What to Do When Your Hendersonville, TN Home Floods: A Step-by-Step Water Damage Checklist
If you’ve found yourself ankle-deep in water in your Hendersonville home, take a deep breath. Flooding can be scary and stressful, but you’re not the first person this has happened to, and you won’t be the last. Whether it’s a busted pipe, a flash flood, or a washing machine gone rogue, you’ve got options—and this checklist is here to help you move through it, step by step.
Let’s get into it.
Step 1: Make Sure You’re Safe
Before you worry about your floors or furniture, you’ve got to make sure it’s safe to be inside.
If water is near electrical outlets or appliances, turn off the power at the breaker. Do not walk through water if the power is still on.
Check for signs of structural damage like sagging ceilings or floors that feel soft or uneven.
Put on rubber boots and gloves to protect yourself. Floodwater is rarely clean and can carry bacteria or chemicals.
When in doubt, call a professional or wait for help. Your safety comes first, always.
Step 2: Stop the Water (If You Can)
If the water is coming from inside your house—like a broken pipe or an overflowing toilet—shut off your main water supply. You can usually find the shut-off valve near your water meter.
For appliances, unplug them and disconnect any water lines if it’s safe to do so.
If it’s storm-related flooding, try using towels, tarps, or even sandbags to redirect water away from your home until help arrives.
Step 3: Call Your Insurance Company
Next, call your insurance provider and let them know what’s going on.
Take pictures and videos of everything before you start cleaning up.
Ask what your policy covers and whether you need a professional assessment for your claim.
Save all receipts related to cleanup, repairs, or temporary housing.
Not sure what to say or where to start? A local restoration company like White Buffalo Restoration can walk you through the process and even work directly with your insurance.
Step 4: Start Removing the Water
Time is everything when it comes to water damage. The faster you can get the water out, the better your chances of preventing mold or long-term damage.
If it’s a small area, grab a wet/dry vacuum, mop, and fans. Open the windows and get the air moving.
For bigger jobs—or if water has soaked into walls, floors, or cabinets—it’s smart to call in the pros. We have commercial-grade equipment that can remove water, dry out your home, and prevent future damage before it starts.
Step 5: Sort What to Keep and What to Let Go
It’s hard to see your stuff soaked and ruined, but not everything can be saved.
Keep anything that’s non-porous, like hard surfaces or plastic furniture. Washable clothes and some wood items might be okay after a deep clean.
Toss anything that’s soaked through and hard to clean—like carpet, insulation, or upholstered furniture. These can hold moisture and grow mold fast.
Don’t wait too long to make those decisions. Mold can start growing within 48 hours.
Step 6: Keep Taking Photos
Even if you already spoke with your insurance company, keep snapping pictures as you clean up.
Take photos of water lines on the walls, damaged items, and anything that changes as things dry out.
Write down a list of damaged belongings and their estimated value. It’ll help with your claim and with planning your repairs.
Step 7: Start Rebuilding
Once the water’s gone and your home is dry, it’s time to get things back to normal.
White Buffalo Restoration can help you with:
Repairing floors, walls, and baseboards
Repainting and restoring affected areas
Mold removal and prevention
Replacing damaged materials
Working with your insurance to get the job done smoothly
We don’t just show up with a fan and a mop. We help bring your home back to life.
Step 8: Plan for Next Time
No one wants to go through this twice. Here are a few things you can do now to help protect your home in the future:
Install a sump pump or flood sensors near appliances.
Make sure your gutters are clean and the ground slopes away from your foundation.
Patch up roof leaks and seal windows or doors that tend to leak.
Keep an emergency number for a trusted local restoration team (hint: we’re here when you need us).
Water Damage Experts in Middle Tennessee
Flooding feels overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. If your Hendersonville home ever floods, we’re just a call away. At White Buffalo Restoration in Middle Tennessee, we bring expert care, fast action, and high-quality craftsmanship to every job.
Call us at (615) 442-6573 or contact us here to schedule a free assessment. We’re proud to serve homeowners across Hendersonville, Gallatin, Nashville, and the greater Middle Tennessee area.