What to Do After Water Damage at Home
What to do after water damage at home comes down to five moves: stay safe, stop the water, photograph it, remove the water, call a crew. Restoration companies commonly cite 24 to 48 hours as the window before mold gets a foothold in wet materials. Texas adds its own points, from the flood policy waiting period to the City's sewer cleanout rule.
The first hour
Keep children and pets out of the wet area. If it is safe to reach the breaker panel without standing in water, switch off power to the wet rooms. Close the main water valve if a pipe is the cause. Do not wade through deep or murky water, which can be floodwater or sewage.
Before anything is moved
Photograph and film each room and the source of the water, then list what was damaged. Report the loss to the insurer. A crew that photographs before removal, as Houston Water Damage 24/7 does, adds to that record.
Removing water and starting to dry
Blot and mop standing water, lift furniture onto blocks or foil, pull up wet rugs and open closet doors and cabinet doors. Close the house and run a dehumidifier, because Texas A&M AgriLife notes that ventilation does not help when the outside air is humid. Call a crew for anything more than a small spill.
How long drying takes
Restoration companies commonly give three to five days for structural drying, and wall cavities and insulation can take weeks. North Dakota State University's flood guidance says wood should read under 15 percent moisture content before a wall is closed. Judge dryness by a meter and not by touch.
Signs of water damage, and when it is mold
A musty smell, stains, warped floors, soft baseboards and paint that bubbles or peels are signs of water damage. Mold is growth that follows moisture, so drying removes the cause but does not remove growth already there. The EPA says most people can clean a moldy area under about 10 square feet themselves, and Texas requires a state license to remediate 25 contiguous square feet or more.
When to call a crew right away
Call at once for sewage or floodwater, more than one room, a sagging ceiling, water that has sat over a day, or any doubt about electrical safety.
Questions about the first day after water damage
How long does water damage take to dry?
Commonly three to five days for structural drying; cavities take longer, and the meter decides.
Is it safe to stay in a house with water damage?
Not in a room with live power and standing water, or after sewage or floodwater. Wait for the power to be off and a crew to check the rooms.
What are the signs of water damage?
A musty smell, stains, warped floors or soft baseboards, or paint that bubbles.
What is the difference between water damage and mold?
Water damage is the harm from moisture itself, and mold is the growth that follows if moisture stays. Mold from a small area can be cleaned at home; larger areas need a licensed remediator in Texas.