. Call our 24/7 emergency line at (770) 758-2619. When you call, be prepared to describe:
- Type of water intrusion (clean, gray, or black)
- Approximate amount of water
- Areas affected
- How long the area has been wet
- Any safety concerns
- If you’ve turned off water and/or electricity
How to Assess the Extent of Water Damage
While waiting for professional help, performing a preliminary assessment can help you communicate the severity of the situation:
Visible Damage Assessment
- Check wall surfaces for water lines, buckling, or softness
- Look for water stains on ceilings
- Examine flooring for warping, buckling, or separation
- Test carpets by pressing down to see if water squeezes out
- Inspect baseboards and trim for swelling or discoloration
Hidden Damage Warning Signs
- Musty odors
- Visible mold
- Water droplets forming on surfaces
- Peeling paint or wallpaper
- Condensation on windows or walls
- Doors or windows that suddenly stick
- Unusual warping of materials
Areas Requiring Special Attention
- Wall cavities and insulation
- Areas under sinks and around plumbing
- Spaces beneath appliances
- Baseboards and flooring transitions
- Behind walls where pipes run
- Crawlspaces and basements
- HVAC systems and ductwork
Essential Tools and Equipment for Water Damage Restoration
Household Items That Can Help Initially
- Mops, buckets, and towels
- Wet-dry vacuum (for small amounts of clean water)
- Fans (for air circulation after clean water damage)
- Dehumidifier (if available)
- Plastic sheeting to prevent water from spreading
- Garbage bags for debris
- Extension cords (only use with GFCI protection)
Professional Equipment RestoPros Brings to Every Emergency
Our IICRC-certified technicians arrive equipped with:
- Industrial water extractors capable of removing hundreds of gallons per hour
- Commercial-grade air movers strategically placed for maximum drying
- Professional dehumidifiers that remove up to 30 gallons of moisture from the air daily
- Moisture meters and thermal imaging cameras to detect hidden water
- Specialized floor drying systems for hardwood and other sensitive materials
- Anti-microbial treatments to prevent mold growth
- HEPA air filtration devices to improve air quality
- Advanced drying documentation systems
This professional equipment makes the difference between superficial drying and complete restoration. While DIY methods can help minimize initial damage, they simply cannot achieve the thorough drying necessary to prevent secondary damage and mold growth.
When to Call Professional Help Immediately
While some water incidents might seem manageable, certain situations require immediate professional intervention:
Call RestoPros Right Away If:
- The water may be contaminated (sewage, flooding, etc.)
- Water has affected multiple rooms or levels
- Water has been present for more than 24 hours
- You spot visible mold growth
- The water originated from an unknown source
- There’s potential structural damage
- Electrical systems have been affected
- You have health concerns that might be exacerbated by moisture
- Valuable items or irreplaceable possessions are at risk
- The affected area is larger than 10 square feet
Remember, attempting to handle significant water damage yourself often leads to inadequate drying, which can result in:
- Mold growth within walls and under flooring
- Ongoing structural damage
- Persistent odors
- Higher long-term repair costs
- Potential health issues for occupants
- Insurance claim complications
RestoPros: Your Lawrenceville Water Damage Emergency Experts
At RestoPros of Northeast Georgia, we understand that water damage emergencies don’t follow business hours. That’s why our highly trained technicians are available 24/7 to respond to Lawrenceville water emergencies. Our rapid response team typically arrives within 60 minutes of your call.
When you choose RestoPros, you’re getting:
- IICRC-certified water restoration technicians
- Guaranteed 24/7/365 emergency response
- Direct insurance billing and claims assistance
- Complete documentation of the restoration process
- Advanced equipment and proven techniques
- A locally owned company that understands Lawrenceville’s specific water damage challenges
Remember, your immediate response combined with our professional expertise creates the best possible outcome for your property. Don’t hesitate—call RestoPros at (770) 758-2619 at the first sign of water damage.
Frequently Asked Questions About Water Damage Emergencies
If it’s small and safe to move, yes. Place aluminum foil under furniture legs to prevent staining if you can’t move them. For large, heavy items, wait for professionals who have the equipment and training to move them safely without causing further damage to your property or themselves.
Consider the source: Clean water comes from broken pipes, rainwater, or other clean sources. If the water comes from washing machines, dishwashers, or toilet overflows (without feces), it’s considered gray water. Black water contains sewage, flood water from rivers/streams, or water that has sat for over 48 hours. When in doubt, treat all water as contaminated and avoid direct contact.
Not necessarily. Professional water extraction and drying within the first 24–48 hours can often save carpeting affected by clean water. However, carpeting affected by contaminated water (Categories 2 and 3) generally needs replacement for health and safety reasons. Our technicians will assess your specific situation and provide recommendations.
Drying times vary based on the extent of water damage, materials affected, and environmental conditions. Most residential water damage situations require 3–5 days of professional drying, though larger losses may take longer. Our technicians use moisture meters to scientifically verify when materials have reached their dry standard.
Household fans can help with minor, surface-level drying but aren’t sufficient for proper structural drying. They don’t remove moisture from the air (as dehumidifiers do) and can’t reach moisture inside walls, under flooring, or in other hidden areas. Professional equipment is calibrated to achieve balanced drying that prevents secondary damage.
For valuable documents, photographs, or books, freeze them immediately to prevent further damage and mold growth. Place them in a ziplock bag and put them in a freezer until professional document restoration can be arranged. For the best results, contact RestoPros immediately, as document recovery is time-sensitive.
Most homeowner’s insurance policies cover sudden and accidental water damage (like a burst pipe) but exclude damage from flooding or gradual leaks. Check your specific policy or contact your agent. RestoPros works directly with all major insurance companies and can help you navigate the claims process from start to finish.
It depends on the extent and category of damage. For limited clean water damage, you may be able to occupy unaffected areas during restoration. For extensive damage or contaminated water, temporary relocation might be necessary for health and safety. RestoPros will advise you on the safest option for your specific situation.