First
- stop the source if it is safe
- avoid water near electricity
- photograph the source and affected rooms
- move dry belongings away
Homeowner guide
What to do after a water leak
A safe sequence for source control, photos, extraction, drying, and repair documentation.
Why this record matters
The sequence matters because cleanup can erase evidence while water continues moving into adjacent materials. Preserve the source record, then track extraction, drying, and reconstruction as separate phases.
During cleanup
- ask which materials can dry in place
- request moisture readings
- keep an equipment log
- separate mitigation from rebuild
Before closing walls
- confirm final readings
- save source-repair invoices
- photograph removed materials
- review the rebuild scope
Questions before the next decision
- Is the source fully stopped?
- Which hidden materials were checked?
- What can dry in place?
- What evidence closes drying?
- Who owns reconstruction?
Keep one chronological file
Save photographs, source-repair notes, authorizations, estimates, readings, equipment dates, receipts, invoices, and written completion evidence in date order. Keep mitigation, contents, and reconstruction records separate.
Related decisions
Apply this checklist to the matching service decision.
Reference points
Use sources that match this decision.
EPA mold and moisture guide
Federal homeowner guidance on moisture control, drying, porous materials, and mold cleanup.
FEMA Flood Map Service Center
Address-level flood-hazard research; the map does not determine insurance coverage or diagnose a property.
Alabama Home Builders Licensure Board
State consumer guidance for checking licensing, references, insurance, written scope, and payment terms.