What Not to Do After Water Damage in Your Home: 6 Mistakes That Delay Recovery

What not to do after water damage? When water damage hits your home, whether from a broken pipe, heavy rain, or appliance malfunction, your first reaction might be to grab a mop and start cleaning. While quick action is important, doing the wrong thing can actually make the situation worse. Some well-intended actions can put your health at risk, cause further damage to your property, or even delay the water damage restoration process.

At Texas Certified Restoration, we’ve seen firsthand how small mistakes after a water emergency can lead to big problems. That’s why we want to help you understand what to avoid when disaster strikes.

Can I Clean up Water Damage Myself, or Should I Call a Professional? What Not to Do After Water Damage

Here’s how you should handle the aftermath of water damage in your home:

Avoid the Use of Electrical Appliances in Wet Areas

It might seem like a good idea to plug in a fan or vacuum to start drying things out, but using electrical appliances around standing water is extremely dangerous. You could risk an electric shock or start a fire, so always make sure to wait until a professional gives the all-clear before using any plugged-in devices.

Don't Walk Over the Flooded Areas

Water-damaged floors can be unstable and slippery, and you could easily get hurt. Wood can warp, and carpeting can bubble or loosen from the subfloor. If you must enter a wet area, wear rubber boots and be extra cautious.

Be Aware of the Lingering Issues 

Even if things “look dry” after a leak or flood, don’t be so sure that all moisture is gone. It can still be present in your walls, floors, and insulation, and ignoring the problem can lead to mold growth, which is one of the first signs of water damage. On top of that, moisture can cause structural issues, and increased restoration costs down the road.

Tackle the Damage Immediately

Water damage gets worse the longer it sits. In as little as 24–48 hours, mold can begin to grow. The longer water is left untreated, the more damage it can cause to your home and belongings. Delaying restoration services can also complicate insurance claims and increase out-of-pocket repair costs, so make sure to follow these emergency water damage cleanup steps.

Don’t Try to Clean Mold Yourself

If you start to see or smell mold, don’t try to scrub it away with bleach. If you don’t treat the mold the right way, it can release spores into the air, which could affect your health and spread the problem to other parts of the home. In these cases, always call a certified water damage expert to professionally handle any mold issues that appear after a leak or flood.

Check if It’s Covered by Insurance

While many types of water damage are covered by insurance, not all of them are. Waiting too long to contact your provider, or failing to document the damage properly, can make your claim harder to process. Take photos, note the time the damage occurred, and get in touch with both your insurance company and a licensed restoration contractor as soon as possible.

How Texas Certified Restoration Can Help

At Texas Certified Restoration, we provide 24/7 emergency water damage restoration services throughout the Greater Austin area. Our team is trained, licensed, and equipped to handle any size water disaster and any of the causes of water damage, from burst pipes and overflowing toilets to major flooding.

Here’s what you can expect when you call us:

• Fast emergency response to prevent further damage
• Safe water extraction and drying with professional equipment
• Moisture detection using advanced tools
• Mold prevention and cleanup if needed
• Help with insurance claims and documentation

We understand how stressful water damage can be, and we’re here to restore your home and your peace of mind with quality service and clear communication.

Call Texas Certified Restoration Now for Trusted Water Damage Help!

The longer you wait, the more damage water can do. If you’re dealing with a water emergency in your home, don’t take chances. Call the experts at Texas Certified Restoration at (512) 883-6760 for fast, safe, and professional water damage restoration services in the Austin area, or send us a message through this online form. Let us help you get back to normal safely and quickly!