Short answer
Stop the water, make the area electrically safe, photograph everything, move belongings off wet floors, and call a restoration company and your insurer. Drying that starts within 24–48 hours prevents most mold and swelling.1. Stop the water
Close the fixture valve or the main shutoff. In most DFW homes the main is in a ground box near the curb or on a house valve in the garage.
- Toilet: valve behind the tank
- Washer: two valves behind the machine
- Water heater: cold inlet valve on top
2. Make it safe
If water is near outlets, cords or the panel, turn off those circuits at the breaker. If the panel is wet, stay away and call an electrician or your electric utility.
3. Document
Photograph and video every room before moving anything: the source, water lines on walls, damaged items. Your adjuster will ask.
4. Protect what you can
Move rugs, electronics, papers and furniture to dry areas. Put foil or blocks under furniture legs on wet carpet.
5. Call for help
A restoration company handles extraction and drying; a plumber repairs the source. Report the claim to your insurer the same day.
When to call a professional
Call as soon as water has soaked carpet, reached walls, come through a ceiling, or come from a toilet, sewer or outside flood. The company measures hidden moisture and dries it to a standard, which household fans can't do.
Questions
Should I run fans myself?
For a small, clean spill caught quickly, yes. For wet walls, carpet pad or anything contaminated, fans alone won't dry what's hidden and can spread contamination.
Should I call insurance or a restoration company first?
Stop the water, then call both the same day. Most policies expect you to take reasonable steps to prevent further damage, which includes starting drying.
This guide is general information for Texas homeowners, not legal, insurance or professional advice. Check your policy and local rules.