The short answer
Start with Safety
Before you touch anything, turn off the electricity in the affected areas if it is safe to do so. Water and electricity do not mix, and you do not want to risk a shock. If you smell gas or see damaged wiring, leave the home and call the utility company from outside.
Wear rubber boots and gloves while you work. Have a flashlight handy, and watch for slippery floors and sagging ceilings. If you feel unwell or dizzy, get fresh air and see a doctor. Your health comes before any repair work.
Dry Out Everything
The longer water sits, the more damage it does. Open windows and doors to let air move through the home. Use fans and dehumidifiers to pull moisture from the air and from carpets, walls, and furniture. For standing water in low areas, use a wet vacuum or a pump if you have one.
If you have a crawl space or a low area with standing water, a pump can help remove it. For most homes, a wet vacuum works well on carpets and hard floors. Run fans and dehumidifiers for several days to dry out walls and wood.
- Move furniture to a dry area
- Lift wet carpet edges to let air circulate underneath
- Take out soaked books and papers
- Wipe down walls and baseboards with a clean cloth
- Use a wet vacuum to pull water from carpets
- Run a dehumidifier for several days
Assess What to Save
Not everything needs to be thrown away. Hard surfaces like tile, glass, and metal can often be cleaned and dried. Wood furniture may survive if you dry it slowly and carefully, but particleboard and laminate usually swell and fall apart. Upholstered items and mattresses are hard to dry fully and may harbor mold.
Check for signs of water damage like stains, soft spots, or a musty smell. If an item smells bad after thorough drying, it is probably not worth keeping. Your insurance company can tell you what your policy covers, but you decide what goes in the trash.
Handle Repairs Yourself
Some repairs you can do yourself if you are handy. Replace drywall that is soft or crumbling, and remove wet insulation. Sand down swollen wood edges and repaint. Tighten loose fixtures and check that doors and windows still close properly.
For bigger jobs, like a flooded ceiling or a warped floor, think about calling local water damage pros. They have the tools and knowledge to dry structures thoroughly and rebuild damaged areas. Keep your shutoff valve location written down for the next emergency.
- Cut out damaged drywall with a utility knife
- Replace soaked insulation with new batts
- Sand and seal wooden window frames
- Reattach loose baseboards with construction adhesive
- Check under sinks for hidden leaks
- Repaint walls after they are fully dry
Know When to Call Pros
Some situations are too big for a weekend project. If water reached electrical outlets, soaked through multiple floors, or caused visible structural damage, you need professional help. Mold growth that covers a large area also calls for a mold professional, not just a bleach scrub.
The pros can dry out the home with industrial equipment and rebuild damaged sections. They can also help you figure out what to do next. Policies vary, and your insurer decides what is covered. Ask your insurance company what your policy includes before you start any major work.
Water damage does not wait
Call (623) 624-8391 any time, day or night, and describe what happened.
Call Now (623) 624-8391Frequently asked questions
How long does it take for mold to grow after water damage?
Mold can start growing within 24 to 48 hours on wet surfaces. That is why you need to dry everything quickly. If you see or smell mold, act fast. Small patches you can clean yourself, but larger growth needs a mold professional.
Can I dry out wet drywall and keep it?
Usually not. Drywall soaks up water and becomes soft and weak. It also holds moisture that leads to mold. Cut out any drywall that got wet and replace it. Let the wall cavity dry completely before you put in new drywall.
What should I do with wet carpet after a flood?
Try to lift the carpet and dry the padding underneath. If the water was clean, you might save the carpet, but if it was from a sewer or flood, throw it away. Wet carpet can breed mold and bacteria, so if it smells after drying, replace it.