Water Damage Do's & Don'ts
When water damage strikes, time is your most valuable resource. The biggest concern is how fast water can spread and damage other areas. If it’s from a burst pipe, heavy rain, or a leaking appliance, knowing what to do and what to avoid can save you thousands in repair costs. Panhandle Cleaning & Restoration is here to guide you through recovery with reliable support and knowledge. Don’t wait and wonder what to do. Follow these tips and call our expert team for professional help.
Immediate Do’s After Water Dusasters
When water damage happens, how you respond in those first moments can make a big difference. Smart decisions can help prevent the situation from getting worse and protect your property from lasting damage. Here’s what you should do first:
- Shut off the water: If you can, stop the water source to prevent things from getting worse.
- Move out the wet stuff: Take out soaked rugs, furniture, and anything else that’s holding water.
- Start drying things out: Use fans, dehumidifiers, or open windows to help dry the space faster.
- Clean & disinfect the area: Once it’s dry, clean thoroughly to help prevent mold and bacteria.
- Keep an eye out for mold: If you notice musty smells or spots on walls, don’t ignore them.
- Take photos of the damage: Snap pictures and write down details in case you need to file an insurance claim.
- Reach out to a professional: For big messes, especially dirty or black water, it's necessary to go for professional help.
What You Shouldn’t Do After Water Damage
Water damage situations can be very overwhelming, and owners can easily panic during that time. Even a simple worn step can turn into a bigger problem and lead to other troubles along the way. Avoid making these common mistakes during a water disaster in your home or office:
Don't use any kind of electrical appliances in wet areas
Turning on the wet electronics is a huge shock risk; wait till everything is dry.
Don’t turn on your HVAC if it’s been exposed to water
The wet ceiling may collapse or spread moisture further through air circulation.
Don’t use a household vacuum to remove water by yourself
Regular vacuums aren’t built for water and could cause an electric shock.
Don’t leave wet items sitting around
They’ll get musty fast and may grow mold if not dried properly.
Don’t walk into water if the power is on
If there’s standing water and electricity, stay out; it’s not safe.
Don’t try to fix big damage on your own
Leave anything structural or electrical to the pros; it’s just not worth the risk.
Why Your First Moves Matter
The first few hours after water damage are critical. It's easy to feel overwhelmed or rush into action, but even well-meaning mistakes can make the situation worse. Whether it’s flipping a light switch, trying to save a soaked rug, or ignoring that damp smell, small choices can lead to big consequences. Taking a moment to pause, assess, and avoid those “don’ts” gives you a better chance of water damage recovery to protect your home, your health, and your peace of mind.
How It Ruins Your Property
When water enters your home unexpectedly, it doesn't take long before the damage starts to spread and can cause big problems. Here are some of the most common damages caused by water disasters:
- Warped Flooring: Wood floors swell, buckle, and never look the same again.
- Weakened Wood Structures: Soaked wood loses strength and may need full replacement later.
- Ruined Belongings: Personal items like furniture and photos often don’t survive water.
- Mold Growth: Mold shows up quickly and can spread without you noticing.
- Unpleasant Odors: Damp spaces start to smell musty and are hard to freshen.
Recover Strongly from Water Damage with Our Trusted Team
At Panhandle Cleaning & Restoration, for over four decades, we have helped homes and businesses recover from water damage. Our certified restoration experts are highly skilled at addressing and restoring water damage issues. With our careful approach, we remove standing water, dry and disinfect all affected areas, and repair all visible and hidden damage. We tackle everything from cleanup to rebuilds so you don’t have to. We’re available 24/7 because we know water damage can happen at any time.
Our Water Damage Restoration Services You Can Count On
No matter what caused the issues, our range of water damage restoration services will tackle all water-damaging issues in your home or business. We offer:
Get In Touch With Us Today for Superior Water Damage Restoration Serivces!
Water damage isn’t something to put off. If it’s from a burst pipe, storm, or roof leak, reach out to our experts to help right away to stop further damage. Trust Panhandle Cleaning & Restoration to restore your home or business using advanced tools and proven methods. We bring back comfort, safety, and peace of mind with every restoration work. Proudly serving customers across six states, including Wheeling, Morgantown, Charleston, Pittsburgh, and Sarasota. Call now or click here to schedule your water damage restoration services today and start your recovery journey.
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