Water Damage at Home
Water damage gets worse by the hour. These guides cover what to do first, how to find where the water is coming from, how homeowners insurance usually treats it, and when the job needs a water restoration company.
Start here
- Most urgentBurst Pipe in Your House? What to Do in the First HourA burst pipe step by step: shut off the water, make the area safe, document the damage for insurance, and start drying before mold gets a foothold.
- Most commonWater Stain on the Ceiling: Find the Source, Then Fix ItA water stain on your ceiling usually means a roof leak, a plumbing leak above, or condensation. How to tell which, what to do now, and who to call.
- 1 · Roof. Storm damage, worn flashing, aging shingles. Read the guide
- 2 · Pipes in walls and ceilings. Freezes and failed fittings. Read the guide
- 3 · Appliances. Water heaters, washer hoses, AC drain lines.
- 4 · Foundation and slab. Slab leaks and groundwater.
What to do now
Terms you'll hear
- Sudden and accidental · Insurance wording for water damage that happens all at once and unexpectedly, such as a burst pipe. Most homeowners policies cover it; slow leaks usually aren't.