DIY Guide to Water Damage Restoration

Protect your home and prevent mold with these step-by-step actions.

1. Ensure Safety First

• ⚡ Turn off electricity in the affected area to avoid electrocution.
• 🧤 Wear gloves, boots, and a mask to protect yourself from contaminants.
• 🚱 Shut off the main water supply if the leak is still active.

2. Stop the Water Source

• Find the source of the leak (pipe, appliance, roof, etc.) and repair or seal it temporarily.
• For severe leaks or damage, call a professional plumber or roofer.

3. Document the Damage

• 📸 Take photos and videos of all damage before cleanup.
• 📝 Note damaged items, materials, and the extent of water saturation.
• This is vital for insurance claims.

4. Remove Standing Water

• Use a wet/dry vacuum, mop, or pump to remove water.
• Buckets and towels can help with small areas.
• Move quickly-mold can grow within 24-48 hours.

5. Dry Out the Area

• Open windows and doors to ventilate.
• Set up fans and dehumidifiers to speed up drying.
• Remove baseboards and drill small holes to allow wall cavities to dry if needed.
• Pull up soaked carpet and padding if they can’t be fully dried.

6. Salvage What You Can

• Move furniture and valuables to a dry area.
• Wipe down wood furniture and place on blocks to dry.
• Toss porous items like soaked drywall, insulation, mattresses, or particle board if heavily saturated.

7. Clean & Disinfect

• Clean all affected surfaces with soap and water.
• Disinfect with a bleach solution (1 cup bleach to 1 gallon water) or EPA-registered disinfectant.
• Watch for signs of mold growth-black, green, or musty-smelling spots.

8. Inspect for Structural Damage

• Check for warped floors, cracked drywall, or loose tiles.
• If you notice bulging walls, warped flooring, or musty smells, consider calling in a restoration specialist.

9. Prevent Future Problems

• Seal cracks and leaks around doors, windows, and foundations.
• Install a sump pump and water alarm.
• Maintain gutters and downspouts.

🔄 When to Call a Pro

• Damage covers more than one room
• Water is from a contaminated source (like sewage)
• Mold is visible or suspected
• You’re unsure how to handle cleanup safely

Mold can start growing within 24-48 hours after water damage, so quick action is key. Here’s how to avoid mold after water damage:

✅ 1. Act Fast

• Start cleanup within 24 hours if possible.
• Remove standing water immediately with a wet/dry vacuum or pump.

💨 2. Dry Everything Thoroughly

• Use fans, dehumidifiers, and open windows to dry the area.
• Focus on:
  • Carpets and padding
  • Walls and baseboards
  • Wood flooring and subfloor
  • Furniture and soft goods
• Remove baseboards to help wall cavities dry out.

🔨 3. Remove What Can’t Be Dried

• Toss porous items that hold moisture:
  • Wet drywall
  • Insulation
  • Mattresses
  • Carpet padding
• Cut out drywall at least 12 inches above the water line.

🧼 4. Clean & Disinfect

• Wash surfaces with soap and water first.
• Disinfect with a bleach solution (1 cup bleach to 1 gallon of water) or EPA-registered mold killer.
• Don’t mix bleach with ammonia or other cleaners.

🕵️‍♀️ 5. Check for Hidden Moisture

• Use a moisture meter or have a pro inspect behind walls, under flooring, etc.
• If areas still feel damp after 48 hours, mold is likely to follow.

🧯 6. Prevent Future Mold

• Use mold-resistant drywall in repair areas.
• Install a dehumidifier in basements or high-moisture areas.
• Keep indoor humidity below 50%.
• Ensure proper ventilation in bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms.