Water can damage a home faster than almost any other element—and how you respond in the first 48 hours makes all the difference. At Red Truck Disaster Response, we’ve seen how quick, informed action leads to better outcomes, lower costs, and less stress. Whether it’s from a broken pipe, a leaking water heater, or an irrigation mishap, the early hours after water intrusion are critical. That’s why we’re sharing a step-by-step guide to help you make the right moves immediately after discovering water damage. With the right approach, you can protect your home, preserve your belongings, and make water damage restoration as smooth as possible.

Step 1: Stay Calm and Stay Safe if You Require Water Damage Restoration

The first thing to do is breathe and assess. Safety comes first. Before you rush to grab towels or turn off appliances, ask yourself:

• Is the water clean, gray, or black? (More on this below.)
• Is there standing water near electrical outlets or wiring?
• Is the structure sound—especially in crawlspaces or basements?
• If you suspect any danger, do not enter the area. Shut off the main power if it’s safe and call for help. We’re available 24/7, and we’re happy to come out and assess the situation at no charge.

Step 2: Identify the Water Source and Stop the Flow

Stopping the source of water is the most important action you can take in the early stages. If it’s a broken pipe or water line, turn off the main shutoff valve. If the water is coming from outside—say, a flooded irrigation line or storm runoff—try to redirect the flow as best you can.

If the cause isn’t obvious, don’t worry. When we arrive on site, we’ll work to help identify where the water came from and advise whether a plumber or other specialist is needed.

Step 3: Understand the Category of Water

Not all water damage is the same. Restoration protocols change depending on the water’s source and contamination level.

• Category 1 (Clean Water): Comes from a “safe source” like a broken water supply line.
• Category 2 (Gray Water): Slightly contaminated—like water from a washing machine or dishwasher.
• Category 3 (Black Water): Highly contaminated water, often from sewage or outside flooding.

If the water is gray or black, you’ll need professional water damage restoration immediately. In these cases, handling it yourself can create serious health risks or worsen the damage. But never fear; we specialize in mitigating these types of situations. So, if you call us, we can be on scene usually within 45 minutes to assess and begin remediation.

Step 4: Begin Documentation

Start taking photos or videos right away. In most cases, we will start this process shortly after arrival. Doing so will help with your insurance claim and give us useful insight when we arrive. Document:

• The source of the leak (if known)
• Water-damaged areas
• Affected belongings
• Any visible mold, staining, or bubbling

Don’t worry about taking perfect pictures—just do your best to record the damage as you see it. We can help with full documentation once we’re onsite, but having an early visual record is always helpful.

Step 5: Call a Water Damage Restoration Company Right Away

This is the point where timing really matters. The sooner we’re called in, the better your outcome will be. During the first 24 to 48 hours:

• Moisture can spread behind walls and under flooring
• Materials like drywall and insulation begin to break down
• Mold can begin to grow

Our team often uses thermal imaging and moisture meters to find hidden damp spots and create a complete drying plan tailored to your home. We don’t just remove water—we ensure that every affected surface is fully dry and structurally sound before repairs begin.

Step 6: Don’t Start Tearing Things Out (Yet)

One of the most common mistakes we see is homeowners ripping up carpet, removing drywall, or opening crawlspaces before it’s time. While we appreciate the instinct to “get ahead of it,” jumping into demolition too early can:

• Spread contaminated water
• Disturb mold spores
• Ruin materials that could have been salvaged

Once we evaluate the site, we’ll let you know what can be saved and what needs to go. Often, with professional equipment and proper drying techniques, we can restore many building materials and belongings.

Step 7: Let Us Handle the Drying Process

Proper drying takes more than box fans and open windows. Our water damage restoration process typically includes:

• Water extraction with professional pumps and vacuums
• Structural drying using industrial dehumidifiers and air movers
• Moisture readings and real-time monitoring to ensure progress
• Sanitizing and antimicrobial treatments to prevent mold

We also work closely with plumbers and insurance companies to make the claim process as smooth as possible. If you’re not sure whether your loss is covered, we’ll help you navigate it.

Step 8: Ask About Water Damage Restoration Reconstruction Early

Once the drying process is underway, we can begin planning for the restoration of any materials that were removed. In many cases, drywall, flooring, cabinetry, or insulation may need replacement. We’ll help create a plan to restore your home to its pre-loss condition—or better.

By involving us early, you’re also getting continuity from start to finish. Our team will be familiar with your property and will, thereby, understands your goals, which leads to better results and faster turnaround times.

Step 9: Learn the Preventable Triggers

While some water damage is unavoidable, in some cases, what we see could have been prevented with regular maintenance. During our final walkthrough, we’ll talk with you about:

• Irrigation line placement
• Gutter and drainage maintenance
• Appliance hose upgrades
• Crawlspace moisture barriers
• Sump pump installation (if needed)
• Our goal is to leave you more protected than when we arrived.

You Don’t Have to Have All the Answers if you need Water Damage Restoration

When you’re dealing with water in your home, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But you don’t have to know what to do—we do. Our job is to take the burden off your shoulders, minimize the damage, and guide you every step of the way. The first 48 hours matter. But so does having the right partner by your side.

About Red Truck Disaster Response in Boise, Idaho

Red Truck Disaster Response was established in 2016. Through our experience working for a national franchise, we have seen first-hand how larger companies fail to provide the level of customer service their clients need and deserve when we are going through a loss to their home. We started Red Truck and made the conscious decision to put service first. Our clients are our highest priority. With a focus on professional and supportive service and open communication, we help our clients restore both their homes and their lives after a disaster. We will work with any insurance company and can handle any size loss. If you face a loss of any kind, 24/7, call our hotline (208) 336-3853 and we’ll be happy to help!

This blog is for informational purposes only. If you have questions about your specific situation, we will be happy to come out and look at no charge. Inspections are always free.