The short answer
Safety First Before Drying
Before you enter your house after a storm, check for hazards. Turn off the electricity at the main breaker if there is any chance water reached outlets or appliances. Wear rubber boots and gloves, because floodwater can contain debris, sewage, or chemicals. If you smell gas or hear hissing, leave the house and call the gas company from outside.
Watch for sagging ceilings or bulging walls that could collapse. Be careful on wet floors, which can be slippery. If you feel unwell, see a doctor. Do not use generators or gas-powered equipment inside the house, because they produce carbon monoxide. Open windows only if the outside air is drier than the inside air.
- Turn off power at the breaker before entering
- Wear rubber boots and gloves
- Check for gas leaks and call the gas company if found
- Avoid standing water near electrical outlets
- Leave the house if you smell gas or hear hissing
- Do not use generators indoors
Remove Standing Water
Use a pump, wet-dry vacuum, or buckets to remove standing water from floors and basements. The sooner you remove water, the less time it has to soak into drywall, wood, and insulation. Work from the highest point down, so water does not flow into areas you already cleared. If the water is deep, do not wade in it without protective gear.
After removing the bulk of the water, use towels and mops to soak up the rest. Pay attention to corners, under cabinets, and along baseboards where water lingers. If you have a sump pump, use it to keep the basement from refilling. For large volumes of water, local water damage pros have industrial pumps and extraction equipment.
Ventilate and Dehumidify
Open windows and doors on opposite sides of the house to create cross-ventilation. Use box fans or pedestal fans to push moist air out and pull drier air in. Place fans in doorways and near wet walls. Run dehumidifiers in enclosed spaces, especially basements and crawl spaces, and empty the water collection trays regularly.
Dehumidifiers work most effectively when windows are closed, so decide whether to ventilate or dehumidify based on the outdoor humidity. If the air outside is humid, keep windows closed and run dehumidifiers. If the outside air is dry, open windows and use fans. For structural drying of walls and subfloors, the pros use commercial dehumidifiers and air movers that homeowners rarely have.
- Open windows and doors for cross-flow
- Use fans to direct air over wet surfaces
- Run dehumidifiers in closed rooms
- Empty dehumidifier trays often
- Close windows when outdoor air is humid
- Move furniture away from wet walls
Remove Wet Materials
Wet carpet, padding, and upholstered furniture often cannot be saved. Remove them from the house to prevent mold growth. Cut away wet drywall and insulation at least 12 inches above the water line, and discard them. Wooden furniture may be dried slowly, but particleboard and laminate will swell and fall apart.
Take wet books, papers, and photographs to a cool, dry place. Freeze them if you cannot dry them right away, to stop mold. Do not throw them out yet; some documents can be restored. If you have important papers, consider document drying services. For items you want to keep, move them outside and dry them in the sun.
Dry Walls and Subfloors
Walls and subfloors hold moisture for weeks after a flood. Use a moisture meter to check wood and drywall, but remember that moisture can hide behind surfaces. Drill small holes in wall cavities to allow air circulation, and use fans to blow air into those spaces. Remove baseboards and trim to expose wet wood.
For deep drying, the pros use specialized equipment such as desiccant dehumidifiers and inject dry air into wall cavities. They also use moisture mapping to find hidden pockets of water. If the subfloor is damaged, it may need replacement. Water damage inspection can help you decide what to save and what to tear out.
- Use a moisture meter to check hidden wetness
- Drill holes in wall cavities for airflow
- Remove baseboards to expose wet wood
- Consider moisture mapping to find hidden water
- Replace subfloor if it is warped or rotted
- Call the pros for structural drying
Talk to someone now
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 drying usually take?
Drying can take days to weeks, depending on how wet the materials are, the weather, and the type of construction. Hard surfaces like tile dry in days, while wood and drywall can take weeks. Use dehumidifiers and fans continuously. If moisture remains, mold can grow, so act quickly.
Can I dry out my house myself or should I call the pros?
You can remove standing water and ventilate on your own, but deep drying of walls and subfloors often requires commercial equipment. The pros have industrial dehumidifiers and moisture meters. If you have a large flood or the water sat for more than a day, consider calling the pros for structural drying.
Will my insurance cover the cost of drying and repairs?
Policies vary, and your insurer decides what is covered. Flood damage is often separate from standard homeowners insurance. Check your policy and contact your insurance company to report the damage. Take photos of everything before you start cleaning. Keep receipts for any equipment you rent or buy.