Whether it’s from a rogue dishwasher, a leaky roof, or Mother Nature throwing a tantrum, water damage is one of those “uh-oh” moments no homeowner wants to deal with. But here’s the thing—panic doesn’t help (ask me how I know). What helps? Knowing what to do next.
So, if your home’s doing its best impression of Atlantis, don’t worry. I’ve got your back with some straightforward, no-nonsense (but still friendly!) tips to help you tackle water damage like a pro—even if you’ve never held a wet vac in your life.
1. First Stop the Water
Deep breath in… and out. Okay. Now, where’s the water coming from? If it’s a burst pipe or something appliance-related, turn off the water supply stat. No sense in mopping up while it’s still raining indoors, right?
Can’t find the source? Or maybe the water’s coming from the great outdoors (hey, hurricanes, we see you)? Do what you can to block more water from coming in—sandbags, tarps, towels, your ex’s old t-shirts—whatever works in the moment.
2. Safety First
Before you start wading through the water like it’s a beach day, let’s talk safety. Water and electricity? Yeah, they’re not besties. In fact, they’re mortal enemies. If there’s a lot of water, turn off the electricity to the affected area. Don’t touch electrical appliances or outlets until you’re sure it’s safe.
Also, depending on the water source, you might be dealing with some nasty stuff. If the water looks or smells funky, glove up. We’re talking rubber gloves, waterproof boots, maybe even a mask. Better safe than sorry (or sick).
3. Document Everything
Before you start tossing waterlogged items into a sad little pile, take photos. Lots of them. You’ll need this evidence for your insurance claim. And yes, I know—taking pics of your soggy sofa is probably not the highlight of your day, but future-you will be grateful.
Get close-ups, wide shots, and angles that show just how far the water spread. Think of yourself as a water damage paparazzi.
4. Call Your Insurance
Now’s the time to ring up your insurance company. Every policy’s a little different, but they’ll walk you through what’s covered, what’s not, and whether you need to bring in an adjuster.
Depending on the damage, you might want to call a water damage restoration company ASAP. Why? Because they’ve got the big machines, the industrial fans, and the know-how to deal with stuff like mold before it becomes a bigger issue. If you’re thinking, “Meh, I’ll handle it,” just know that water damage has a sneaky way of getting worse if it’s not dried out completely and quickly.
5. Dry Everything
Here’s where you channel your inner drying ninja. Open the windows, run fans (borrow from your neighbors if you have to), and dehumidifiers are your new BFFs. Remove wet rugs, furniture, curtains—whatever can be dried outside, get it out.
Got carpet? That’s a whole thing. Sometimes it can be saved, sometimes it’s better to say goodbye. Padding underneath? Usually a goner. Sorry, I don’t make the rules—water does.
Drying everything out can take days. Keep checking for moisture, especially in places you can’t see, like inside walls or under floors. That’s prime real estate for mold, and trust me, you do not want a moldy surprise party in your walls six weeks from now.
6. Clean Like You’ve Never Cleaned Before
Once things are drying out, it’s time to disinfect. Even if the water looked clean, it can carry all sorts of bacteria and microbes you don’t want hanging around.
Use a good disinfectant (bleach solution is a classic for a reason) and scrub down any hard surfaces the water touched. Don’t forget corners, baseboards, and those sneaky spots you usually skip during spring cleaning.
And if the water was “category 3” (read: nasty, like sewage backup), just call in the pros. Seriously. Some things you can DIY, and some things you should not.
7. Salvage What You Can
This is the hard part. Some stuff can be cleaned and dried—like dishes, some furniture, maybe even clothes. But anything porous that soaked up water? It might be time to say goodbye.
I know it’s not easy tossing Grandma’s hand-me-down rug or your favorite armchair, but keeping moldy items around isn’t just gross—it’s a health risk. Try to focus on what you can replace, not what you’ve lost.
8. Watch for Mold
Mold can show up fast—like, 24 to 48 hours fast. Keep an eye out for that telltale musty smell, weird spots on the walls, or sudden allergy flare-ups. If you notice any of these, it’s time to take action.
You can treat small areas of mold yourself, but for larger infestations, bring in a remediation specialist.
9. Prevent Future Water Drama
Now that you’ve survived the flood, let’s keep it from happening again (or at least lessen the damage next time).
Get your roof inspected (especially if it’s been a while).
- Clean those gutters. Yes, it’s gross, but worth it.
- Check appliances and pipes regularly for leaks.
- Install water alarms (yep, they’re a thing!).
- Consider a sump pump if you’re in a flood-prone area.
Final Thoughts
Look, no one wants to become an accidental water damage expert. But now that you’ve been through it—or are gearing up to—you’ve got tools, tips, and a game plan. That puts you way ahead of the game.
So next time your house tries to turn into a waterpark? You’ll be ready—with gloves on, fans blasting, and a solid sense of humor to get you through it.
