The short answer
Start with Safety
Before you touch anything, make sure the area is safe. If water is near electrical outlets or appliances, turn off the power at the breaker if you can do so without stepping into water. If the water is deep or the ceiling is sagging, leave the room and call for help.
Wear rubber boots and gloves if you must enter. Water can hide sharp debris or electrical hazards. If you smell gas or hear hissing, get out and contact the gas company from outside. Your health comes first, so see a doctor if you feel unwell during cleanup.
Stop the Source
Find the source of the water and stop it if possible. For a burst pipe, shut off the main water valve. For a leaking roof, place a bucket under the drip and move anything valuable away. If you live in Rowlett, keep your shutoff valve location written down for quick access.
If the leak is from an appliance, unplug it and turn off its water supply. For a clogged drain, stop using that sink or toilet until a plumber can look at it. Acting quickly can prevent the water from spreading to other rooms and causing more damage.
- Turn off power at the breaker if safe
- Shut off the main water valve for pipe bursts
- Move furniture and rugs to dry areas
- Place buckets under active drips
- Remove wet books, papers, and electronics
- Open windows for airflow if weather allows
Dry Out the Space
Once the source is stopped, start drying the area. Open windows and doors to create cross-ventilation. Use fans to circulate air, but point them away from wet walls to avoid pushing moisture deeper. If you have a dehumidifier, run it to pull moisture from the air.
Remove wet carpets and padding if they are soaked through. Lift furniture legs off wet floors with blocks or foil. Hang wet curtains and drapes outside to dry. The goal is to get everything as dry as possible within the first 24 to 48 hours to reduce the chance of mold growth.
Know What to Save
Some items can be dried and saved, while others may need to be thrown away. Hard surfaces like wood, metal, and glass can often be cleaned and dried. Soft items like mattresses, pillows, and heavily soaked upholstery may hold bacteria and mold and are harder to salvage.
Electronics and artwork are tricky. Do not turn on wet electronics until they are completely dry, and even then, have a professional check them. For valuable artwork or antiques, contact a specialist who handles water-damaged pieces. When in doubt, err on the side of caution and discard items that smell or show mold.
When to Call the Pros
If the water damage is extensive, covers a large area, or involves sewage or floodwater, call local water damage pros. They have the equipment to extract water, dry structures, and check for hidden moisture in walls and under floors. They also know how to handle mold safely.
For a small leak that you can dry in a day, you might handle it yourself. But if you notice swelling drywall, buckling floors, or a musty smell after a few days, professional help is wise. They can also help you document damage for your insurance claim. Policies vary, and your insurer decides what is covered.
- Extensive water spread across multiple rooms
- Water from sewage or flooding
- Persistent musty odor after drying
- Swollen or sagging ceilings and walls
- Electrical systems or outlets got wet
- Mold starts to appear within a few days
Water damage does not wait
Call (214) 730-5993 any time, day or night, and describe what happened.
Call Now (214) 730-5993Frequently asked questions
How soon should I start drying after a leak?
Start as soon as you can safely access the area. The first 24 to 48 hours are critical for drying to prevent mold and further damage. Even simple steps like opening windows and moving wet items can make a difference.
Can I dry wet carpet myself?
You can try for small spills by blotting and using fans, but if the carpet is soaked through to the padding, it may need to be removed. Wet padding often cannot be dried properly and can harbor mold. The pros can help assess and extract water.
What should I do with wet electronics?
Do not plug them in or turn them on. Remove batteries if possible and let them dry completely in a well-ventilated area. For valuable items, consult an electronics restoration professional. They can open the device and clean internal parts safely.