Water damage in your home? Do these 6 things first

Close the valve that feeds the leak. The Texas Department of Insurance (TDI), in its guide to water damage and mold coverage, says to stop the water flow as soon as you can and to know how to turn off the water at the main valve and at the valves under sinks and near appliances. Find your main valve before you need it. Dallas-area cities describe typical locations: McKinney lists a crawl space, the garage where the line enters the wall or ceiling, or outside near the foundation, while Frisco says the shut-off is usually near the house in the front flower beds. The valve at the meter usually belongs to the city. If water is coming from the street or a city sewer main, call your city's water emergency line; our locations pages list them by city, and our emergency page covers the first minutes.

Water and electricity are the main immediate danger. For flooding, the National Flood Insurance Program's FloodSmart cleanup guidance says to turn off electricity and gas before going inside, have a qualified expert inspect the home before turning power back on, wear gloves, goggles and an N-95 mask, and keep portable generators outside and away from the house because of carbon monoxide. If water has reached outlets, cords or your electrical panel, do not walk through it.

The kind of water matters too. The EPA says flood water may contain bacteria or chemical hazards, and that contact with contaminated water can cause wound infections and rashes (EPA: protecting your health). Treat a sewer backup or a toilet overflow from beyond the trap as contaminated. Our water categories guide explains the difference.

Before you move, clean or throw anything out, take photos and video. FloodSmart recommends wide shots and close-ups of walls, floors and furniture, the water line on walls and appliances, and serial numbers of damaged electronics and appliances. It also suggests keeping small samples of damaged carpet, drywall or insulation and saving all receipts. TDI adds: do not throw away damaged items until your adjuster has seen them, and make a list of damaged property. Write down when you first noticed the water.

Fast. TDI says mold can start growing within a day after a leak. The EPA's guide to mold and moisture says to dry water-damaged areas and items within 24 to 48 hours to prevent mold growth. TDI's practical steps:

• Remove pools of water and start drying the area.
• Move wet items to a dry room or an area with fresh air. If you move things outside, keep them secure.
• Pull up wet carpets and rugs.
• If you cannot remove the water and dry the area yourself, use a water damage cleanup service. Your agent can help you find one.

The EPA recommends keeping indoor humidity below 60 percent, ideally 30 to 50 percent, and notes that porous materials that become moldy, such as carpet and ceiling tiles, may have to be thrown away. Our mold guide covers what to do if mold has already started.

As soon as possible. TDI says you usually must report water damage that was hidden from view within days after you first see it. Make temporary repairs to protect the house, such as a tarp on the roof or a cover over a broken window, and keep receipts for materials. Do not make permanent repairs until the insurer has seen the damage. Under Texas rules, the insurer then has 15 business days to acknowledge your claim, according to TDI's steps to getting your claim paid. Most home policies cover sudden and accidental water damage but not gradual leaks or floods. Our insurance claim guide covers the full timeline.

Texas does not license water damage drying itself, but two related trades are licensed. Plumbing repairs need a plumber licensed by the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners. Mold assessment and remediation are licensed by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, and you can check any mold company in the TDLR license search. TDI's scam guide adds that you should get written bids, not sign contracts with blank spaces, avoid large down payments, and never accept an offer to waive your deductible, which is illegal in Texas. For typical prices, see our cost guide.

This site is an independent homeowner guide. We are not a contractor, we do not perform restoration work, and we do not answer phones. To reach a restoration company, call one of the companies listed on this page or see all listed companies. Questions about this guide: email us. We do not take service requests. Please still run the license and permit checks on this page yourself.