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Guide · water damage

The first hour after water damage.

What to do the moment you find water: stay safe, stop the source, document everything, and leave the tear-out to the professionals.

Water heater closet leak, drying in progress
Water heater closet leak, drying in progress
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Before anybody gets there

What you can do right now

You walked into water and have no idea what happens next. These six steps keep people safe and keep the damage from getting worse.

1. Make sure the area is safe

Check to make sure no electrical hazards are present. Avoid any areas that have sewage, sagging ceilings or any wet electrical devices.

2. Stop the water source if you can

If it’s accessible and safe to do so, shut off the water supply to whatever is causing the damage, or to the entire home if unsure.

3. Document the damage

Take pictures and videos of the affected areas. Try and capture the source of the water, and any damaged belongings, before moving or cleaning things up.

4. Protect your belongings

Move accessible items to a separate, dry area. Move furniture off of wet carpets and away from wet walls.

5. Avoid making the damage worse

Household vacuums are not built to remove water, and aiming fans at sewage or microbial growth can make things worse in the long run.

6. Leave tear-out to the professionals

You should avoid cutting into wet walls and flooring or even pulling any carpet. Everything should be assessed before removal.

Then what?

Call for a complimentary assessment

Do I have to pay for someone to come look?

No. We start with a complimentary assessment, no strings attached and no obligation. We use thermal imaging and moisture readings to see what’s actually wet. If the damage doesn’t need our equipment, we’ll say so.

Should I call my insurance company or you first?

Call us early. Policies have time limits for reporting a loss, and claims get denied when too much time goes by with no steps taken to stop the damage. Our free inspection shows you what’s actually wet and whether it’s worth a claim.

Are your phones really answered at night?

Yes. Phones are answered 24/7, nights and weekends included. Call or text (918) 550-2555.

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(918) 550-2555
Free assessment · Tulsa metro · support@nitrorestorationllc.com
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