The short answer
Act Fast After Water Damage
Time matters after water enters your home. Mold can start growing within a day or two, and soaked drywall or wood can warp quickly. Move quickly to reduce the damage and make cleanup easier. The longer water sits, the more materials you may need to replace.
First, ensure the power is off in any wet areas. If the water came from a burst pipe or appliance, shut off the main water valve. If you live in Saint Paul, keep your shutoff valve location written down. Then remove as much standing water as you can with a pump, wet vacuum, or even buckets and mops.
Dry Out Every Surface
After removing standing water, dry every surface thoroughly. Open windows if the outside air is dry, and use fans and dehumidifiers to pull moisture from carpets, walls, and furniture. Point fans at baseboards and corners where water hides. Keep air moving for several days, not just a few hours.
Check under furniture and in closets for damp spots. Remove wet rugs and lift carpet padding if possible. If you have a crawlspace, inspect it for standing water or damp soil, since moisture there can rise into your living areas. For stubborn dampness, local water damage pros can bring industrial drying equipment.
- Turn off electricity and water before cleanup
- Remove standing water with a wet vacuum or pump
- Use fans and dehumidifiers for at least 48 hours
- Throw out soaked porous items like mattresses and pillows
- Wear gloves and a mask to avoid touching contaminated water
- Check hidden spots like under cabinets and behind appliances
Sort What to Keep or Toss
Decide what can be saved and what needs to go. Hard surfaces like glass, metal, and plastic can usually be cleaned and dried. Porous items that absorbed water, such as carpets, drywall, insulation, and upholstered furniture, often hold moisture and can grow mold. When in doubt, throw it out.
Paper goods, books, and cardboard boxes usually cannot be saved after soaking. Photographs might be dried carefully, but they can stick together. If the water came from a toilet or sewage backup, treat everything as contaminated and discard anything porous. Your health comes first, so wear protective gear while sorting.
Clean and Disinfect Properly
Once surfaces are dry, clean them with a disinfectant to kill bacteria and mold spores. Use a mixture of water and bleach for hard, non-porous surfaces, but never mix bleach with other cleaners. Test a small area first to avoid discoloration. Rinse with clean water and dry again.
For tile and grout, pay extra attention because grout is porous and can trap moisture. Scrub with a stiff brush and a disinfectant. Wet drywall can hide moisture behind the surface, so have a professional check it before deciding what needs to be removed. If you are unsure, a mold professional can test for hidden growth.
Know When to Call the Pros
Some water damage is too big for DIY cleanup. If water is more than an inch deep, came from sewage, or has been sitting for more than two days, call the pros. They have moisture meters and drying equipment that can reach hidden areas in walls and floors.
Professionals also handle flood damage cleanup, which may involve contaminated water and deeper structural drying. They can remove damaged drywall and carpet, and they know how to dry a home thoroughly to prevent mold. If you have insurance, check your policy early. Policies vary, and your insurer decides what is covered.
- Call pros for sewage or flood water
- Get help if water has soaked into walls or ceilings
- Ask about moisture readings before and after drying
- Keep receipts for any supplies you buy
- Take photos of damage for your records
- Do not re-enter a room with sagging ceilings
Water damage does not wait
Call (651) 321-9769 any time, day or night, and describe what happened.
Call Now (651) 321-9769Frequently asked questions
How long does water damage cleanup take?
It depends on the extent of the water and how quickly you start. Small spills might dry in a day or two, but significant flooding can take several days to a week to dry completely. Pros use moisture meters to confirm when materials are truly dry.
Can I clean up water damage myself?
You can handle small, clean water spills if you act fast. But if water is contaminated, from sewage, or has soaked into walls and floors, hire a professional. They have the right equipment and knowledge to dry thoroughly and prevent mold.
What should I do first after a water leak?
Turn off the power and water supply to the affected area. Then remove as much standing water as possible with a wet vacuum or mop. Move furniture to dry areas and start fans and dehumidifiers. Take photos for your records before you move things.