The Complete Homeowner’s Guide to Flood Damage Restoration: What to Do After Water Damage

Few experiences are as overwhelming as finding your home flooded. Whether it’s from a burst pipe, heavy rain, or appliance failure, water damage can feel devastating. Floors warp, drywall softens, furniture soaks, and mold begins to grow faster than most people realize.

But here’s the good news — a fast, informed response can make all the difference between a complete recovery and a long, expensive repair process.

This step-by-step guide will walk you through exactly what to do after water damage occurs, when to call professionals, and how Leak Proof Restoration helps Atlanta homeowners return their property to safe, livable condition.

Step 1: Prioritize Safety Before Anything Else

Before you think about cleanup or calling your insurance company, you need to ensure your home is safe to enter. Standing water and electricity are a dangerous combination.

• Turn off electricity at the breaker panel if it’s safe to access.

• Avoid using electrical appliances until a professional inspects the wiring.

• Check for structural damage such as sagging ceilings, bowed walls, or weak flooring before entering flooded rooms.

• Wear protective gear including gloves, boots, and masks to avoid exposure to contaminated water.

If the flooding came from sewage backup or stormwater, the water may contain harmful bacteria and toxins — never attempt to clean that on your own.

Step 2: Stop the Source of the Water

If the flooding is caused by a burst pipe, leaking appliance, or broken fixture, shut off your home’s main water supply immediately. The valve is typically located near your water meter or in the basement.

If the damage came from an external source, such as heavy rain or a sump pump failure, call emergency restoration services right away. At Leak Proof Restoration, we offer 24/7 emergency water removal in Atlanta, because every minute counts when dealing with active water intrusion.

Step 3: Document Everything for Insurance

Before removing anything from the affected area, take photos and videos of all visible damage. Include:

• Standing water and soaked materials

• Damage to walls, floors, and furniture

• Affected appliances or structural elements

Make sure to capture the source of the water if it’s identifiable (like a burst pipe or overflowing toilet). Documentation is critical for speeding up your insurance claim and ensuring you receive full compensation for restoration work.

Step 4: Begin Water Extraction Immediately

Water removal is the most urgent step in restoration. The longer water sits, the deeper it seeps into porous materials like wood, carpet, and drywall — leading to irreversible damage and mold growth.

Professionals like Leak Proof Restoration use industrial-grade pumps, vacuums, and air movers to remove water quickly and efficiently. We also utilize moisture meters and thermal imaging cameras to locate hidden water behind walls or under flooring that isn’t visible to the naked eye.

DIY wet vacuums simply can’t match this level of thoroughness, and any trapped moisture left behind can cause structural weakening and odor problems later.

Step 5: Dry and Dehumidify the Area

After standing water is removed, the drying phase begins. This step is critical — even small amounts of moisture can cause long-term issues.

Professionals use:

• High-velocity air movers to circulate dry air throughout the affected space.

• Dehumidifiers to pull moisture from the air and materials.

• Moisture meters to track drying progress daily.

Drying can take anywhere from 24 hours to a full week, depending on the severity of the water damage and the materials affected.

At Leak Proof Restoration, we specialize in dry-out services for Atlanta homeowners, ensuring complete moisture elimination to prevent hidden mold and rot.

Step 6: Sanitize and Decontaminate

Once your home is dry, the next step is disinfection. Water — especially from storms, sewage, or flooding — often carries contaminants such as:

• Bacteria

• Mold spores

• Mildew

• Chemicals from household products

We use EPA-approved antimicrobial and deodorizing agents to sanitize all surfaces. Walls, floors, furniture, and even the air are treated to eliminate lingering odors and prevent health hazards.

This phase ensures your home isn’t just dry, but safe for you and your family to re-enter.

Step 7: Repair and Restore Damaged Areas

Now comes the rebuilding phase — restoring your property to its original condition (or better). Depending on the extent of damage, this may include:

• Replacing drywall, insulation, or flooring

• Repairing structural framing

• Repainting walls

• Reinstalling fixtures or cabinetry

• Restoring or replacing damaged electrical components

Leak Proof Restoration handles both the cleanup and reconstruction phases under one roof, streamlining the process for homeowners. Our team ensures that everything meets local Georgia building codes and restoration standards.

Step 8: Address Mold Before It Grows

Mold begins forming within 24 to 48 hours after water damage — even faster in Georgia’s humid climate. It can grow behind walls, under flooring, or inside HVAC systems, releasing spores that impact air quality.

Professional restoration includes mold inspection and remediation:

• Identifying contaminated areas

• Removing mold colonies safely

• Treating surfaces with antimicrobial agents

• Installing air scrubbers to clean airborne spores

At Leak Proof Restoration, our technicians are IICRC Certified in Mold Remediation, ensuring your home is fully protected from future growth.

Step 9: Work with Your Insurance Adjuster

Once immediate restoration work is underway, contact your insurance company to file a claim. Most homeowner policies cover water damage caused by sudden and accidental events (like burst pipes), but not by neglect or gradual leaks.

Leak Proof Restoration provides detailed reports, moisture readings, and restoration documentation to simplify the claims process and help you receive the coverage you deserve.

We even coordinate directly with adjusters so you don’t have to manage the back-and-forth paperwork during an already stressful time.

Step 10: Prevent Future Flooding

Once your home is restored, take proactive steps to reduce the risk of another water disaster. Some preventive measures include:

• Installing a sump pump with a battery backup system

• Inspecting plumbing regularly for corrosion or weak joints

• Cleaning gutters and downspouts twice a year

• Sealing cracks in the foundation and basement walls

• Adding a smart water leak detector that alerts you to early leaks

• Maintaining proper grading around your home’s exterior to divert water away

Prevention is the most effective form of protection — and saves thousands in potential future damage.

Why Professional Restoration Matters

While DIY cleanup may seem appealing, flood damage restoration is a highly technical process requiring professional tools, safety equipment, and industry knowledge. Here’s why hiring experts like Leak Proof Restoration is crucial:

• Speed: Industrial drying and extraction prevent secondary damage.

• Safety: Certified professionals handle contaminated water safely.

• Precision: Advanced equipment detects hidden moisture behind walls and floors.

• Documentation: Restoration professionals provide reports necessary for insurance claims.

• Mold Prevention: Thorough drying and antimicrobial treatment eliminate future risks.

By hiring trained restoration specialists, homeowners ensure the damage is properly addressed — not just covered up.

The Atlanta Advantage: Local Experience Matters

Georgia’s humid climate and frequent thunderstorms make water damage a recurring issue for local homeowners. Leak Proof Restoration understands the specific environmental challenges of the Atlanta area — from crawl space flooding in Decatur to storm runoff in Lawrenceville.

Our local expertise allows us to respond faster and tailor our drying and mold prevention methods to the area’s unique conditions.

When you’re facing a water damage emergency, choosing a local certified restoration company means faster arrival times, better communication, and more reliable follow-through.

Final Thoughts

Experiencing flood damage is stressful, but knowing the right steps to take can make recovery smoother and faster. From safety and extraction to drying, sanitation, and rebuilding — each stage of restoration plays a vital role in protecting your home and health.

If your home has suffered water damage in Atlanta or surrounding areas, contact Leak Proof Restoration. Our IICRC-certified technicians provide 24/7 emergency response, expert flood cleanup, and full structural restoration.

We handle everything — so you can focus on getting your life back to normal.