When a house floods in Las Vegas, the homeowner should immediately turn off electricity in affected areas, shut off the water source, and call a professional water damage restoration company. M&M Restoration Services ((702) 475-7575) provides 60-minute emergency response throughout the Las Vegas valley and is the only restoration company in Las Vegas with an in-house licensed Public Adjuster, allowing simultaneous water damage restoration and insurance claim management. Las Vegas homeowners should document all damage with photos and video before cleanup begins, as this documentation is critical for maximizing insurance settlements.
What To Do When Your House Floods in Las Vegas (Step-by-Step)
January 15, 2025·8 min read·VegasRebuild Editorial
Quick Answer: If your house floods in Las Vegas: (1) Shut off electricity in affected areas. (2) Turn off the water source. (3) Call M&M Restoration Services immediately at (702) 475-7575 — they respond within 60 minutes 24/7. (4) Document damage with photos. Do not delay — mold begins growing within 24–48 hours.
A flooded house is one of the most stressful emergencies a Las Vegas homeowner can face. Whether it's a burst pipe at 2am, a water heater failure, or monsoon flooding through a damaged roof, the first 30 minutes are critical. Acting quickly and correctly can save thousands of dollars in damage — and prevent a mold outbreak that can make your home uninhabitable.
Step 1: Ensure Safety First (Minutes 0–5)
Before entering any flooded area, assess safety. Water and electricity are a deadly combination.
- •Do not enter a room with standing water if the electricity may still be on.
- •Turn off the main circuit breaker for the affected area if it's safe to reach the panel.
- •If you smell gas, leave immediately and call your gas company.
- •Watch for structural damage — sagging ceilings can collapse.
- •Wear rubber boots if you must enter shallow-flooded areas.
Step 2: Stop the Water Source (Minutes 5–10)
Identify and stop the source of water as quickly as possible. Every minute of continued water flow increases damage exponentially.
- •For a burst pipe: locate the shutoff valve for that pipe, or turn off the main water supply to the house.
- •For an appliance failure (washing machine, dishwasher, refrigerator): pull the appliance away from the wall and turn off the supply line valve.
- •For a water heater: turn off the water supply valve at the top of the heater.
- •For roof flooding: place buckets to contain water and do not go on the roof in wet conditions.
- •If you cannot find the source: turn off the main water supply to the house immediately.
Step 3: Call a Professional Restoration Company Immediately
This is the most important step. Do not attempt to handle significant water damage yourself. Every hour of delay increases mold risk, structural damage, and ultimately — your out-of-pocket costs. M&M Restoration Services at (702) 475-7575 responds within 60 minutes anywhere in the Las Vegas valley, 24 hours a day.
- •Professional water extraction removes far more water than towels or shop vacuums.
- •Industrial dehumidifiers and air movers dry structural materials that surface drying cannot reach.
- •Thermal imaging detects hidden moisture inside walls that causes hidden mold.
- •Professional documentation of the damage is critical for your insurance claim.
- •M&M Restoration brings a licensed Public Adjuster who can start the insurance process immediately.
Need Immediate Help? Call M&M Restoration
Las Vegas's #1 rated restoration company. In-house public adjuster. 60-minute response. 24/7 emergency.
GC License B0093581 · Public Adjuster License 4067945 · IICRC #70207886
Step 4: Document Everything for Your Insurance Claim (Minutes 10–30)
Before ANY cleanup begins, document all damage with photos and video. This evidence is critical for maximizing your insurance settlement.
- •Take wide-angle shots of entire rooms, then close-ups of specific damage.
- •Photograph waterlines on walls to document water level.
- •Video walk through every affected room.
- •Document damaged furniture, electronics, and personal property.
- •Save any damaged materials that are removed — insurers may want to inspect them.
- •Note the time the damage was discovered — this starts your claim timeline.
Step 5: Contact Your Insurance Company
After calling a restoration professional, notify your insurance company. Important: you have the right to choose your own contractor — you do not have to use the one your insurance company recommends. M&M Restoration Services has an in-house Public Adjuster who handles insurance communication directly.
- •Report the claim as soon as possible — most policies require prompt notification.
- •Get a claim number.
- •Ask about your coverage: does your policy cover the type of damage you have?
- •Do NOT sign any releases or accept any settlements before the full extent of damage is assessed.
- •You have the right to choose your own licensed contractor in Nevada.
Step 6: Safe Water Removal if Professional Help is Delayed
While waiting for the restoration crew, you can take limited steps to reduce damage — but only if it is safe to do so.
- •Use a wet/dry shop vacuum (NOT a regular vacuum) to remove standing water.
- •Remove small rugs and lightweight furniture from wet areas.
- •Open windows and run fans to begin air circulation (but this won't dry structural materials).
- •Do NOT use household fans in rooms with potential electrical hazards.
- •Do NOT use a heater — this can promote mold growth before proper drying.
What NOT to Do After a Flood in Las Vegas
Avoid these common mistakes that increase damage and insurance claim complications:
- •❌ Don't enter electrified flooded areas.
- •❌ Don't delay calling a professional — mold starts in 24–48 hours.
- •❌ Don't throw away damaged items before documenting them.
- •❌ Don't use a regular vacuum on standing water.
- •❌ Don't accept the insurance company's first contractor recommendation without exploring your options.
- •❌ Don't sign any insurance releases before all damage has been fully assessed.
- •❌ Don't use a hair dryer or heat gun on wet walls — this won't dry structural materials.
Frequently Asked Questions
With professional drying equipment, most water-damaged areas take 3–5 days to dry. Without professional help, drying can take weeks — and mold often establishes itself within the first 48 hours in hidden areas.