BACKFEB 8, 2026
Discovering a puddle, a damp carpet, or a flooded basement is one of the most stressful moments for a homeowner. Your first instinct might be to panic, but this is a common and manageable situation. The key is to act safely and methodically to prevent further damage.
Looking for more guidance? Take a look at our Repairs overview.
This guide will walk you through the immediate steps to take, from ensuring your safety to finding the source of the problem. We’ll help you understand what you can handle yourself and when it’s time to call a professional for help.
Before you step into the water or start cleaning, you must address potential electrical hazards. Water and electricity are a dangerous combination.
Safety Checklist:
Never step into standing water if you suspect it could be electrically charged.
Once the area is electrically safe, your next goal is to stop more water from entering.
If you can see water actively flowing from a burst pipe or overflowing appliance, or if the water level is visibly rising, you need to shut off your home's main water supply.
The main water shut-off valve is typically located where the main water pipe enters your house. Look for it in the basement, a crawl space, or on an exterior wall. It will have either a wheel-style handle (turn it clockwise until it stops) or a lever handle (turn it a quarter-turn so it is perpendicular to the pipe).
With the area safe and the source controlled, you can begin removing the water. The method you use will depend on how much water you’re dealing with.
For Small Puddles If you only have a small amount of water, you can often manage it with basic supplies.
For Water Less Than 2 Inches Deep A wet/dry vacuum (often called a shop vac) is the best tool for this job.
For Water More Than 2 Inches Deep For significant flooding, you will likely need a pump.
When to Stop and Call for Help
If you have pumped out the water but more continues to seep in through the foundation or floor, it’s time to call a professional water damage restoration service. They have the equipment and expertise to handle ongoing water intrusion and prevent serious structural damage.
Removing the water is just the first part of the cleanup. Drying the area completely is critical to prevent the growth of mold and mildew, which can begin within 24-48 hours.
For Wet Carpets:
For Wet Hard Floors (Wood, Tile, Vinyl):
Keeping track of your home’s materials, like flooring types, in an app like Casa can help you act quickly and confidently when issues like this arise.
After you’ve managed the immediate crisis, you need to find out why it happened.
Check for Plumbing Leaks: If the water was located near a sink, toilet, or appliance, the cause is likely a plumbing issue.
Check for Exterior Water Sources: If you don’t find a plumbing leak, the water likely came from outside.
The cost and time involved can vary significantly depending on the severity of the problem.
Finding unexpected water in your home is unsettling, but by following these steps—safety first, then stopping, removing, and drying—you can take control of the situation. By identifying the root cause, you can help ensure it doesn’t happen again.
Being prepared is the best way to reduce the stress of homeownership. Download the Casa app to keep important information about your home—from your main water shut-off location to records of past repairs—organized and ready for when you need it most.
