1. Stop the source of water
The first and most urgent step in any emergency water damage situation is to stop the water at its source. Whether it’s a burst pipe, leaking appliance, or overflowing system, locating and shutting off the water supply is key to preventing further damage.
2. Ensure life safety and secure property
Before you begin any water damage restoration, make sure that everyone in the building is safe. Evacuate if necessary and disconnect electrical power and gas in affected areas to prevent fire or electrocution risks.
To protect your property, move sensitive equipment, furniture, and valuable items to a dry area. If possible, cover them with plastic sheeting or tarps to prevent further water exposure.
3. Assess and document the damage
After securing the area, thoroughly inspect the extent of water intrusion. Take high-quality photos and videos of all affected walls, ceilings, floors, and belongings. This documentation is vital for insurance claims and future reference.
Record the actions you took to prevent and mitigate damage. Insurance companies require detailed evidence to evaluate claims related to emergency water damage and water damage restoration processes.
4. Notify stakeholders and professionals
Communicate the incident to all relevant parties, including property owners, tenants, your insurance provider, and—if necessary—emergency services. For severe cases, it’s wise to engage a professional water damage restoration company like Clear Sky to handle the situation safely and effectively.
5. Remove standing water
Quick removal of standing water is critical. Left unchecked, it can compromise floors, drywall, and structural elements. While small spills can be mopped or drained by maintenance staff, larger water volumes may require commercial wet vacuums or professional-grade extraction equipment and that is where Clear sky comes in.
Understanding the type of water involved determines how to proceed:
- Category 1 (Clean Water): Comes from sanitary sources like burst water lines or HVAC leaks. Still, if untreated, it can degrade quickly.
- Category 2 (Gray Water): Carries microorganisms or chemicals that can cause discomfort or illness (e.g., dishwasher or washing machine overflows).
- Category 3 (Black Water): Highly contaminated and dangerous, often from sewage, flooding, or chemical runoff. Requires full PPE and strict safety procedures.
For Categories 2 and 3, trained experts like Clear Sky are essential to ensure proper safety, sanitation, and compliance.
Source: Construemax Property Restoration
6. Dry and dehumidify the area
Even after the water is extracted, moisture remains. Without proper drying, mold can begin to grow within 72 hours. Use air movers and dehumidifiers to accelerate drying and prevent long-term damage. Clear Sky’s water damage restoration specialists use industrial-grade drying systems to ensure all moisture is removed—reducing the risk of hidden mold growth and structural weakening.
7. Disinfect and begin mold remediation
Any surface that has been exposed to water—especially from Category 2 or 3 sources—should be thoroughly sanitized. Lingering bacteria, viruses, and toxins pose health risks, especially in high-traffic areas or properties with children and seniors.
During this stage, mold remediation is critical. Mold can start forming in unseen corners and porous materials. We apply EPA-approved disinfectants and mold-inhibiting treatments to ensure the space is safe for reentry.
8. Repair and restore the property
The final step is to repair all areas affected by water. This may include replacing drywall, flooring, insulation, and any compromised electrical or plumbing systems. Clear Sky provides full-service restoration construction services, including foundation checks, repairs and rebuilding to pre-loss condition.
It’s also essential to resolve the root cause of the water damage-whether it’s a faulty appliance, plumbing failure, or structural leak-so the issue doesn’t recur.
Trust Clear Sky for Emergency Water Damage Restoration
At Clear Sky, we understand how overwhelming water damage can be. Our certified professionals are available 24/7 to handle every stage of water damage restoration, from emergency response to mold remediation and complete repair.
Whether you’re dealing with a burst pipe, storm flooding, or an undetected leak, trust Clear Sky to restore your space – safely, quickly, and professionally.