Water Damage Guide – Chatham-Kent Homeowners

This guide is written for basements and homes in Chatham-Kent and nearby communities between Lake Erie, Lake St. Clair and the Thames River. It explains what typically happens after water damage and what you can reasonably expect – it is not a step-by-step repair manual.

Every situation is different, but most flooded basements and indoor water losses follow a similar pattern. The aim is to help you understand the sequence, ask better questions and avoid decisions that create bigger problems later.

1. Safety Comes Before Everything Else

No piece of flooring or drywall is worth someone getting hurt. If you are unsure whether a space is safe, wait for a professional opinion.

• Electricity: If water is near outlets, appliances or electrical panels, assume risk until a qualified person confirms otherwise.
• Structure: Very deep water, bowed walls or sagging ceilings can indicate structural stress.
• Contamination: If the water clearly came from a sewer, drain, ditch or river, treat it as contaminated.
• Personal health: People with mobility challenges, respiratory issues or compromised immune systems should be especially cautious.

If you are confident the area is safe to enter, the next steps are about stopping what you can and recording what has already happened.

2. Stop What You Can, Protect What Matters Most

In many Chatham-Kent homes, the difference between a small loss and a major one is how quickly the source is controlled and important items are moved.

• Source control: Shut off the main water valve if a pipe has burst. For sump problems, check power and breakers if it is safe to do so.
• Protect irreplaceable items: Documents, photos, medications and electronics are often more important than flooring or trim.
• Do not throw everything out immediately: Insurers often want to see what was damaged or at least have clear photos.

Some sources, such as overland water from extreme rain or river flooding, cannot be “shut off” by the homeowner. In those cases, documentation and safety are even more important.

3. Document the Loss Before Major Changes

Good records help you, your insurer and any contractors understand what actually happened – not just what things look like after cleanup.

• Take clear photos of each affected room from multiple angles.
• Photograph water lines on walls, furniture and doors if visible.
• Record approximate times: when you discovered the loss, when water stopped flowing, when power was shut off, and when help arrived.
• Keep receipts for any immediate expenses such as pumps, fans or temporary accommodations.

Many Ontario insurers appreciate simple timelines and photos. It reduces confusion and supports your description of events.

4. What Usually Happens to Wet Building Materials

Not every wet material can be saved. The decision is influenced by the source of water, how long materials were wet and what they are made from.

• Carpet and underpad: Often removed after significant flooding, especially if the water was not clean tap water.
• Drywall and baseboard: Lower sections may need to be removed so that hidden cavities can dry properly.
• Insulation: Once saturated, most common insulation products are not practical to dry in place.
• Solid wood and concrete: Can often be dried if there are no major structural issues, but they still need time and monitoring.

These are general patterns only. Final decisions depend on actual site conditions and, in many cases, insurer approval.

5. Why Drying Takes Days, Not Hours

In the Chatham-Kent climate, with humidity influenced by nearby lakes, drying is a controlled process. Rushing it or guessing can cause more problems than it solves.

• Surface vs. internal moisture: Surfaces may feel dry while deeper layers remain wet.
• Equipment needs time: Dehumidifiers and air movers usually run continuously for several days.
• Monitoring matters: Moisture meters and temperature readings help confirm progress instead of relying on appearance alone.
• Too fast can be harmful: Overheating or concentrating airflow in the wrong spot can warp materials or spread contamination.

A realistic drying plan balances speed with control – especially in finished basements and older homes.

6. Talking to Your Ontario Insurer

We do not provide legal or insurance advice, but we regularly work on projects that involve insurance claims.

• Ask whether your policy covers this type of water loss (burst pipe, sewer backup, overland water, etc.).
• Clarify what the insurer expects you to do immediately to prevent further damage.
• Keep notes of who you spoke with, when, and what was agreed.
• Do not feel pressured to make major decisions before you understand the basic options.

For more detail on how claims often unfold, you can also read our Insurance Claims Guide.

7. When It Usually Makes Sense to Call a Professional

Many homeowners can handle minor spills and very small clean-water leaks on their own. The situations below are where a professional response is usually worth serious consideration.

• Water has covered a large area of finished basement or multiple rooms.
• The source involved sewage, drain backup, ditch water or river water.
• Water has soaked into walls, insulation or structural cavities.
• There are concerns about electrical safety, structural movement or unusual odours.
• You are unsure what your insurance covers and need clear documentation.

If you are dealing with one of these situations in Chatham-Kent or a nearby community, you can reach us at 226-799-1920.