Why Speed Matters: The Critical First 24 Hours After Water Damage

When water damage strikes—whether from a burst pipe, appliance failure, or flooding—every minute counts. The first 24 hours are the most crucial window for preventing serious and lasting harm to your home. At 1st Choice Plumbing, Flood & Restoration, we’ve helped countless San Diego homeowners navigate these emergencies, and we know exactly what’s at stake when delays happen. Here’s why acting fast can mean the difference between a minor repair and a full-scale disaster.

The Clock Starts Ticking the Moment Water Hits

Once water enters your home, it immediately starts soaking into everything it touches—flooring, drywall, cabinetry, insulation, and personal belongings. The longer it sits, the more it spreads, and the harder it becomes to remove.

Here’s a rough timeline of what can happen if no action is taken:

• Within minutes: Water begins to spread rapidly, soaking carpets, padding, and wood flooring. Personal items, electronics, and paper goods may be ruined immediately.
• Within hours: Furniture finishes may bleed or leach, carpets begin to delaminate, and wood starts to swell and warp.
• Within 24 hours: Mold spores begin to activate, drywall softens, and odors become noticeable. Structural damage is now underway.

That’s why at 1st Choice Plumbing, Flood & Restoration, we treat water damage calls as emergencies—because they are.

What Can You Do Immediately?

Before we arrive on-site, there are a few smart steps you can take to minimize damage (as long as it’s safe):

• Turn off the main water supply if you suspect a plumbing leak.
• Cut power to the affected area if outlets or electrical components are wet.
• Move belongings such as rugs, electronics, and valuables to a dry area.
• Use fans and open windows to begin air circulation and reduce moisture.
• Soak up standing water with towels or a mop if it’s manageable.

Then, call 1st Choice Plumbing, Flood & Restoration at 866-437-0205 for 24/7 emergency water damage service anywhere in San Diego County.

How We Respond in the First 24 Hours

At 1st Choice Plumbing, Flood & Restoration, our technicians are trained to mobilize quickly with everything needed to contain and reverse water damage. Here’s what happens when we arrive:

1. Assessment & Moisture Detection
   We use advanced moisture meters and thermal imaging to determine the extent of the water intrusion—even in walls, ceilings, and subflooring you can’t see.
2. Water Extraction
   Using powerful pumps and wet vacs, we remove standing water fast to stop it from spreading further.
3. Drying & Dehumidifying
   We set up high-capacity air movers and industrial-grade dehumidifiers to thoroughly dry affected materials and prevent mold growth.
4. Salvage & Stabilization
   We evaluate which materials can be saved and begin cleaning, drying, and stabilizing your property and possessions.

Our team works quickly but carefully, ensuring no corners are cut during this essential first phase of restoration.

What Happens If You Wait?

Delaying water damage cleanup—even by a day—can lead to:

• Mold growth, which often starts within 24–48 hours and can cause serious health problems
• Structural damage, including warped flooring, weakened drywall, and rotted framing
• Costlier repairs, due to the need for demolition, mold remediation, or complete replacements
• Insurance headaches, since many policies require prompt action to remain valid

Even if the damage looks minor, hidden moisture behind walls and under flooring can turn into a major issue fast.

A Plumbing and Restoration Partner You Can Trust

What sets 1st Choice Plumbing, Flood & Restoration apart from other water damage companies in San Diego is that we’re also licensed plumbers. We don’t just clean up the damage—we also fix the source. From pipe bursts to sewer backups, we’re equipped to handle the entire job without needing to bring in outside contractors.

Call Now—Don’t Wait

If your property has experienced water damage, call 1st Choice Plumbing, Flood & Restoration at 866-437-0205 immediately. The sooner we’re on-site, the more we can save—your floors, your walls, your furniture, and most importantly, your peace of mind.

Don’t let water damage spiral into a costly, drawn-out nightmare. The first 24 hours matter—make them count.