This guide targets “what to do after water damage” and is written for homeowners and businesses in Pennsylvania. Use it to compare providers, understand what drives pricing, and plan the next step.
Quick answers
- Safety first: avoid hazards and shut off sources if safe.
- Document damage with photos/video before heavy cleanup.
- Start drying and ventilation early to reduce secondary damage.
- Call a qualified pro for contamination, hidden moisture, or large affected areas.
On this page
Immediate steps (first 30–60 minutes)
- Make it safe (avoid hazards, shut off sources if safe).
- Stop the spread (move valuables, contain water if possible).
- Document everything (photos/video of source and affected areas).
- Start ventilation and drying where appropriate.
When to call professionals
- Large affected areas or water/smoke/contamination exposure
- Water behind walls, under floors, or in insulation
- Sewage/blackwater contamination
- Mold risk (24–48+ hours of wet materials)
- Repeated incidents (you need root-cause diagnosis)
Documentation checklist
- Photos/video from multiple angles and rooms
- Timeline notes (when it started, when it stopped, what you did)
- Receipts for emergency mitigation and materials
- Names, dates, and summaries of conversations with providers/insurers
Local notes for Pennsylvania
A few state-specific considerations to keep in mind while you compare quotes and providers:
- Basements and older masonry can hold moisture—ask about moisture mapping and monitoring.
- If insurance is involved, document everything from day one.
- Winter storms can lead to burst pipes; fast drying helps prevent secondary damage.
Next steps: compare providers in your area
Use the city pages on this directory to find providers near you. Request quotes with a clear scope so you can compare fairly.
Browse providers
Start with the city list, then shortlist 2–3 providers for written estimates.
FAQ
What should I do first?
Prioritize safety, stop the source if safe, and document damage before heavy cleanup where possible. (Guidance may vary by city/county in Pennsylvania.)
When is professional help necessary?
If the affected area is large, contamination is involved, or damage is hidden (behind walls/floors), call a qualified provider. (Guidance may vary by city/county in Pennsylvania.)
Should I wait for insurance before starting mitigation?
Usually no. Delays can worsen damage. Document thoroughly and keep receipts. (Guidance may vary by city/county in Pennsylvania.)
Popular city pages in Pennsylvania
Use these local pages to compare providers and request quotes (availability varies by city).
- Philadelphia, PA Philadelphia Area
- Pittsburgh, PA Pittsburgh Area
- Allentown, PA Lehigh Valley
- Reading, PA Berks County
- Erie, PA Northwest PA
- Upper Darby, PA Philadelphia Area
- Scranton, PA Northeast PA
- Lower Merion, PA Philadelphia Area
- Bensalem, PA Philadelphia Area
- Abington, PA Philadelphia Area
- Bethlehem, PA Lehigh Valley
- Lancaster, PA Lancaster–York / South Central