Water damage can happen suddenly. A burst pipe, leaking roof, overflowing appliance, storm, or flooding can leave your home with soaked carpets, wet flooring, damaged walls and hidden moisture.

Knowing what to do after water damage can help limit further property damage and reduce the risk of mould developing. The most important thing is to act safely and start the drying process as soon as possible.

If your property has experienced significant water damage, professional water damage restoration can help assess the affected areas, remove standing water, dry materials and identify moisture that may not be visible.

1. Make Safety Your First Priority

Before entering or cleaning a water-damaged area, make sure it is safe.

Water and electricity can be extremely dangerous. If there is standing water near electrical outlets, appliances, switches or wiring, do not enter the area until it has been assessed by a qualified professional.

After flooding, there may also be contaminated water, damaged building materials or structural hazards.

If you are unsure whether an area is safe, stay out and seek professional assistance.

2. Stop the Source of the Water

If possible and safe to do so, stop the source of the water.

For example, you may need to:

• Turn off the main water supply after a burst pipe.
• Stop a leaking appliance.
• Arrange urgent plumbing repairs.
• Cover or repair a roof leak when it can be done safely.
• Contact the appropriate emergency service following a storm or flood.

Stopping the source quickly can prevent additional water from entering the property.

3. Document the Damage

Before removing damaged items or beginning major cleanup, take photographs and videos of the affected areas.

Document:

• Wet carpets and flooring
• Damaged walls and ceilings
• Water stains
• Damaged furniture
• Affected appliances
• Standing water
• Visible mould
• The apparent source of the water

If you have insurance, contact your insurer and follow its instructions before starting major repairs. The Insurance Council of Australia recommends documenting water damage with photographs and videos as part of the immediate response.

4. Remove Standing Water

Standing water should be dealt with as quickly and safely as possible.

Depending on the amount of water involved, this may require:

• Wet vacuums
• Water extraction equipment
• Pumps
• Professional water extraction services

Removing visible water is only the beginning. Water can remain underneath carpets, carpet underlay, flooring, skirting boards and inside wall cavities.

This is why professional water damage restoration may be necessary after significant flooding or leaks.

5. Start Drying the Property

Once the area is safe, begin reducing moisture and increasing airflow.

Depending on the conditions, this can include:

• Opening doors and windows when appropriate.
• Using fans to improve airflow.
• Using dehumidifiers.
• Using an air conditioner on dry mode where suitable.
• Moving removable wet items to a dry, ventilated location.

Australian health authorities recommend drying water-affected areas quickly and using ventilation, fans or air conditioning on dry mode where appropriate.

However, simply making a room feel dry does not necessarily mean that the building materials underneath are dry.

6. Check Carpets and Flooring Carefully

Carpets can absorb a significant amount of water. Moisture may also become trapped underneath the carpet and in the underlay.

If carpet has been affected by water damage, it may require professional extraction and drying.

Australian guidance notes that water-damaged carpet should be dried promptly, with extraction and dehumidification used where appropriate.

Do not assume that a carpet is dry simply because the surface feels dry. Moisture underneath the carpet can continue causing problems.

7. Look for Hidden Water Damage

Not all water damage is immediately visible.

Check for signs such as:

• Damp or discoloured walls
• Swollen skirting boards
• Bubbling or peeling paint
• Musty smells
• Damp carpet
• Warped flooring
• Moisture around cabinets
• Water stains on ceilings
• Persistent condensation

Hidden moisture can create an environment where mould develops. Government guidance recommends identifying and fixing moisture sources rather than simply treating visible mould.

Professional restoration technicians can use moisture detection equipment to help identify affected areas that may not be obvious during a visual inspection.

8. Watch for Signs of Mould

One of the biggest concerns following water damage is mould.

Mould can develop when moisture remains trapped in materials or indoor areas for too long. Signs may include:

• Musty or earthy smells
• Black, green, white or other visible growth
• Discolouration
• Damp patches
• Mould around windows or ceilings
• Recurring mould after cleaning

The Australian CDC recommends addressing water-damaged materials and moisture problems and keeping indoor spaces clean, dry and well ventilated.

If mould is extensive, keeps returning or is connected to a larger moisture problem, professional assessment may be appropriate.

9. Avoid Rushing Into DIY Repairs

It can be tempting to start replacing flooring, painting walls or throwing away damaged items immediately.

However, major repairs should generally wait until the extent and source of the water damage have been properly assessed.

Removing visible damage without addressing hidden moisture can allow problems to continue behind walls, beneath flooring or under carpets.

If you have an insurance claim, speak with your insurer about its requirements before undertaking major repairs.

10. Contact a Professional Water Damage Restoration Service

For significant water damage, professional restoration can make the recovery process more manageable.

A professional restoration process may involve:

1. Inspecting the affected property.
2. Identifying the source and extent of water damage.
3. Removing standing water.
4. Extracting water from carpets and other materials.
5. Setting up drying equipment.
6. Monitoring moisture levels.
7. Identifying areas at risk of mould.
8. Cleaning affected surfaces and belongings where appropriate.
9. Restoring affected areas.

Professional water damage restoration practices commonly focus on assessment, extraction, drying and restoration.

How Quickly Should Water Damage Be Addressed?

The sooner water damage is assessed and drying begins, the better.

However, the exact drying time depends on factors such as:

• How much water entered the property
• How long materials were exposed
• The type of water involved
• Temperature and humidity
• Ventilation
• The materials affected
• Whether moisture has become trapped

Carpet, underlay, plasterboard, insulation and other porous materials can be particularly difficult to restore if they remain wet.

When Should You Call a Professional?

Consider professional help when:

• There is extensive standing water.
• Water has entered walls or flooring.
• Carpets and underlay are heavily saturated.
• The source of the leak is unclear.
• Floodwater has entered the property.
• There is visible or suspected mould.
• A large area of the property is affected.
• You cannot safely dry the affected materials yourself.
• You notice persistent damp or musty smells.

Professional assessment can help identify moisture that may otherwise remain hidden.

Protect Your Home From Future Water Damage

After the immediate problem has been resolved, take steps to reduce the chance of another incident.

Regularly check:

• Plumbing connections
• Washing machine hoses
• Hot water systems
• Roofs and gutters
• Bathrooms
• Air conditioning systems
• Windows and doors
• Areas around appliances

Fix leaks promptly and clean up spills as soon as possible. Keeping your property dry and controlling moisture is also an important part of mould prevention.

Final Thoughts

Water damage can affect much more than what you can see. Moisture can become trapped beneath carpets, inside walls and underneath flooring, potentially leading to further damage and mould.

If your property has experienced flooding, a burst pipe, a major leak or another water-related incident, acting quickly is important.

For significant damage, professional water damage restoration can help with water extraction, drying, moisture assessment and the restoration process.

Need help after water damage? Contact Dyeing Carpet to discuss your restoration needs and get professional assistance with your water-damaged property.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do immediately after water damage?

First, make sure the property is safe, stop the water source if possible, document the damage, contact your insurer if applicable, remove standing water safely and begin drying the affected area.

How long does it take for water damage to dry?

Drying time varies depending on the amount of water, affected materials, temperature, humidity and ventilation. Professional drying equipment can help speed up the process and monitor moisture levels.

Can water-damaged carpet be saved?

Sometimes. The outcome depends on the type and amount of water, how long the carpet has been wet, the condition of the carpet and whether it can be properly extracted and dried. Professional assessment can help determine whether restoration is appropriate.

Can water damage cause mould?

Yes. Persistent moisture can create conditions that support mould growth. Drying water-damaged areas and addressing the underlying moisture source are important steps in preventing mould.

Do I need professional water damage restoration?

Not every small spill requires professional restoration. However, significant flooding, extensive saturation, hidden moisture, contaminated water or damage affecting carpets, walls and flooring may require professional assessment and restoration.