Imagine waking up to find water spreading across your basement floor. Whether it’s from a burst pipe, a leaking roof, or storm runoff, the sight can be overwhelming. In these moments, many homeowners are left wondering who to call for a water leak or water damage.
This guide walks you through the immediate steps to take and how to connect with the right professionals for help. Having an expert restoration partner by your side will help you prevent further damage and restore your peace of mind during a stressful time.
Table of Contents
Immediate Action Steps When Water Damage Happens
When water damage strikes, having a simple action plan can help you stay calm and minimize the damage until help arrives. Here’s what to do right away:
- Ensure safety first.
- If water is near electrical outlets, appliances, or wiring, shut off power to the affected area.
- Avoid walking in standing water until you know it’s safe.
- Stop the water source.
- Turn off your home’s main water supply if the issue is from plumbing.
- If the problem is weather-related, try to divert water with towels, tarps, or buckets.
- Save valuables.
- Carefully move belongings, furniture, or electronics to a dry area to protect them from damage.
- Remove standing water.
- Use pumps or vacuums to remove water.
- Open windows or use fans to increase air circulation for quicker drying.
- Document the damage.
- Take photos and videos of all affected areas for your insurance claim.
- Keep notes about when the damage occurred and what steps you took.
- Contact your insurance company.
- Notify them as soon as possible so they can guide you through claim filing and coverage details.
- These steps won’t solve the entire problem, but they buy time until a professional restoration team can arrive.
What Kind of Professional Should You Call?
Not every water emergency is the same; each has its own severity and risks. For instance, a sewage backup requires a different solution than a roof leak. That’s why it’s important to know what kind of professional to call based on the type of water damage.
Here’s who to consider:
- Water Damage Restoration Company – If your dealing with water damage, this should be your first call. A professional restoration team has the equipment to remove standing water, dry out your property, and prevent mold growth. Cleanup & Total Restoration also works with insurance adjusters to make the claims process smoother.
- Plumber – If the water damage came from a burst pipe, broken appliance line, or plumbing leak, a plumber is needed to repair the source of the problem. Once a plumber fixes the cause, a restoration company will handle cleanup and restoration.
- Contractor or Roofer – For roof leaks or structural damage, you will need a general contractor or roofing specialist. They step in after mitigation to handle necessary repairs.
- Insurance Adjuster – Your insurance adjuster will assess damage and determine coverage. Restoration companies often coordinate directly with adjusters on your behalf.
Why Local Expertise Matters
Choosing a local Boise restoration team means faster response times and professionals who understand the region’s unique risks.
In Southern Idaho, freeze-and-thaw cycles in winter often lead to burst pipes and ice dams, while spring rains can flood basements and crawl spaces. A company like Cleanup & Total Restoration knows how these seasonal challenges affect Boise homes and can tailor solutions to fit your property’s needs.
So, if you’re asking yourself, “Who do I call for water damage?” Remember that choosing a local team means quicker service and care from experts who live and work in your community.
What To Look for in a Water Damage Restoration Contractor
If you’re a Boise homeowner dealing with a water leak or water damage, you need a restoration company you can trust to protect your home. The search can feel overwhelming, but knowing what to look for and what to avoid makes the decision easier.
What to look for:
- Certifications such as IICRC (Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification)
- Fast response times
- Positive reviews and references from local customers
- 24/7 emergency availability
- Insurance support to help you navigate claims
What to watch out for:
- Unclear or vague pricing, especially hidden fees
- No official certifications or training
- Delayed responses or limited availability
- High-pressure sales tactics without clear explanations
- For Boise residents, Cleanup & Total Restoration checks all the right boxes. We are fully IICRC-Certified, offer fast emergency response, and have local expertise.
Timeline: What Happens After You Call the Experts
Wondering, “Who do I call for water damage”? Cleanup & Total Restoration is your local and certified restoration expert. We arrive at your home in 60 minutes or less, working fast to minimize disruption and restore your property.
Here’s what you can expect from our water damage restoration process:
- Inspection & Assessment (First Day) – Our technicians quickly evaluate the damage and create a customized restoration plan.
- Water Extraction (First Day) – Powerful pumps and vacuums remove standing water from floors, carpets, and basements.
- Drying & Dehumidification (Days 2–5) – Industrial fans and dehumidifiers draw out hidden moisture from walls, flooring, and the air.
- Cleaning & Sanitizing (Throughout the Process) – Every affected area is disinfected to eliminate bacteria and stop mold before it starts.
- Repairs & Restoration (Varies by Damage) – From replacing drywall and flooring to handling major flood damage, we restore your home to pre-loss condition.
Tips for Preventing Future Water Damage & Leaks
Water damage can take a serious toll on your home’s structure and your personal belongings. The good news is that a few preventive steps can greatly reduce your risk. With regular maintenance and seasonal prep, you can keep your home safe year-round.
Seasonal Tips
- Winterize pipes before freezing weather. Insulate exposed pipes and disconnect outdoor hoses to prevent bursts.
- Inspect your roof before the snow season. Damaged shingles or weak spots can lead to leaks when snow and ice build up.
- Maintain gutters and downspouts. Keep them clear so melting snow and rain flow away from your foundation, reducing the chance of storm damage.
Appliance & Plumbing Maintenance
- Inspect water heaters and washing machine hoses once a year.
- Replace brittle or aging hoses before they fail.
- Monitor your home’s water pressure—high pressure can strain pipes and cause leaks.
Home Inspections
- Schedule routine plumbing and roofing checks to catch issues early.
- Watch for warning signs of hidden leaks like discoloration, warped floors, or musty odors.
- If you see mold growth, call for mold removal right away to stop it from spreading.
These steps won’t prevent every emergency, but they can save you from costly repairs and major disruptions down the road.
Call CTR for Dependable Water Damage Restoration Solutions
Knowing who to call for water damage is critical to a fast and full recovery. At Cleanup & Total Restoration, we understand that dealing with a flood or leak is stressful enough—finding the right restoration partner shouldn’t be. That’s why our certified crews are available 24/7 for emergency response, ready to help whenever you need us most.
As Southern Idaho’s trusted local expert, you can rely on us to be respectful, skilled, and compassionate. Since 1995, we’ve been known for fast dispatch, transparent pricing, and dependable service. From the first inspection to complete restoration, we’re by your side every step of the way.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who to call for water leak in ceiling?
If water is coming through your ceiling, first shut off your home’s water supply to stop the flow. Then, call a professional water damage restoration company to safely remove the water and assess structural damage. If the source is a plumbing leak, you may also need a licensed plumber.
Who to call for water leak in wall?
Water inside the walls often points to hidden leaks. Call a restoration company to identify moisture pockets, dry the area, and prevent mold. If the leak comes from your home’s plumbing, call a plumber to fix the source.
How long does water damage restoration take?
The timeline depends on the extent of the damage. Small cleanups may take just a few days, while larger projects can take a week or more. Cleanup & Total Restoration minimizes downtime with fast, efficient service.
