What to Do in the First Hour After Water Damage at Home
By Polaris Restoration Group · · 6 min read
A step-by-step checklist for Ontario homeowners: stay safe, stop the water, document the damage, and limit losses in the first hour after a leak or burst pipe.
1. Put safety first
Water and electricity don't mix. If water is near outlets, appliances, or your electrical panel, don't walk through it. If you can reach the panel safely from a dry spot, switch off power to the affected area. Otherwise, wait for help.
2. Stop the source
Find your main water shut-off valve — usually in the basement near the front wall, by the water meter. Turn it clockwise until it stops. For an appliance leak, close the valve behind the appliance.
3. Document everything before cleanup
Take photos and video of every affected room, the water source, and damaged belongings before moving anything. This record helps your insurance claim.
4. Protect what you can
Move electronics, documents, and valuables to a dry area. Place foil or plastic under furniture legs to prevent staining. Lift area rugs off wet floors.
- Don't use a household vacuum on water
- Don't turn on ceiling fans if the ceiling is wet
- Don't wait for drywall to 'air out' on its own
5. Call a restoration professional
Hidden moisture inside walls, subfloors, and insulation is the main cause of secondary damage and mould. Professional moisture mapping and structural drying address what you can't see. Call your insurer too, so a claim is opened early.