The short answer
Start with Clean Water
The first thing to check is what kind of water caused the damage. Clean water from a broken supply line, a leaky faucet, or a rain spill through an open window is usually safe to handle yourself. You can mop it up, wipe surfaces, and run fans to dry things out. This works well when the wet area is smaller than a few square feet and nothing porous like carpet or drywall soaked through.
- Broken supply line under a sink
- Leaky faucet or showerhead
- Rain through a cracked window
- Spilled bucket or plant water
- Overflow from a sink you left running
Know When to Stop
Time is the biggest factor in deciding DIY versus professional help. If water has been sitting for more than 24 hours, mold can start growing behind walls or under floors. You cannot see it, but it spreads quickly. Once mold takes hold, cleanup becomes a bigger job that requires special equipment and safety gear. The pros can detect hidden moisture and dry areas you cannot reach.
Also consider what got wet. Porous materials like drywall, carpet, insulation, and particleboard absorb water and are hard to dry completely. If those are involved, DIY drying often leaves moisture behind. That leads to warping, stains, and musty odors. For non-porous surfaces like tile, concrete, or metal, you can usually wipe, dry, and disinfect with a bleach solution. But for anything absorbent, the risk is too high.
Check the Size and Source
A small spill you catch right away is a clear DIY job. You can towel it up, open windows, and use a fan to speed evaporation. But if the water covers a large area, like a whole room, or if it came from a storm or flood, do not attempt it yourself. Floodwater may contain sewage, chemicals, or debris that is hazardous to your health. The pros have protective gear and industrial pumps.
If you live in Mesa, keep your shutoff valve location written down so you can stop a leak fast. Acting quickly can turn a big mess into a small one. But even with quick action, some situations are beyond DIY. If you are unsure about the water source or how long it has been there, err on the side of caution. Call the pros for an inspection before you start cleaning.
Safety First for DIY
Before you touch anything, turn off the electricity in the affected area if water is near outlets or appliances. Stand in dry shoes or boots, and avoid standing water if you cannot see the floor. Wear rubber gloves and a mask to protect your hands and lungs from dirt and possible mold spores. Open windows for ventilation, and use fans to move air around.
Remove anything that can be moved, like furniture, rugs, and boxes, to let air reach wet surfaces. Throw away items that are soaked and cannot be cleaned, like cardboard boxes or mattresses. Disinfect hard surfaces with a mixture of bleach and water, but never mix bleach with ammonia. Dry everything completely for several days, checking for musty smells or discoloration. If you feel unwell, see a doctor.
When to Call the Pros
If the water damage is from a storm, a burst pipe, or a toilet overflow, the pros should handle it. These situations often involve hidden water in walls, under floors, or in crawl spaces. The pros use moisture meters and drying equipment to reach areas you cannot. They also know how to handle contaminated water safely. Acting quickly is key, so do not wait to make the call.
Cost is a factor, but it depends on the extent of the damage and the equipment needed. A small cleanup might be affordable, while a large job with structural drying can be more. Your insurance policy may help, but policies vary, and your insurer decides what is covered. Check your policy to see if you have coverage for water damage from specific causes. If in doubt, an inspection can tell you the scope of the problem.
- Water from a storm or flood
- Sewage or toilet overflow
- Water sitting for more than 24 hours
- Large areas or multiple rooms
- Porous materials like drywall and carpet
- You cannot find the source of the leak
Need help right now?
Phones are answered 24/7 for Mesa and nearby communities.
Call Now (480) 898-4279Frequently asked questions
What should I do first if I notice water damage?
Turn off the water source if you can safely reach the shutoff valve. Then remove any electronics from the area and start drying with towels and fans. If the water is from a toilet or flood, do not touch it. Call the pros right away.
Can I dry out wet drywall myself?
Drywall absorbs water quickly and is hard to dry completely. If it gets wet, you may need to cut out the damaged section and replace it. That is a job for the pros, especially if the water has been sitting for more than a day.
How long does it take for mold to grow after water damage?
Mold can start growing within 24 to 48 hours if moisture and warmth are present. That is why acting quickly matters. If you cannot dry the area thoroughly in that time, you risk mold spreading. The pros can remove affected materials and dry hidden spaces.