The short answer
Stop the Water First
Before you dry anything, shut off the water supply to the room. Locate the shutoff valve for the washing machine or the main valve for the house. If the leak came from a pipe, turn it off at the closest valve. If you live in Layton, keep your shutoff valve location written down for future emergencies.
Once the water is off, check for electrical hazards. If the floor is wet near outlets or appliances, turn off power at the breaker if it is safe to do so. Do not touch anything wet that is plugged in. If you feel unsure about electrical safety, call an electrician before proceeding.
Remove Standing Water
Use a wet/dry vacuum to suck up standing water from the floor. Work from the farthest corner toward the door so you do not walk through wet areas. If the water is deep, a submersible pump may be needed, but for most utility rooms a vacuum works well.
After vacuuming, mop up remaining moisture with towels or a mop. Wring them out outside or into a bucket. Pay attention to corners and under appliances where water hides. The goal is to remove as much liquid as possible before drying the air.
- Move appliances and furniture to reach all wet spots
- Lift any rugs or mats and take them outside to dry
- Remove boxes, paper, and fabric items from the room
- Use a flashlight to spot water in dark corners
- Wipe down walls and baseboards with a dry cloth
Dry the Air and Surfaces
Open windows and doors if the weather allows. Set up fans to blow air across the wet floor and walls. Place a dehumidifier in the center of the room to pull moisture from the air. Run it continuously for at least 24 to 48 hours, emptying the reservoir as needed.
Keep the room warm, as heat helps evaporation. Use a space heater if necessary, but keep it away from water and flammable materials. Do not close the room off completely; some airflow is important. Check the humidity level with a moisture meter if you have one, or just watch for condensation on windows and surfaces.
Deal with Soaked Materials
Drywall that got wet may swell, bubble, or crumble. If it is soggy, you will likely need to cut it out and replace it. Wet insulation also holds water and can lead to mold, so removal is often necessary. If you see mold growing, stop and call a mold professional for advice.
For items like cardboard boxes or documents, drying may be possible if they are not too damaged. Lay papers flat on a clean surface and use fans to dry them slowly. If you have important documents, consider professional document drying services to salvage them.
- Cut out wet drywall at least 12 inches above the water line
- Remove wet insulation and discard it if it cannot dry quickly
- Dry wood framing with fans and a dehumidifier
- Clean and disinfect surfaces that touched floodwater or sewage
- Replace any swollen or warped flooring
When to Call in the Pros
If the water was from a clean pipe leak, you may handle the drying yourself. But if the room has extensive damage, hidden moisture, or sewage contamination, you need help. Local water damage pros can use industrial dehumidifiers and moisture meters to dry the room properly.
They can also inspect for hidden damage in walls and floors. Structural drying and dehumidification services help prevent mold and rot. If you have a large area or the water sat for more than a day, call a professional. They have the equipment and experience to handle the job.
Talk to someone now
Call (801) 383-0232 any time, day or night, and describe what happened.
Call Now (801) 383-0232Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to dry a wet utility room?
Drying time depends on the amount of water, materials, and airflow. With fans and a dehumidifier, a small room may dry in 24 to 48 hours. If water soaked into drywall or insulation, it can take longer. Use a moisture meter to check when materials are dry.
Can I dry wet drywall instead of removing it?
Sometimes, if the drywall is only slightly damp and dries quickly, it may be salvageable. But if it is soaked, swollen, or shows signs of mold, removal is safer. Wet drywall can harbor mold and lose structural strength. When in doubt, cut it out and replace it.
What should I do with wet items like boxes or clothes?
Remove all wet items from the room to speed drying. Clothes can be washed and dried normally. Cardboard boxes may be thrown away unless they hold important documents. For papers, separate them and dry them flat with fans. If items are valuable, consider professional document drying.