The short answer
Start with Safety
Before you touch anything, turn off the electricity at the main breaker if water has reached outlets or appliances. Standing water can hide sharp debris or electrical hazards. Wear rubber boots and gloves, and keep children and pets away from the affected area.
If you feel unwell, see a doctor. Do not enter a room where the ceiling is sagging from water weight. If you smell gas, leave the house and call your utility provider from outside. Your health matters more than any item you might save.
Remove Standing Water
Use a pump, wet-dry vacuum, or buckets to remove standing water. Start from the farthest point and work toward an exit. Open windows and doors to let fresh air circulate. Run fans and a dehumidifier if you have them, but do not use regular household appliances in wet areas.
The longer water sits, the more damage it can cause. Drywall, insulation, and carpet padding soak up water quickly. Remove soaked rugs and furniture to a dry place. You want to get the area as dry as possible within the first day to slow mold growth.
- Turn off power at the breaker first
- Wear rubber boots and gloves
- Use a pump or wet-dry vacuum
- Open windows for airflow
- Remove wet rugs and furniture
- Run fans and a dehumidifier
Dry Out Wet Materials
Pull up wet carpet and padding, and remove soaked drywall up to a foot above the water line. Cut out wet insulation and discard it. These materials hold moisture and can grow mold within a day or two. Take photos of the damage before you throw anything away.
Clean hard surfaces like wood and tile with soap and water. Disinfect with a mild bleach solution, but never mix bleach with other cleaners. Dry the area completely with fans. In hot, dry climates, the air can help, but you still need to act fast.
Know When to Call Pros
If the water level was high, the flooding covered a large area, or the water sat for more than a day, call local water damage pros. They have industrial fans, dehumidifiers, and moisture meters that can dry out hidden spaces like wall cavities and subfloors.
The pros can also check for structural damage and mold. Their work usually involves removing damaged materials, treating surfaces, and setting up drying equipment. You can ask them about the process, but avoid waiting too long, as delays can lead to more damage.
Handle Insurance and Next Steps
Contact your insurance company as soon as possible. Take photos of the damage and keep a list of everything you threw away. Do not start major repairs before your insurer inspects the property, unless you need to stop further damage. Policies vary, and your insurer decides what is covered.
If you live in Scottsdale, keep your shutoff valve location written down, so you can stop water quickly in the future. After a storm, check your roof, gutters, and grading around your foundation. Fixing small issues now can prevent bigger flooding later.
Talk to someone now
Phones are answered 24/7 for Scottsdale and nearby communities.
Call Now (623) 624-8391Frequently asked questions
How long does it take for mold to grow after a flood?
Mold can start growing within 24 to 48 hours on wet surfaces. That is why you need to dry things out quickly. Remove soaked materials and run fans or a dehumidifier. If you see mold, call a mold professional to handle it safely.
Can I dry out wet drywall instead of replacing it?
Usually not. Drywall acts like a sponge and holds water deep inside. Even if the surface feels dry, moisture can stay in the core and cause mold. Cut out wet drywall at least a foot above the water line and replace it with new material.
What should I do with wet furniture and electronics?
Move furniture to a dry area and take off any cushions or covers. Clean hard surfaces with soap and water. For electronics, do not turn them on until they are completely dry. If you are unsure, a professional can check them for safety.