What to Do After Discovering Water Damage in Your Wilmington, NC Home

Discovering water damage in your Wilmington home can be stressful, but your quick response matters. Acting fast protects your property, saves money, and most importantly, keeps your family safe and healthy. This guide outlines the critical steps to take right after you find water damage—including safety tips, how to document and assess damage, when to call professionals, and ways to prevent future problems.

Steps: Safety Above All Else

Before you do anything, make sure the area is safe—water and electricity are a dangerous mix, and unseen structural damage can be hazardous.

Turn Off the Power

If there’s standing water, shut off power to the affected area at the breaker box—but never do this if you must stand in water to reach it. In that case, call a licensed electrician. Don’t use electrical appliances in wet areas.

Stop the Water Source

Next, stop more water from coming in. Shut off the main water valve for leaks, turn off supply lines to faulty appliances, or catch roof leaks with buckets and cover with a tarp when safe.

• Leaky Pipes: Find your home’s main water shut-off valve and turn it off. It is often located where the main water line enters your house, in a basement, or a utility closet.
• Appliance Malfunctions: Turn off the water supply directly to the leaking appliance, such as a washing machine or dishwasher.
• Roof Leaks: This is more difficult to stop during a storm. Place buckets to catch drips and, if it's safe to do so after the weather clears, cover the damaged roof area with a tarp as a temporary measure.

Be Aware of Potential Hazards

Water damage can weaken your home’s structure—ceilings may collapse and floors become slippery. Watch for these risks, and avoid contact with contaminated water from sewage or flooding, as it may contain harmful bacteria.

Assessing the Extent of the Damage

Once it’s safe, assess the damage and document everything for insurance purposes.

Document Everything

Take clear photos and videos of all damaged areas and items. Make a written list of losses—this documentation will help with your insurance claim.

Identify the Type of Water

Know which type of water you’re dealing with, as this affects the health risks and cleanup approach:

• Category 1 (Clean Water): This comes from sources like broken supply lines or overflowing sinks. It does not pose an immediate health threat.
• Category 2 (Gray Water): This is slightly contaminated water from sources like washing machine overflows or dishwasher leaks. It may contain detergents and some bacteria.
• Category 3 (Black Water): This is highly contaminated water from sewage backups or natural flooding. It contains dangerous bacteria and pathogens and requires professional handling.

Contact Your Insurance Company

Contact your insurance agent right away. Share your documentation and follow their guidance for claims and next steps.

Hire a Water Damage Repair Specialist

Calling a professional water damage restoration specialist is crucial—they have the expertise and equipment needed for safe, effective cleanup and repairs.

Chapman's Construction is Wilmington's local professionals in water damage repair. Our team responds fast, understands coastal challenges, and uses professional equipment to quickly dry and restore your home—helping prevent costly issues like mold and structural damage.

Don't Wait—Contact Chapman's Construction Today

Discovering water damage is stressful, but you don't have to go through it alone. Chapman’s Construction provides comprehensive water damage repair services for homeowners throughout the Wilmington, NC, area. From the initial emergency call to the final nail in the reconstruction, our team is committed to restoring your home and your peace of mind. If you're facing water damage, contact us today for a professional consultation.