DIY Guide to Water Damage Restoration

June 4, 2025

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.