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Water damage checklist: what to do first
A practical, safety-first checklist for Calgary property owners. Save or print this page to organize your next steps after a leak or flooded basement.
First: protect people and avoid further risk
- Keep people and pets away from standing water, especially near electrical equipment or suspected sewage.
- If there is immediate danger, leave the area and contact emergency services.
- Shut off the water supply only when the shutoff is safely accessible. Do not enter water to reach it.
- For a plumbing failure, arrange appropriate source repairs; restoration and plumbing scopes may be separate.
Document what you can safely see
- Record when you first noticed the problem and whether water is still entering.
- List affected rooms, visible flooring or wall damage, and belongings without moving contaminated items.
- Take overview and detail photographs only from a safe, dry location.
- Keep repair receipts, correspondence and a dated timeline for your records.
Before accepting a restoration estimate
- Ask which materials and rooms were assessed, including possible hidden moisture.
- Request separate line items for extraction, drying, monitoring, cleaning, material removal and reconstruction.
- Confirm who authorizes additional work, how equipment days are billed and what is excluded.
- Ask how progress and completion will be documented; verify contractor qualifications and insurance directly.
Insurance and property responsibilities
- Contact your own insurer or broker promptly to check the applicable coverage, deductible and documentation requirements.
- If you rent or manage a building, notify the owner or authorized property contact through the established process.
- Do not assume sewer backup, seepage or overland water are covered by a standard policy.
Questions people ask after water damage
How much does cleanup cost in Calgary?
Cost depends on water source, contamination, affected materials, extraction, drying time, monitoring and repairs. Compare itemized written scopes rather than relying on a generic online price.
Can a flooded basement be dried without removing flooring?
It depends on the water category, flooring and underlay, duration of exposure and moisture in concealed materials. Ask for documented assessment before approving removal or reinstatement.
What if the water came from a sewer backup?
Avoid contact with wastewater and keep the area isolated. Review City of Calgary sewage-backup guidance and contact your insurer about your specific coverage.
Preparing an insurance claim?
See our Calgary water damage insurance claim guide for documentation, policy questions, and how to compare restoration estimates. Coverage is determined by your insurer, not this website.
Choose your next step
Still researching? Read the basement flood cleanup guide, burst pipe guide or structural drying guide. Ready to explain the damage? Submit an enquiry for owner review. Contractor availability is not guaranteed.
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