Experiencing water damage in your home or business can be stressful and confusing, especially when every minute feels like it matters. Knowing what steps to take right away can help protect your property, reduce long-term damage, and give you peace of mind during a difficult time.
Ensure Safety First
Before anything else, make sure you and anyone else on the property are out of harm’s way.
If the situation poses an immediate threat to life or safety, get to a secure location and call 911. Emergency services should always take priority over property concerns.
Water damage becomes a life-threatening emergency when it involves electrical hazards, structural collapse risk, or rapidly rising floodwaters.
Stop the Source of Water (If Possible)
If the water damage is caused by a burst pipe, appliance malfunction, or plumbing fixture leak, and you can safely access the source, turn off the water supply immediately.
Many appliances and fixtures, including toilets, sinks, and water heaters, have individual shutoff valves on the supply line behind or beneath the unit. These may be small oval or round knobs or lever-style ball valves. In most cases, turning the knob clockwise or rotating the lever perpendicular to the pipe will stop the flow of water.
When the leak cannot be stopped at the fixture level, shutting off the main water supply to the property may be necessary to prevent further damage. Most properties have a main shutoff valve located inside the structure, while additional utility-controlled equipment may be located near the meter outside. Because access and regulations can vary, contact your local water provider or a restoration professional if you are unsure how to proceed.
For storm-related flooding or water entering from outside the structure, focus on your personal safety.
Call a Professional Water Damage Restoration Team
Once immediate safety is secured, your next call should be to a professional water damage restoration company, like CareMaster.
Our IICRC-certified technicians are ready 24/7 to respond quickly to water emergencies, minimizing damage and beginning restoration immediately. We specialize in emergency water damage cleanup and restoration for both residential and commercial properties. 
With our headquarters located in the heart of Greenville, NC, we can be on site within minutes to begin mitigation throughout the city and nearby Pitt County communities such as Winterville, Ayden, and Farmville.
Should You Call Insurance First?
It’s a good idea to contact your insurance company soon after calling a restoration team, but don’t wait to call a professional. Insurance providers often prefer that mitigation begins quickly—and many policies require prompt action to reduce further damage.
CareMaster works directly with your insurance adjuster and can help document the damage properly, communicate with your insurer, and guide the claims process so you’re not navigating it alone.
What to Expect from Professional Restoration
When CareMaster arrives on site, here’s a typical flow of what happens:
Emergency Response
We arrive quickly and stop the water at its source to minimize ongoing damage.
Inspection & Moisture Mapping
We use advanced tools to identify hidden moisture.
Water Extraction & Drying
We use industrial-grade equipment to remove standing water and dry affected structures.
Contents Packout
We safely remove furniture and valuables for restoration, if necessary.
Sanitization & Mold Prevention
We safeguard your property against microbial growth.
Repairs & Restoration
We restore and rebuild walls, flooring, and other damaged materials to pre-loss condition.
Final Walkthrough
We don’t consider the job finished until you’re satisfied.
This full-service approach helps homeowners, landlords, and business owners recover quickly and thoroughly, without guesswork.
Why Greenville, NC Trusts Caremaster for Water Damage Restoration
With nearly six decades of restoration experience and thousands of homes and businesses restored, CareMaster has earned Greenville’s trust through fast response, clear communication, and quality craftsmanship.
Led by George and Mike Saad, third-generation Greenville business leaders, CareMaster continues a legacy of local ownership and hands-on management, delivering restoration services with long-term commitment to the community it calls home.
Whether you own a home, operate a business, or manage rental properties, our CareMaster Greenville team is ready to respond immediately to water damage emergencies.
