How to Fix Water Damage: The Complete Step-by-Step Guide for Vancouver & BC Homeowners

Safety First

Electricity: If water is near outlets/appliances, switch off breakers to affected areas before entering.
PPE: Wear gloves, rubber boots, and an N95/respirator especially if the source is unknown or grey/black water.
Ceilings: Stay clear of bulging ceilings; they can collapse. Pierce only after power is off and a container is ready.
Children & pets: Keep them out of the work zone.

Stop the Water at the Source

Shut off supply: Close the main valve (usually near the water meter) or the fixture valve (toilets, sinks, hot-water tank).
Roof/Storm leaks: Cover with a tarp temporarily, reconnect downspout extensions, clear exterior drains.
Sewer backup: Treat as contaminated; avoid contact and call a pro immediately.

Know Your Water & Damage Levels

Water categories (by contamination)

Category 1 (Clean): Supply lines, rain through intact roof. Lower risk.
Category 2 (Grey): Dishwasher, washing machine, aquariums. Contains soils/chemicals.
Category 3 (Black): Sewage, river/groundwater, long-standing water. High risk professional remediation required.

Extent (how wet, how far)

Light: Surface wetting, minimal wicking into walls.
Moderate: Carpets/pads saturated; drywall wicked up 5–30 cm (2–12").
Heavy/Widespread: Multiple rooms, ceilings, insulation, subfloors saturated.

Step-by-Step Timeline (0–7 Days)

First 60 minutes

Kill the power to affected circuits, stop the leak, and move valuables to a dry area.
Extract standing water: wet/dry vac, squeegee, or pump.
Pull baseboards gently; this lets wall cavities breathe.
Start air movement (fans/air movers) and a dehumidifier ASAP.

Hours 1–24

Remove and discard saturated pads (carpet pads act like sponges).
Open cavities: if drywall is wet at the base, score and remove 5–30 cm (2–12") to create a “flood cut.”
Set containment (plastic sheeting) if any area smells musty or if water is Category 2/3.
Clean and apply antimicrobial to hard surfaces after extraction.

Day 2–3

Run air movers 24/7, position to create circular airflow across surfaces.
Dehumidify continuously; empty reservoirs or plumb to drain.
Measure moisture twice daily; adjust equipment until readings trend down.

Day 4–7

When materials reach target moisture (see below), remove equipment.
Re-install insulation/drywall, mud/tape, prime, and paint.
Replace baseboards/flooring as needed. Consider upgraded water-resistant materials in wet-prone zones.

Mold clock: Microbial growth can start within 24–48 hours. Prompt extraction and dehumidification are critical. If an area smells earthy/musty or growth is visible, pause rebuild and address it before closing walls. For help, call +1 604-800-3900 or see Mold Remediation.

Tools & Materials You’ll Need

Here’s a practical table of the gear most homeowners use during water-damage cleanup. Quantities depend on room size and how wet things are.

Item	What It Does	How to Use	Pro Tips
Wet/Dry Vacuum	Removes standing water quickly	Vacuum puddles, empty tank frequently	Use a squeegee attachment on smooth floors
Submersible Pump	Pumps out deep water	Place at lowest point, route hose outdoors	Check hose slope; avoid kinks
Air Movers / High-Velocity Fans	Speeds evaporation at surfaces	Aim along walls, not at them; create circular airflow	Plan ~1 unit per 100–150 sq ft plus hallways
Dehumidifier (L or pint/day)	Pulls moisture from air to finish drying	Run continuously, keep doors/windows closed	Drain to sink/floor drain to avoid overflow
Moisture Meter	Measures moisture in drywall/wood	Check the wettest area and compare to “dry” rooms	Log readings daily to track progress
Hygrometer	Reads room humidity	Keep RH under ~50% during drying	Place away from direct airflow
Utility Knife & Pry Bar	Removes baseboards, cuts flood-cuts	Score bead of caulk first, pry gently	Label trim for easy re-install
6-mil Poly Sheeting & Tape	Builds containment; protects items	Seal doorways to control dust and spores	Add a zipper door for easy access
Antimicrobial Cleaner	Disinfects hard surfaces after extraction	Apply, dwell per label, wipe dry	Never mix bleach with ammonia products
HEPA Vacuum / Air Scrubber	Captures fine particles and spores	Run during demolition/cleanup	Use true HEPA filters (sealed units)
Fans & Space Heaters (with care)	Supplement drying in cool rooms	Keep safe clearance; avoid closed, unvented flame heaters	Do not overheat; warm + dry air is best
PPE (Gloves, Boots, N95/Respirator, Goggles)	Protects you during cleanup	Wear for extraction, demolition, and chemicals	Upgrade to full respirator for Category 3

Drying Targets & Verification

Relative Humidity (RH): Aim for under ~50% in the affected rooms.
Wood framing/subfloors: Target ~12–16% moisture content or equal to unaffected areas.
Drywall: Should test “dry” compared with an undamaged area before closing walls.
Odour & visual: No musty smell; no visible staining/dampness.

Don’t rush rebuild. Trapped moisture = future mold or finish failure.

DIY vs. Pro When to Call VR Plus Restoration

Call now if water is contaminated (sewage/groundwater), ceilings are sagging, multiple rooms are saturated, or sensitive occupants are present.
DIY may be fine for small, clean leaks caught early (e.g., supply-line drip) in a single room.
Time matters: If you can’t extract and start dehumidification within 24 hours, call us.

We provide 24/7 extraction, structural drying, mold remediation, and full repairs across Metro Vancouver and BC. Free advice & estimates: +1 604-800-3900.

Insurance & Documentation

Take photos/videos of the source and all damaged areas.
Save receipts for equipment, materials, and emergency work.
Log readings (humidity, moisture) daily during drying.
Report promptly if the loss may be covered (sudden/accidental events).
We help with scopes, moisture logs, and communication to streamline the claim.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does drying take?: Small clean-water leaks can dry in 24–72 hours with the right equipment. Larger losses or cold, damp rooms may take 3–7 days or more.
Can fans alone fix water damage?: Fans help, but without dehumidification you may just move humid air around. Combine high-velocity air movement with dehumidifiers.
Do I have to remove baseboards and cut drywall?: Often yes. Baseboards trap moisture; flood cuts let cavities dry quickly and prevent mold.
Can laminate or hardwood be saved?: It depends on time, saturation level, and construction. Engineered wood fares better than solid hardwood; laminate usually fails when swollen.
When does mold start?: Growth can begin within 24–48 hours in warm, moist conditions. If you smell mustiness or see spots, address it before closing walls.

Water Damage