When to call water restoration?

You should call water restoration immediately after discovering water damage, within first 24 hours, because fast response prevents secondary damage like mold growth, structural damage, and costly repairs, similar to needing quick HEPA filtration to prevent contamination spread. Call water restoration when you have burst pipe, flooded basement, roof leak causing interior water, sewage backup, appliance overflow like washing machine or water heater leak, or after fire department water damage. Signs to call include standing water, wet drywall, soaked carpets, musty odor indicating hidden moisture, and visible mold starting after water event. Do not wait to see if it dries on its own, as water seeps into subfloors and walls creating hidden moisture that leads to mold within 24 to 48 hours. Call water restoration company like SERVPRO, ServiceMaster, or local company that offers 24/7 emergency response, as they have industrial dehumidifiers, air movers, and moisture meters to properly dry. Also call when insurance claim involved, as restoration company documents damage for adjuster and helps mitigate to comply with policy requirement to prevent further damage. For small spill you can mop yourself, but for any significant water intrusion covering more than few square feet, call professionals immediately to extract water, dry, and prevent mold, saving money and health in long run.