Key Takeaways
Water damage can quickly escalate into a major issue if not handled properly. Avoiding these common mistakes will help you protect your home, your health, and your wallet. Here’s what to keep in mind:
- Don’t delay cleanup—acting fast can prevent further damage and mold growth.
- Don’t rely on household fans or heaters—they’re not strong enough to dry deep moisture.
- Don’t assume something is dry just because it looks dry—hidden moisture can cause big problems later.
- Don’t ignore the risk of mold—it can begin growing within 24 to 48 hours.
- Don’t try major cleanup or repairs yourself—water damage restoration requires professional tools and training.
- Don’t throw away damaged items without documenting them—you’ll need proof for insurance claims.
- Don’t wait to contact your insurance company—delays can affect your coverage.
- Don’t enter flooded areas without checking for hazards—there could be electrical or structural risks.
- Don’t use electronics in water-damaged zones—this can be dangerous.
- Don’t assume all water damage is the same—clean, gray, and black water each require different treatments.
- Don’t hire unqualified help—always choose certified restoration professionals.
- Don’t forget to check for structural damage—water can weaken the foundation, walls, and flooring.
- Don’t stop drying too soon—moisture can remain deep within materials, even if surfaces feel dry.
Avoiding these common missteps ensures a faster, safer, and more effective recovery process. When in doubt, call Dry Me Out—we’ve got your back!
When water damage hits, whether it’s from a burst pipe, a leaky roof, or a natural disaster, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Your first instinct might be to jump into action—but not so fast. At Dry Me Out, we’ve seen it all, and we know that what you don’t do in those first few hours can be just as important as what you do. That’s why we’ve put together this guide on what NOT to do after experiencing water damage. Trust us—avoiding these common missteps can save you time, money, and a lot of headaches down the road.
Don’t Wait to Address the Problem
Time is Not on Your Side
Water damage doesn’t just go away on its own. In fact, the longer you wait, the worse it gets. Moisture seeps into walls, flooring, and furniture, weakening structures and creating the perfect breeding ground for mold. If you ignore or delay cleanup, you’re giving mold a VIP invitation to move in—and trust us, you don’t want that.
Pro Tip: Call a water damage professional like Dry Me Out immediately. The sooner we can get on-site, the faster we can stop the spread and prevent further damage.
Don’t Use Household Fans or Heaters to “Dry It Out”
It’s Not as Simple as It Seems
We get it—grabbing a fan or space heater feels like a proactive move. But unfortunately, these household items aren’t powerful enough to dry soaked materials, and they can even make things worse. Don’t get us wrong, these things may be a great tool to use as you are waiting for more extensive water extraction and removal, but using the wrong drying method as the end-all-be-all solution can actually spread moisture into the air, leading to higher humidity levels, which encourages mold growth.
What to Do Instead: Let the pros bring in industrial-grade drying equipment. At Dry Me Out, we use high-capacity dehumidifiers, air movers, and moisture meters to get the job done right.
Don’t Assume Everything is Fine Just Because it Looks Dry
What You Can’t See Can Hurt You
Just because your carpet or wall looks dry doesn’t mean it actually is. Water can hide behind walls, under flooring, and in ceilings. These hidden pockets of moisture are dangerous because they often go undetected—until mold starts to grow or materials begin to deteriorate.
Pro Tip: Schedule a professional assessment. We use thermal imaging and moisture detection tools to find water where your eyes can’t. This is an essential part of a professional restoration process, and we make sure to take a deep dive into the assessment process.
Don’t Ignore the Risk of Mold
Mold is Sneaky—and Harmful
Mold can start growing within 24 to 48 hours after water damage. It doesn’t need standing water—just damp surfaces and humidity. Mold isn’t just unsightly; it’s a health hazard, especially for people with allergies, asthma, or weakened immune systems.
Warning Signs of Mold:
- Musty odor
- Discoloration on walls or ceilings
- Allergy-like symptoms (sneezing, coughing, itchy eyes)
Pro Tip: Don’t wait. If you suspect mold, call a mold remediation expert like Dry Me Out. We’ll assess the situation and remove the mold safely and thoroughly.
Don’t Try to DIY Major Cleanup
It’s Not Just a Mop and Bucket Situation
Water damage restoration is more complicated than just drying things off. You need to evaluate the extent of the damage, check for structural issues, sanitize the area, and prevent mold growth. Without the proper training, equipment, and experience, you could easily miss something important—or make the situation worse.
Why Call the Pros:
- We have specialized equipment
- We follow industry standards
- We can identify hidden damage
- We help with insurance documentation
Let Dry Me Out handle it. We’ve got your back from the first phone call to the final walkthrough.
Don’t Throw Away Damaged Items Without Documenting Them
Your Insurance Company Needs Proof
In the rush to clean up, you might feel tempted to toss ruined furniture, rugs, or electronics. But hold on! Your insurance adjuster will need to see what was damaged to verify your claim. Without documentation, you could be leaving money on the table.
What to Do:
- Take clear, well-lit photos of all damaged items
- Make a list of affected belongings
- Hold onto items until your insurance adjuster gives you the green light
It’s also important to note that some of the things you think are irreversibly damaged can potentially be restored by an expert! Talk to a professional before you get rid of your personal items and possessions- especially those that may be irreplaceable or with sentimental value.
Don’t Forget to Call Your Insurance Company Early
Reporting Late Can Delay Your Claim
One of the most common mistakes people make is waiting too long to contact their insurance company. Water damage claims often have strict time limits, and missing that window can affect whether or not you get reimbursed.
Pro Tip: Notify your insurance company as soon as possible. And if you need help navigating the claims process, Dry Me Out can assist with documentation, photos, and reports.
Don’t Enter a Flooded Area Without Checking for Hazards
Safety First—Always
Standing water can be dangerous. It might contain contaminants, bacteria, or even electrical hazards. If the water level is high enough to reach electrical outlets or wiring, you’re at risk for electrocution.
Before Entering a Flooded Area:
- Turn off the electricity to affected areas (if it’s safe to do so)
- Wear protective gear (rubber boots, gloves)
- Avoid touching water-damaged electronics
Better yet: Wait for a professional team to assess the area before stepping inside.
Don’t Use Electrical Appliances in Water-Damaged Areas
A Shocking Mistake (Literally)
Plugging in a vacuum or fan in a wet area can be extremely dangerous. Water and electricity do not mix, and using any appliance in a water-affected zone can lead to electric shock or even fire.
What to Do Instead:
- Unplug electronics in the area if it’s safe
- Avoid using any appliance until a professional clears the area
- Let experts determine when it’s safe to re-enter and power up devices
Don’t Assume All Water Damage is the Same
There’s a Big Difference Between Clean and Contaminated Water
Not all water is created equal. Water from a burst pipe is very different from water that came from a sewage backup or a flood. Each type of water damage requires a different level of cleaning, safety gear, and remediation.
Categories of Water Damage:
- Clean Water: From pipes or rain. Still needs quick cleanup to avoid mold.
- Gray Water: Slightly contaminated (from washing machines or dishwashers).
- Black Water: Highly contaminated (sewage, floodwaters). Dangerous to handle without professional help.
If you’re not sure what kind of water you’re dealing with, don’t take chances—call Dry Me Out.
Don’t Hire Just Anyone
Choose Certified Restoration Professionals
Water damage is a job for trained, certified pros. Unfortunately, some companies out there are more interested in making a quick buck than doing a quality job. Always check for proper certifications, reviews, and experience before hiring someone.
Look for:
- IICRC certification (Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification)
- Positive online reviews and testimonials
- Local experience with your specific type of damage
At Dry Me Out, we are fully certified, insured, and trusted throughout the community for a reason: we care about doing it right.
Don’t Forget to Check for Structural Damage
Water Can Weaken More Than Just Surfaces
Water can compromise the structural integrity of your home. Walls can swell, wooden beams can warp, and even your foundation can be affected. If left unchecked, this kind of damage can become extremely costly—and dangerous.
Be On the Lookout For:
- Warped walls or floors
- Cracks in the foundation
- Doors or windows that don’t open properly
Our team at Dry Me Out can evaluate structural damage and help coordinate any needed repairs.
Don’t Assume One Round of Drying Is Enough
Moisture Can Linger
Even after the surface seems dry, deeper materials like drywall, insulation, and subflooring can still be holding moisture. That’s why professional monitoring is so important.
At Dry Me Out, we use moisture meters to track humidity levels and ensure your property is 100% dry—because half-dry is still too wet when it comes to preventing mold and rot.
Don’t Go It Alone
Water damage can feel like a nightmare—but you don’t have to face it alone. The right help makes all the difference. By avoiding these common mistakes, you’ll save time, money, and stress—and you’ll protect your property and health in the process.
At Dry Me Out, we’re here for you with fast response times, expert restoration services, and compassionate care. Whether you are dealing with a burst pipe, flood, or mold issue, give us a call, we’ll take care of it—so you can get back to normal.
