# Cleaning up after a water leak: what to do first Updated: 2026-10-24 ยท https://pros411.com/en/guides/house-cleaning/cleaning-up-after-a-water-leak ## Short answer Close the main water valve first. If water reached outlets, cords or appliances, stay out of it. Turn off that power at the breaker panel only from a dry floor, or call an electrician. Take photos for insurance, then remove the water with a mop and a wet vacuum. Pull up wet rugs and run fans and a dehumidifier: everything should be dry within 24 to 48 hours to prevent mold. > Safety first: Do not walk into standing water that touches outlets, cords or appliances. Turn off power to the wet area at the breaker panel only if you can reach it from a dry floor; if not, call your utility or an electrician. Sewage or flood water carries germs: leave it to a restoration company. Mold over a large area also needs a pro. ## What to do after a water leak ![Cartoon rug soaked by a leaking pipe in the living room, a yellow glove closing the main water valve](https://pros411.com/img/guias/cleaning-up-after-a-water-leak.webp) 1. **Water on the floor? Close the main valve.** The main water valve is often where the water line enters the house. Close it to stop the leak while you clean. 2. **Power off, only from a dry spot.** Water near outlets or cords? Stay out of it. Turn off that circuit at the breaker panel only while standing on a dry floor. 3. **Photos first, then get the water out.** Photos and video for insurance. Then a mop and a wet/dry vacuum. Move furniture off the wet floor. 4. **Pull up wet rugs, run fans.** Lift wet rugs and cushions. Fans and a dehumidifier run day and night, with windows open if the air outside is dry. 5. **Dry within 24 to 48 hours.** That is how fast mold can start. Wet drywall, carpet pad or insulation that will not dry in time usually has to come out. ## What not to do - Do not use a regular vacuum on water. Only a wet/dry vacuum. - Do not turn on ceiling lights or fans if water came through the ceiling. - Do not clean up sewage or flood water yourself: call a restoration company. - Do not mix bleach with other cleaners when you disinfect. ## Clean and disinfect Once the water is out, wash hard floors and baseboards with soap and water and let them dry. Throw away things that stayed wet and cannot be cleaned, like cardboard boxes. If you disinfect, use one product and follow its label. Wash wet clothes, towels and bedding in hot water. ## Mold after a leak A musty smell or spots on the walls days later means something stayed wet. Small spots, under about 10 square feet, you can clean with soap and water while wearing gloves. Larger areas, or mold inside walls or ceilings, need a pro. ## When to call a house cleaner - The water came from a sewer backup or a flood, or it got into walls, ceilings or under the flooring. - Water touched outlets, cords, appliances or the electrical panel. - Things are still wet after 48 hours, or the room smells musty. - Mold covers more than about 10 square feet. - The leak itself is not fixed: call a plumber. Find house cleaning in your city: https://pros411.com/en/house-cleaning ## Frequently asked questions ### How fast does mold grow after a water leak? Mold can start growing in 24 to 48 hours. The EPA advises drying wet materials within that time to prevent it. ### Can I clean up water damage myself? A small leak of clean water on a hard floor, yes. Call a restoration company for sewage, flood water, water inside walls or ceilings, or anything still wet after 48 hours. ### Is it safe to walk in water from a leak? Not if it touches outlets, cords, appliances or the electrical panel. Stay out and turn off the power from a dry spot, or call your utility or an electrician. ### Does homeowners insurance cover water leaks? Often it covers sudden leaks, like a burst pipe, but not slow leaks or flooding. Take photos before you clean and call your insurer early. ### How do I dry wet carpet fast? Pull out as much water as you can with a wet/dry vacuum, then run fans and a dehumidifier day and night. If the pad is still wet after a day or two, a restoration pro can dry or replace it. ## Sources - [EPA: Mold Cleanup in Your Home](https://www.epa.gov/mold/mold-cleanup-your-home) - [EPA: A Brief Guide to Mold, Moisture, and Your Home](https://www.epa.gov/mold/brief-guide-mold-moisture-and-your-home)