Water damage can strike unexpectedly, whether it’s from a burst pipe, appliance leak, storm surge, or flooding from firefighting efforts. The first moments after discovering water damage are critical. Acting quickly and correctly can mean the difference between a simple dry-out and tens of thousands of dollars in repairs or mold remediation. At Newhouse Restoration, we’ve helped property owners throughout Long Island—especially in Suffolk and Nassau Counties—respond effectively and safely to water damage emergencies. Here’s what you should do immediately if you find yourself facing water damage.
Prioritize Safety Before Entering or Remaining in the Property
The number one priority in any emergency is safety. If you enter a space and notice standing water near electrical outlets, lighting, or electronic equipment, do not proceed without shutting off the power. Water and electricity are a deadly combination, and it’s critical that you eliminate this risk before doing anything else. If the circuit breakers are located in a wet area, call an electrician or your local utility company instead of attempting to shut off the power yourself. If you smell gas, suspect structural damage (such as a buckling ceiling or sagging floor), or feel unsafe for any reason, evacuate the premises immediately and contact emergency responders. When in doubt, it’s always better to be cautious.
Identify and Stop the Source of the Water (If Safe to Do So)
Once the area is deemed safe, try to identify the source of the water. If it’s a burst pipe or overflowing toilet, shut off your main water supply. If the damage is weather-related—such as stormwater coming in through a compromised roof or foundation—there may be nothing you can do in that moment but wait for the weather to subside. However, if the source is internal and accessible, addressing it early can prevent gallons of water from soaking your floors, walls, or furniture. Quick action here can also reduce the amount of demolition and restoration needed later.
Call a Professional Water Damage Restoration Company Immediately
Don’t wait to get help. The sooner you contact a certified water damage restoration company like Newhouse Restoration, the sooner mitigation can begin. Our team is on call and ready to respond quickly anywhere in Suffolk or Nassau County. The longer water sits in your home or business, the more extensive the damage becomes. Mold can begin growing in as little as 24 hours, wood structures can warp, drywall can disintegrate, and unpleasant odors can become permanent. Our IICRC-certified technicians are trained to assess, mitigate, and dry out all types of water damage using commercial-grade equipment, moisture detection tools, and antimicrobial treatments.
Start Documenting the Water Damage Immediately for Insurance
Most homeowners and commercial property insurance policies require detailed documentation of the damage before coverage kicks in. Use your phone or a camera to take high-quality photos and videos of the affected areas. Focus on soaked drywall, warped flooring, damaged furniture, and any belongings that have been affected. If water damage has spread to personal property such as computers, TVs, rugs, or clothing, be sure to capture images of those as well.
Pro tip:
Do not dispose of any damaged items until they’ve been documented—unless they pose a health hazard (like mold or sewage contamination). Newhouse Restoration can guide you through this documentation process and provide estimates tailored to your insurance provider’s requirements.
Remove Belongings That Can Be Saved
If it’s safe to enter the affected area, begin removing valuable or sentimental items. This includes important documents, photographs, electronics, jewelry, and heirlooms. Place these items in a dry area or in sealed plastic bins. Avoid using cardboard boxes, which can absorb moisture and fall apart.
Be careful to avoid spreading contamination:
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Wear gloves and rubber boots if the water is from an unsanitary source (like sewage or flood water).
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Don’t walk wet items into clean areas of the home.
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Wipe items down and isolate them if you suspect microbial growth.
Don’t Try to DIY Large-Scale Water Removal
It might be tempting to grab a mop, towels, or a shop vac and try to clean up the water yourself—but this approach rarely addresses the full extent of the damage. Water often seeps behind walls, under baseboards, into subfloors, and even into insulation. What looks dry on the surface may be saturated underneath.
A restoration company like Newhouse Restoration uses specialized drying equipment including air movers, commercial dehumidifiers, and wall cavity drying systems like Injectidry. We also monitor the drying process with moisture meters to ensure your home or business is completely dry—not just on the surface.
Be Aware of the Risk of Mold Growth
Mold doesn’t need much to grow—just moisture and a food source like wood, drywall, or carpet. It can begin forming within 24 to 48 hours after water damage occurs. If the affected areas are not thoroughly dried and treated, mold spores can take hold and begin spreading. Mold not only damages property but can also pose serious health risks, especially for people with asthma, allergies, or weakened immune systems.
That’s why Newhouse Restoration always uses antimicrobial agents during mitigation and performs a full inspection for potential microbial growth in hidden areas like behind walls, under flooring, or inside HVAC systems.
Work With a Restoration Team That Understands the Insurance Process
Dealing with insurance can feel overwhelming during an already stressful situation. At Newhouse Restoration, we regularly work with insurance adjusters and can help walk you through the claims process.
Here’s how we help:
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Provide detailed moisture readings and reports
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Document the cause and classification of the water loss
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Coordinate with adjusters to support a fair settlement
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Communicate directly with your provider to reduce back-and-forth stress
FAQs About Immediate Water Damage Response
How quickly should I act after discovering water damage?
Immediately. Every hour counts. Water damage escalates quickly and can lead to mold, structural damage, and major insurance headaches.
Is all water damage covered by insurance?
That depends on the source of the damage and your policy. Most insurance covers sudden and accidental water damage (like a burst pipe), but not long-term leaks or flooding unless you have a separate flood policy.
Can I stay in the home during the cleanup?
It depends on the extent of the damage. If only one room is affected and the rest of the home is safe and habitable, you may be able to stay. For major jobs or contamination (such as sewage), we may recommend temporary relocation.
Should I notify my insurance company before calling a restoration company?
You should notify them as soon as possible, but don’t wait to call us. We can start mitigation right away and assist with documentation so that your insurance claim is processed efficiently.
How long does the water damage cleanup process take?
Most mitigation jobs take 3–5 days depending on the extent of the water intrusion. However, if repairs or reconstruction are needed, the full timeline can extend to a few weeks.
What happens if I wait too long to start cleanup?
Delays can lead to mold, greater structural damage, and even denial of insurance claims. Quick action reduces damage and costs.
Is it safe to turn on fans or heaters to help dry the space?
Basic ventilation is helpful, but using heat or fans without proper humidity control can worsen the problem. Our commercial drying equipment is calibrated for safe, effective dry-out.
Call Newhouse Restoration for Immediate Water Damage Help on Long Island
If you’re dealing with water damage, don’t take chances. The clock is ticking, and every moment counts when it comes to protecting your property and avoiding further loss. At Newhouse Restoration, we offer 24/7 emergency response across Long Island and can dispatch a crew to assess the situation, start mitigation, and help you regain control.
We’re not just contractors—we’re your partners in recovery.
