Charlotte, NC water damage guide
Burst pipe, leaking water heater, sewage backup or a wet floor. Plain-English steps with sources from Charlotte Water, the EPA and FEMA. Questions? Call or text, or send the form and we'll get back to you.
Questions about water damage? Call or text (704) 254-2413
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Services
Standing water, soaked carpet, wet floors and walls.
Supply lines, water heaters, washers, toilets and sinks.
Stains, drips or a ceiling that is sagging.
Toilet overflows and sewer or drain backups.
Water under the house or in a finished basement.
A musty smell or spots after a leak.
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Our suggestion
Dry it and watch it
Likely a small clean-water spill. Dry it fully with fans and a dehumidifier, and watch for stains or a musty smell.
Ask a questionGeneral guidance only. Only someone who sees the damage in person can tell you for sure.
How it works
If you can do it safely, shut off the main water valve. Stay out of standing water if the power may be on (FEMA).
Use the free water damage check and the four-question emergency check. Take photos before you move anything (FEMA).
Call or text, or send the form. We get back to you by phone or email with plain answers. We are not a restoration company and do not do the work.
Free guides and tools
Use these to size up the damage. Safety first: stay out of standing water if the power may be on, and never touch wet electrical equipment.
Questions
No. Asking a question is free, and this site has no paid partners.
The people who run this site, by phone or email. Call or text (704) 254-2413, or use the question form.
No. Emergency Water Mitigation is a free, independent guide. We are not a restoration company, plumber, contractor or insurance company, and we do not inspect, quote or do any work.
No. If anyone is in danger, call 911. For a water emergency on Charlotte Water's side of the meter, Charlotte Water says to call 311 or 704-336-7600, 24 hours a day. Source: Charlotte Water.
Charlotte Water says your master shut-off valve is on the house side of your meter, inside the house. Source: Charlotte Water.
Not if the power might be on. FEMA says do not touch electrical equipment if it is wet or if you are standing in water, and turn off the electricity only if it is safe to do so. If anyone is in danger, call 911. Source: FEMA.
It depends on your policy and the cause. The NC Department of Insurance says a standard homeowner's policy does not cover flood, or sewer and sump pump backup unless you added that coverage. Check your policy and ask your insurance company. We do not handle or negotiate insurance claims. Source: NC Department of Insurance.
No. We do not sell it, and we only use it to answer you. See the Privacy Policy.
Local to Charlotte
Charlotte Water says your master shut-off valve is on the house side of your meter, inside the house. For a leak between the meter and the house, they say to consult a plumber. For a water emergency on the city side, call 311 or 704-336-7600, 24 hours a day.
The City of Charlotte says 28% of flood insurance claims each year come from outside high-risk areas, and that standard homeowners insurance does not cover flood damage. You can check your address on the city's 3D Interactive Floodzone Map or call 704-432-RAIN.
EPA guidance is to respond to water damage and dry wet materials within 24 to 48 hours to help prevent mold growth. EPA also says this is a guideline: mold will not always grow after 48 hours, and it can grow even when things dry faster.
Areas
Written for Charlotte, NC homeowners.