Emergency Water Damage Guide
Immediate steps to protect your home and family when water damage strikes. Time is critical — mold can begin growing within 24-48 hours.
Time Is Critical
Mold can begin growing within 24-48 hours of water exposure. The actions you take in the first few hours dramatically affect restoration cost and health risk. Follow the steps below for your specific situation, then call us for free expert guidance.
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Burst & Frozen Pipes
Burst pipes can dump hundreds of gallons per hour into your home. In Philadelphia's aging housing stock, pipes in unheated basements and exterior walls are especially vulnerable during winter freezes.
- Shut off the main water supply valve immediately⚡ Time-Critical✓ DIY Safe
Every minute of water flow adds hundreds of gallons and thousands of dollars in damage. The shutoff is typically in the basement near the front wall.
- Turn off electricity to affected areas at the breaker panel⚡ Time-Critical✓ DIY Safe
Water and electricity are a lethal combination. Even if water hasn't reached outlets yet, it can travel through walls.
- Open faucets to drain remaining water from the system⚡ Time-Critical✓ DIY Safe
Relieves pressure and drains water that would otherwise continue leaking from the break point.
- Begin removing standing water with towels, mops, or a wet vacuum⚡ Time-Critical✓ DIY Safe
Every hour water sits, it penetrates deeper into flooring. Mold growth begins within 24-48 hours.
- Document everything with photos and video before cleanup✓ DIY Safe
Insurance requires evidence of the damage. Photograph the burst pipe, water source, and all affected areas.
Basement Flooding
Floodwater is classified as Category 3 (contaminated). Do not enter a flooded basement — it may be electrically charged and contain sewage and chemical contaminants.
- Do NOT enter the flooded area — ensure personal safety first⚡ Time-Critical✓ DIY Safe
Floodwater may be electrically charged from submerged outlets and may contain sewage and chemical contaminants.
- Shut off electricity and gas to the affected area⚡ Time-Critical✓ DIY Safe
Call PECO (1-800-841-4141) if the breaker panel is in the flooded area. Call PGW (215-235-1212) for gas shutoff.
- Call a professional restoration company⚡ Time-Critical
Floodwater is Category 3 (contaminated) and requires professional remediation. All porous materials must be removed.
- Document water levels and damage from a safe vantage point⚡ Time-Critical✓ DIY Safe
Mark the high-water line on a wall. Photograph everything for insurance. Note date, time, and weather.
Appliance Leaks
Water heater tank failures can release 40-80 gallons instantly. Washing machine hose bursts can pump hundreds of gallons per hour if you're away from home.
- Turn off the water supply to the appliance⚡ Time-Critical✓ DIY Safe
Most appliances have a dedicated shutoff valve. If you can't find it, turn off the main water supply.
- Unplug the appliance or turn off the circuit breaker⚡ Time-Critical✓ DIY Safe
Prevents electrical hazard from water contacting the appliance's electrical components.
- Begin removing standing water immediately⚡ Time-Critical✓ DIY Safe
The faster you remove water, the less it penetrates into flooring and adjacent walls. Use towels, mops, and a wet/dry vacuum.
- Photograph everything — the appliance, the leak point, and all damage✓ DIY Safe
Insurance documentation. Capture the failed component (hose, tank, connection) clearly.
Sewage Backup
Sewage backups are a serious biohazard. Philadelphia's combined sewer system, serving 60% of the city, regularly overflows during heavy rain — causing basement sewer backups across multiple neighborhoods.
- Do NOT enter the flooded area — sewage is a serious biohazard⚡ Time-Critical✓ DIY Safe
Category 3 water contains bacteria, viruses, and parasites. Contact can cause serious illness.
- Call PGW (215-235-1212) to shut off gas if basement is flooded⚡ Time-Critical✓ DIY Safe
Gas appliances in flooded basements create explosion risk. Do NOT enter to shut off gas yourself.
- Shut off electricity at the breaker panel (if panel is NOT in the flooded area)⚡ Time-Critical✓ DIY Safe
If the breaker panel is in the flooded basement, call PECO (1-800-841-4141) to disconnect power.
- Call a professional restoration company immediately⚡ Time-Critical
Category 3 water requires professional remediation with proper PPE, antimicrobial treatment, and disposal protocols.
Philadelphia Emergency Contacts
- Philadelphia Water Department (PWD): (215) 685-6300 — water main breaks, sewer backups
- PECO (Electric): 1-800-841-4141 — electrical disconnection
- PGW (Gas): (215) 235-1212 — gas shutoff
- 911 — immediate life-threatening emergencies
Emergency Water Damage — Frequently Asked Questions
Should I call 911 for water damage in Philadelphia?
Call 911 only if there is an immediate life-threatening emergency — such as someone trapped, electrocution risk, or structural collapse. For water main breaks call PWD at (215) 685-6300. For gas leaks call PGW at (215) 235-1212. For electrical hazards call PECO at 1-800-841-4141. For water damage restoration, call a professional restoration company.
How do I shut off my water in a Philadelphia rowhouse?
The main water shutoff valve is typically located in the basement, near the front wall where the water service enters from the street. It may be a gate valve (round handle, turn clockwise) or ball valve (lever handle, turn 90 degrees). If you cannot find it or it's stuck, call PWD at (215) 685-6300 to shut off water at the street.
Is it safe to use electricity after water damage?
No — turn off electricity at the breaker panel before entering any water-damaged area. Water can conduct electricity through walls, floors, and outlets you cannot see. If your breaker panel is in the flooded area, do NOT enter — call PECO at 1-800-841-4141 to disconnect power from outside.
How long before mold starts growing after water damage in Philadelphia?
According to IICRC S520, mold colonization can begin within 24-48 hours of water exposure when relative humidity exceeds 60%. Philadelphia's humid climate accelerates this timeline. Professional water extraction within the first 24 hours dramatically reduces mold risk.
Should I start cleaning up water damage myself or wait for professionals?
Start immediate water removal yourself (towels, mops, wet vacuum) to minimize damage while waiting for professionals. However, do NOT enter areas with sewage contamination (Category 3 water) without proper PPE. Document everything with photos before cleanup. Professional extraction equipment removes up to 97% of water — far more effective than consumer methods.
What should I photograph for my insurance claim after water damage?
Photograph the water source (burst pipe, failed appliance), all affected areas from multiple angles, the high-water mark on walls, damaged personal property, and any visible mold or structural damage. Take video showing the extent of damage. Include date-stamped photos. Under Pennsylvania insurance regulations, you must document damage before beginning cleanup — but do not delay emergency mitigation to take photos.
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