The Short Answer
Stop the water, document everything with photos, remove standing water, and start drying immediately with airflow and dehumidification. Damp materials that stay wet longer than 24 to 48 hours are at risk of mold growth, so speed matters more than anything else.
1. Stop the source
Shut off the water supply to the fixture or the whole house. For a roof leak, contain the drip and protect what is underneath. If water is near outlets or electrical panels, turn off power to that area before you go in.
2. Document before you clean
Take photos and video of the water, the source, and every affected room. Note the date and time. If you plan to file an insurance claim, this record is often the most useful thing you will have.
3. Remove water and start drying
Mop or vacuum standing water, pull up wet rugs, and move furniture off damp flooring. Run the air conditioning, add fans, and use a dehumidifier if you have one. In Florida, opening windows usually adds humidity rather than removing it.
4. Check where you cannot see
Water travels. It wicks up drywall, runs under flooring, and settles into cabinet bases and wall cavities. A surface that feels dry can still hold moisture underneath. This is where moisture meters and thermal imaging earn their keep.
When to call a mold assessor
- Water sat for more than a day or two before it was found.
- The leak was inside a wall, ceiling, or under flooring.
- You notice a musty odor in the days or weeks afterward.
- You want documentation for an insurance claim or a future sale.
What not to do
Avoid sealing up wet walls, painting over stains, or replacing flooring before the structure is confirmed dry. Covering moisture does not remove it, and it tends to resurface later as a larger and more expensive problem.