A flooded home is overwhelming, especially when the water comes from a burst pipe or sewage backup. Unlike flooding from storms or rising groundwater, indoor plumbing issues can quickly turn your home into a disaster zone without any warning. Knowing how to act fast can save you thousands in damage and drastically reduce the time it takes to get your home back to normal.
When water spills into your home from a broken pipe or sewer line, every minute counts. Water doesn’t just sit still, it moves. It spreads under flooring, behind baseboards, into walls, and beneath cabinets. This process, known as wicking, happens fast. Within minutes, clean water can turn into a widespread, multi-room problem. And with sewage backups, you’re also dealing with biohazards.
At Remediation Group, we often tell homeowners: it doesn’t matter whether you call us or the plumber first but we aim to beat the plumber there. Why? Because our priority is stopping the spread of water immediately even before repairs begin. The faster the response, the less you’ll spend on repairs and the lower the risk of mold growth or structural damage.
Keep in mind, some plumbing companies prefer to refer their own “buddy” or a mitigation company they’re affiliated with. While there’s nothing inherently wrong with that, it doesn’t always mean you’re getting the fastest or most effective service. Our goal is to be your advocate and act fast, not just after the plumber’s done, but often before they arrive.
Steps to Take Immediately After Indoor Flooding
-
Ensure Safety First
Before doing anything, make sure it’s safe to enter the affected area. Look out for electrical hazards, slippery floors, and sewer contamination. If in doubt, wait for a professional. -
Shut Off the Water Source
If you can safely access the water shutoff valve, do it right away. Stopping the flow is critical. If you don’t know where the valve is—or if you’re unsure—call Remediation Group. Our team is trained to shut it off safely and start limiting further spread. -
Document the Damage
Take photos and videos of all impacted areas and belongings. Include timestamps if possible. Documentation is crucial for your insurance claim, especially when damage spreads into walls or flooring due to wicking. -
Start the Drying Process Immediately
Even before the plumber arrives, we begin extracting water, setting up air movers, and placing dehumidifiers. The goal is to stop wicking and prevent the damage from multiplying room by room.
Understanding Your Homeowner’s Insurance Coverage
Most standard homeowner’s insurance policies cover sudden and accidental pipe bursts or sewer backups assuming the proper endorsements are in place. However, flooding from stormwater or rising groundwater is different and typically not covered under your standard homeowner’s policy.
If your concern is outdoor water flooding your home due to rain or natural disasters, you need a separate flood insurance policy, usually available through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). If you live in a flood-prone area, now is the time to secure that coverage before disaster strikes.
Why Call Remediation Group First
At Remediation Group, we are not just a water and flood cleanup service we are your emergency response team. From the moment you call, we’re focused on stopping the water source, limiting the spread, beginning drying and dehumidification, documenting damage for your insurance, and coordinating with trusted plumbers and contractors if needed.
Many mitigation companies wait until plumbing repairs are complete before responding. We don’t wait, we act. Because when it comes to indoor flooding, every hour matters.
Final Thoughts
If your home is flooding due to a burst pipe or sewage backup, don’t wait. Call Remediation Group immediately. We’ll work to shut off the water, limit further damage, and start drying your home before the situation worsens. If your concern is future flooding from outside water, make sure you have an active flood insurance policy in place to protect your property.
When time is critical, trust the flood damage restoration experts at Remediation Group to act fast, protect your property, and guide you through the recovery process.
