What To Do When Your Home Floods

This week, I received a distress call from a client whose home had flooded. 

The issue? Her upstairs toilet had clogged, and water was leaking from the second floor to the first. In the face of such a stressful situation, it's easy to panic. However, knowing the proper steps to take can help mitigate damage and stress. 

You might not initially expect your real estate agent to be a go-to source of info for a house flood, but let me tell you – I’ve seen it all! And I’m actually honored my clients reach out to me in times of crisis like this when they feel stuck or overwhelmed dealing with an issue with their home. I’m glad they know I’m in their corner and here to help point them in the right direction when it comes to just about anything home-related. 😊

So here's a step-by-step guide on how to handle a home flooding situation, based on what I've learned over the years in the real estate industry and how I helped guide my client when she was quite literally “up a creek”. 

Step 1: Shut Off the Utilities

The immediate action you should take when you notice something leaking is to shut off the utilities. This includes:

• Water Main - to stop any further leaking

• Electric Main - to prevent any electrical issues, especially to avoid water coming into contact with electrical outlets

Make sure you know where these utility shut-offs are located in your home because it's crucial for emergencies like this.

Step 2: Take Photos and Call Your Insurance Company

Once you've ensured the immediate danger is over by shutting off the utilities, the next action should be to take photos to document the damage and contact your insurance company. Discuss the situation with them and ask for guidance on the next steps. This is crucial because you don't want to make any moves that could jeopardize your ability to claim insurance for the damages.

Step 3: Call an Emergency Restoration Company 

Water damage is especially time-sensitive – the longer it sits, the higher the risk for mold growth. This is particularly true in San Diego during the summertime. So, the next step (once the insurance company gives its “blessing” and direction) is to call an emergency restoration company. These professionals will:

• Soak up the water - Using specialized equipment, they'll remove as much water as possible.

• Start the dry-out process - Utilizing dehumidifiers and fans, they'll begin the process of drying out the affected areas.

• Take measurements and assess damages - This will be crucial information for both you and your insurance company.

• Provide an estimate for demolition, remediation, and “build back” (the construction cost of putting the home back together, as applicable).

Step 4: Remediation and Restoration

Once the initial emergency steps are done, the restoration company will:

• Tear out damaged material - This could include flooring, walls, and any other materials that have been affected.

• Remediate any mold - They'll treat areas where mold may have started to grow.

• Provide a quote - This is to let you know the cost of putting the property back together.

Step 5: Work in Tandem with Insurance and Restoration Companies

Finally, you'll need to work closely with both your insurance and the restoration company to make sure the situation is handled efficiently and effectively. Ideally, you should only be responsible for the deductible while the insurance covers the rest.

No one wants to face a home flooding situation, but knowing the right steps to take can make a world of difference in minimizing damage and stress. Keep this guide handy, and remember, the key is to act fast and consult professionals.

Stay safe and protect your investment.

Brent Edwards (aka Brent the Broker) is a residential real estate agent and Realtor in San Diego, CA who helps clients buy and sell homes in San Diego, California and all surrounding areas. Brent is a highly-recommended Realtor in San Diego by family, friends and past clients. Call Brent today at 619-550-8070 if you have any questions about real estate in San Diego or you'd like to buy or sell a home.

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