What Should I Do Immediately After a Flood in My Home or Business?

Flooding can turn your world upside down in a matter of minutes. Whether it’s caused by heavy rain, a burst pipe, or sewage backup, the damage can be severe and costly if not addressed quickly. In the Seattle area, where moisture lingers and mold develops quickly, acting quickly is critical.

If your home or business just flooded, here’s exactly what to do — and what not to do — to protect your property, health, and insurance coverage.

1. Make sure it’s safe to stay inside.

Avoid walking through standing water if the electricity is still on or if you suspect contamination. If the structure is compromised or you smell gas, evacuate immediately and call the proper authorities.

2. Shut off the water if it’s safe.

For indoor floods like pipe breaks or overflows, locate your main water shut-off valve and stop the water from spreading. If the source is external, like rain or stormwater, stay clear of any affected areas.

3. Do NOT call your insurance company first.

This surprises most homeowners, but it’s one of the most important tips we can give you.

📞 Instead, call Eco Water Restoration first at (253) 204-3646.
We’ll send an emergency technician to assess the damage, help you document everything correctly, and advise you on how to communicate the claim. Misreporting the cause of damage to your insurance provider too early could jeopardize your coverage. We are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to respond to your flood damage emergency.

You can also email us at info@eco-wr.com or request service at eco-wr.com/contact.

4. Take photos and video — but don’t clean up yet.

Capture every area of damage: floors, baseboards, walls, ceilings, furniture, and personal belongings. Keep any damaged items in place so they can be reviewed during the claims process.

5. Call a flood damage restoration company immediately.

DIY cleanup won’t cut it. Most floodwater is considered Category 2 or 3, meaning it could contain contaminants or sewage. Even Category 1 water can cause major problems if it’s left to soak into drywall, flooring, and insulation.

⚠️ Delaying cleanup increases your risk of mold, structural damage, and denied insurance claims.
Eco Water Restoration responds within 60–90 minutes throughout Seattle, Bellevue, Tacoma, and surrounding areas.

6. Let us handle the insurance process with you.

We work with all major insurance companies and guide you every step of the way. From documenting damages to explaining the scope of loss, we make sure you get the coverage you’re entitled to. Our team advocates for you, not the insurer.

Need help now?
📞 Call (253) 204-3646
📧 Email info@eco-wr.com
🌐 Visit eco-wr.com/contact

7. Start the flood damage restoration process.

Our full-service team will begin water extraction, structural drying, sanitization, and restoration right away. We use advanced moisture detection tools to locate hidden water and prevent future mold growth — a must in our rainy Pacific Northwest climate.

8. Plan ahead for mold remediation if needed.

Mold can start growing within 24 to 48 hours. If you’ve had significant water intrusion, you may need post-drying testing or mold mitigation services. We’ll monitor everything and keep you informed so you’re not left wondering.

The Bottom Line

The best way to protect your home and insurance claim after a flood is to call Eco Water Restoration first — before your insurance company. We’ll help you take the right steps, avoid costly mistakes, and restore your property the right way.

📞 Call 24/7: (253) 204-3646
📧 Email: info@eco-wr.com
🌐 eco-wr.com/contact

We proudly serve Seattle, Bellevue, Tacoma, and the greater Puget Sound region.

Ivan Mukomol
Google Rating
4.9
Based on 136 reviews
js_loader