Water Damage

Water damage: act fast, pay less

Water damage gets more expensive the longer it sits. Stopping the water, drying things out quickly and documenting everything for insurance are the biggest ways to keep the bill down.

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Standing water, a burst pipe or a soaked ceiling? Call a local restoration company to ask about drying and cleanup.

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5 ways to limit water damage costs

Stop the water first

Know where your main water shutoff is before you need it, and show everyone in the house. If water is near outlets or appliances, turn off power to that area at the breaker if you can do it safely.

Dry it out quickly

EPA says mold won’t grow without moisture, and that you should fix leaks and dry wet items completely as soon as possible. Open windows if the air outside is dry, and run fans and a dehumidifier.

Source: EPA

Document before you clean

Take photos and video of the water, the source and damaged items before anything is thrown out. Keep receipts for fans, cleanup supplies and any emergency repairs.

Call your insurer early

Ask what your policy covers, whether you need the adjuster to see the damage first, and how to submit emergency repair bills. Many standard homeowners and renters policies don’t cover flooding; that requires separate flood insurance.

Source: FloodSmart.gov

Small mold patch? It may be DIY

EPA says that if mold covers less than about 10 square feet, you can usually clean it yourself. Bigger areas, sewage water or mold in your HVAC system call for an experienced professional.

Source: EPA

Clean water vs. dirty water

Water from a supply line or a clean pipe is different from sewage backup or outside floodwater. EPA recommends calling a professional with experience cleaning up after contaminated water when sewage is involved. Porous items that soaked up dirty water, such as carpet, padding and ceiling tiles, often can’t be saved. Don’t let anyone talk you into cleaning them in place to save money if they’ve been in sewage.

What to ask a restoration company

Can you give me a written estimate before work starts, and will you update it in writing if the scope changes?
How will you measure moisture, and how will you show me the walls and floors are dry before you close them up?
What will you remove and why? Can you save any drywall, cabinets or flooring?
Do you bill my insurer directly? What will I owe if the claim is denied or only partly paid?
Can I see proof of insurance, and who will be doing the work: your crew or a subcontractor?

Read any work authorization carefully before you sign it, especially language that assigns your insurance benefits to the company. In Illinois, home repair work over $1,000 must have a written contract or work order that states the total cost.

Prevent the next one

Check under sinks and behind the washer, dishwasher and fridge for drips a few times a year. Replace cracked or bulging supply hoses.
Test your sump pump before the spring rainy season by pouring water into the pit and making sure it turns on and pumps out.
Keep gutters clean and downspouts pointed away from the foundation.
In winter, keep the heat on when you travel and insulate pipes in unheated spaces to help prevent freezing.
Consider an inexpensive water leak alarm near the water heater, washer and sump pit.

Watch out for disaster scams

After storms and floods, unlicensed contractors and scammers show up fast. The FTC warns against anyone who wants full payment up front, insists on cash, wire transfers or payment apps, asks you to sign a blank contract, or wants you to sign your insurance check over to them. FEMA never charges a fee to apply for help.

Ready for a pro?

If the water came from sewage, covers a large area, or has been sitting more than a day or two, call a restoration company for a free quote.

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Common questions

Does homeowners insurance cover water damage?

It depends on your policy and the cause. Sudden events like a burst pipe are often treated differently from slow leaks or flooding from outside. Flood damage generally needs a separate flood insurance policy. Read your policy and ask your insurer before you agree to major work.

Should I wait for the adjuster before cleaning up?

Ask your insurer. Most policies expect you to take reasonable steps to prevent more damage, like stopping the water and drying things out. Photograph everything first and keep damaged items until the adjuster says you can toss them.

Can I clean up mold myself?

EPA says you can usually handle mold that covers less than about 10 square feet yourself, as long as you fix the water problem and wear protection like an N-95 respirator, gloves and goggles. For larger areas, sewage water or mold in your heating and cooling system, hire an experienced professional.

How soon does flood insurance start?

National Flood Insurance Program policies generally have a 30-day waiting period before coverage starts, with some exceptions, such as when you buy it as part of a mortgage. Don’t wait for a storm to buy it.

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MegaSavings may be paid when you call a provider through this page, at no cost to you. The payment doesn’t change the price you’re quoted or the tips on this page.

Sources

More guides: Home Repair Savings · Home & Renters Insurance · Frozen Pipes

Related: Ice Dams

Last reviewed: October 28, 2026