Restoration provider
May assess affected areas, remove water, dry materials, clean or remove damaged materials, and coordinate immediate property work. Confirm exactly what the provider will and will not handle.
Who may be needed
The person who stops the source may not be the person who dries the property.
Water damage often involves more than one trade. A restoration provider may remove water and dry materials while another professional repairs the pipe, roof, wiring, appliance, HVAC system, or building material that caused or complicated the problem.
Deal with immediate danger first.Fire, gas odor, structural movement, downed electrical service, or standing water near electricity belongs with emergency services or the appropriate utility—not the provider connection number.
Different jobs
Different professionals may handle different parts.
Several may be involved. This page does not determine which one is sufficient for a specific property.
Plumber or appliance technician
May repair a failed pipe, supply line, fixture, drain, water heater, or appliance. Stopping the source does not automatically dry the building.
Roofer or exterior specialist
May repair a roof, flashing, siding, window, or exterior opening. Stopping new water and drying the inside may still be separate work.
Electrician or utility
May be needed when circuits, panels, wiring, outlets, appliances, or service equipment are wet or near standing water. Never enter water to reach electrical controls.
HVAC professional
May evaluate wet equipment, ductwork, or contamination concerns involving the heating and cooling system. Do not assume the system should be operated after water or mold exposure.
General contractor or specialty trade
May repair drywall, flooring, cabinets, structural components, or finishes after the wet area has been stabilized. This may require a separate agreement.
Myth correction
“I called a plumber, so the water-damage problem is handled.”
A repaired pipe can stop new water from entering while moisture remains in flooring, walls, ceilings, insulation, or cavities. Drying the property also does not repair the failed source. Ask each professional which part of the problem they are taking responsibility for.
What needs attention now?
Start with the most urgent problem.
Immediate danger
Fire, smoke, gas odor, collapse risk, downed power, electric shock risk, or unsafe reentry.
Next step: Leave the area and contact emergency services or the proper utility.Water is still entering
Water is coming from plumbing, roofing, an appliance, exterior opening, or another system.
Next step: A plumber, roofer, appliance technician, utility, or another source-repair professional may be needed along with restoration.Water or moisture remains
The source may be stopped, but visible water, damp materials, odor, staining, or uncertain drying remains.
Next step: A restoration provider may evaluate water removal and drying needs.Repairs are needed afterward
Damaged materials need replacement after the wet area has been stabilized.
Next step: Ask whether the restoration provider includes repairs or whether another contractor is needed.Safety basis: CDC and EPA guidance warns against entering standing water to reach electrical controls, operating wet electrical equipment, or reentering unsafe structures. This page explains which professionals may be involved; it does not diagnose the water source or direct emergency response.