What to Do After Water Damage: Memphis Homeowner's Guide

Immediate Response (First Hour)

The first hour determines whether you have a manageable cleanup or extensive structural repairs. Water spreads fast—what looks like surface damage is already saturating subflooring and wall cavities. Here's what to do immediately.

1. Ensure Safety First

2. Stop the Water Source

Main shut-off: Usually near your water meter, where the main line enters, or by your water heater. Turn clockwise. Many houses have a main shut-off inside the house—often in a bathroom, closet, or even a kitchen cabinet. Locate yours ahead of time. Can't find it? Call us immediately: (901) 452-0681

Appliance leaks: Shut off valves behind the appliance. For water heaters, also turn off gas or power.

Roof leaks: Place containers underneath. Never access roofs during storms.

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Document Everything

Documentation quality directly impacts claim payouts. Take photos before any cleanup.

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Working With Insurance

Call your insurance within 24 hours. Have your policy number and details ready. Ask for your claim number—you'll need it for everything.

What's Typically Covered

Sudden, accidental damage: burst pipes, appliance failures, storm damage, accidental overflows. Typically not covered: gradual damage from neglected maintenance, flood water from outside (needs separate flood policy).

Key Points

• Start drying immediately. Don't wait for approval. Your policy requires you to prevent further damage.
• Be there when adjusters visit. Point out all damage. They work for the insurance company, not you.
• Professional documentation helps. Our moisture readings and thermal imaging justify claims better than photos alone.
• It's your choice who you use. As the property owner, you choose your restoration company. Insurance companies may have preferred vendors and try to steer you towards them, but you're not required to use their recommendations.

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Why Professional Restoration

The water you see is just the start. Water penetrates carpet padding, subflooring, wall cavities, and insulation within minutes. In Memphis's 70%+ humidity, materials won't dry on their own. That's when mold grows and wood deteriorates.

Prevention

Most water damage is preventable. Here's what causes the majority of calls:

Top 3 Causes

1. Washing machine hoses: Rubber hoses fail without warning. Replace with braided stainless steel ($25-30). If yours are over 5 years old, replace now.

2. Water heaters: Lifespan is 10-12 years. Check yours today. Over 10 years? Replace before it fails. Add a drain pan ($50) to catch leaks.

3. Frozen pipes: Memphis winters hit attics and exterior walls hardest.

When It's Below 28°F

• Open cabinet doors under sinks
• Let faucets drip slightly
• Disconnect outdoor hoses
• Insulate exposed pipes ($2-3/foot)
• Keep heat on—even in vacant properties, maintain thermostat at mid-60s minimum or turn off the main water source

Early Detection

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Common Questions

How long does professional restoration take?

3-5 days to achieve structural dryness. We monitor daily and won't start reconstruction until materials are actually dry. DIY attempts often take weeks and miss hidden moisture.

Can I dry it myself?

Surface drying isn't enough. Water penetrates padding, subflooring, and wall cavities within an hour. Consumer equipment can't extract fast enough or overcome Memphis humidity. By the time homeowners realize it didn't dry, they're facing mold costs that exceed what professional restoration would have cost.

Should I wait for insurance approval?

No. Call insurance to report, then start drying immediately. Your policy requires you to prevent further damage. We document everything for insurance review. Waiting while water saturates your home only increases damage and costs.

How much does restoration cost?

Most insurance policies cover restoration costs (minus deductible). The real question: address it properly now, or pay more for mold remediation and structural repairs later. Professional restoration is almost always more cost-effective.

Will filing a claim raise my rates?

Talk to your agent. Typically, trying to handle significant water damage out-of-pocket rarely makes financial sense. Restoration, potential mold, and structural repairs typically exceed any premium increase.

How do I find a qualified company?

Look for IICRC certification, Tennessee licensing, and established local presence. Easley Contractors: 45+ years in Memphis, IICRC-certified, verifiable local credentials.

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