The short answer
Stop the Water and Stay Safe
First, find and stop the water source. If a pipe burst, turn off the main water valve. If the leak is from a neighbor's unit, contact them and your building manager. Cut power to any rooms with standing water to avoid electrical hazards.
Wear rubber boots and gloves while wading in floodwater. Water may contain contaminants, especially if it came from a sewer or a toilet overflow. If you feel unwell or notice a strong odor, see a doctor and consider calling a water damage professional to assess the situation.
Remove Standing Water Quickly
Use a wet-dry vacuum or a pump to remove standing water. For large amounts, a pump can speed up the process. Move furniture and rugs to a dry area if possible, but be careful lifting heavy items, as they may be waterlogged.
Open windows and doors to create cross-ventilation. Use fans to direct air across wet surfaces. The longer water sits, the more it soaks into wood, drywall, and insulation, so act quickly to reduce damage.
- Use a wet-dry vacuum for small puddles
- Rent a pump for deep standing water
- Move furniture to a dry area if safe
- Open windows for cross-ventilation
- Set up fans to blow across wet floors
- Wear protective gear while working
Dry Out Walls and Floors
After removing standing water, focus on drying building materials. Use dehumidifiers to pull moisture from the air. Point fans at wet walls and baseboards to speed evaporation. If you have a crawl space or under-floor areas, dry those too, as trapped moisture can lead to mold.
Check for wet insulation behind drywall. If insulation is soaked, it will need to be removed and replaced, as it loses its insulating value and can harbor mold. Similarly, drywall that is soft or sagging may need to be cut out and replaced. A moisture meter can help you find hidden damp spots.
Remove Damaged Materials
Some materials cannot be saved. Carpet and padding that have been soaked often need to be removed, especially if the water was contaminated. Drywall that has been wet for more than a day may be a mold risk and should be removed. Wet insulation also needs removal.
If you have valuable documents or photos, they may be salvageable if dried carefully. For important papers, place them in a freezer to slow mold growth until you can dry them flat. Professional document drying can help, but act fast to save what you can.
- Remove soaked carpet and padding
- Cut out wet drywall in large sections
- Take out wet insulation
- Dry documents flat or freeze them
- Discard items that cannot be cleaned
Prevent Mold and Check for Hidden Damage
Mold can start growing within 24 to 48 hours in wet conditions. Keep dehumidifiers running and maintain airflow until everything is dry. Check hidden areas like behind cabinets, under sinks, and inside walls. A musty smell is a sign that moisture is still trapped somewhere.
After the drying process, you may need to repair or replace drywall, flooring, and insulation. For extensive damage, local water damage pros can handle structural drying and dehumidification to prevent long-term issues. Keep the contact information for your shutoff valve handy for future emergencies.
Water damage does not wait
Water keeps spreading into floors and walls, so it is worth acting early. Calls are answered 24/7.
Call Now (801) 383-0232Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to dry out a wet condo?
It depends on the extent of the water, the materials affected, and the drying equipment used. With fans and dehumidifiers, surface drying may take a few days, but walls and insulation can take longer. If water has soaked deeply, you may need professional help.
Can I dry out wet drywall instead of replacing it?
In some cases, if the drywall has not been wet for long and the water was clean, you might be able to dry it. However, if it is soft, sagging, or has been wet for more than a day, it likely needs to be cut out and replaced. Mold can grow inside the wall, so check carefully.
What should I do with wet carpet and padding?
Wet carpet and padding often need to be removed, especially if the water is contaminated or the padding is soaked. Drying thick padding is difficult, and it can harbor mold. If the carpet is salvageable, you may need to dry it professionally, but often replacement is more practical.