Rochester Restoration has helped tons of homeowners and business owners all over Rochester, NY bounce back from water damage. We’ve seen it all, from burst pipes and basement floods to storm damage and leaky appliances, and everything in between. Every water damage situation is unique, but we’ve noticed a common thread: the time right after the damage is super important, and mistakes made then can really make things worse.
Water damage can be stressful, overwhelming, and disorienting. It’s completely understandable that people aren’t always sure what to do next. That’s why we want to share some of the most common mistakes we see after a water damage event so you can avoid them, act quickly, and protect your property (and your wallet) from further harm.
Key Takeaways
- Don’t delay—call a water damage restoration company immediately to reduce damage and costs
- DIY cleanup often misses hidden water—use professional drying and moisture detection equipment
- Notify your insurance company right away—document everything before cleanup
- Don’t throw items away prematurely—take photos for insurance claims
- Hidden damage is common—get a full moisture inspection to avoid future mold or structural issues
- Mold grows fast—if you see or smell anything unusual, call a mold remediation expert
- Always hire certified professionals—look for IICRC certification and insurance experience
- Drying isn’t the end—disinfection, repairs, and monitoring are essential steps
- Prevent it from happening again—take preventative maintenance seriously
Waiting Too Long to Take Action
One of the biggest mistakes we see is waiting too long to address the water damage. Whether it’s due to shock, uncertainty, or simply underestimating the severity of the situation, hesitation can lead to serious consequences.
What happens when you wait?
Water continues to soak into walls, flooring, insulation, and belongings. The longer it sits, the deeper the damage goes. Mold can begin growing in as little as 24–48 hours, and what could’ve been a minor cleanup turns into a major remediation project.
What to do instead:
Call a professional restoration company like Rochester Restoration right away. Even if you’re not sure how bad the damage is, it’s better to have a professional assessment sooner rather than later. Time is everything when it comes to water.
Attempting DIY Cleanup Without the Right Equipment
Some people want to roll up their sleeves and handle things themselves. While we totally understand this, mopping up visible water isn’t enough. Water can hide beneath surfaces, behind walls, and under flooring, where it continues to cause damage long after it seems like things are dry.
What’s the risk?
Improper drying leads to hidden mold growth, wood rot, structural issues, and potential health hazards. Standard fans and shop vacs just don’t cut it when it comes to deep structural drying.
Our recommendation:
Use professional-grade drying equipment like air movers, dehumidifiers, and moisture meters to ensure every inch of affected space is thoroughly dried. At Rochester Restoration, we use state-of-the-art tools to detect hidden moisture and dry everything out safely and completely.
Not Calling Your Insurance Company Promptly
Many people aren’t sure if they should file a claim, or they wait too long to notify their insurer. This can cause delays in coverage, or worse, denial of your claim entirely.
Why it matters:
Insurance companies often have specific time frames for reporting water damage. If you wait too long or fail to document things properly, you may lose out on coverage.
How to handle it:
Contact your insurance provider as soon as possible. Document the damage with photos and videos. Keep a record of what was damaged and any repairs you begin. And remember, Rochester Restoration can work directly with your insurance company to make the process easier for you.
Throwing Away Damaged Items Too Quickly
It’s tempting to start cleaning up by tossing out soggy carpets, furniture, or personal items. But hold off, especially before documenting the damage.
Why this is a problem:
Your insurance adjuster may need to see those items as part of your claim. If you toss them too soon, it may affect your reimbursement.
What to do instead:
Take clear photos of all damaged items before moving or disposing of anything. Whenever possible, keep items until your adjuster has had a chance to evaluate them. We also help document everything during our mitigation process so your claim is fully supported.
Overlooking Hidden Damage
Water has a sneaky way of traveling where you don’t expect it. That small puddle in the hallway might’ve soaked into the baseboards, subfloor, or drywall in adjacent rooms.
Why it’s dangerous:
Even small amounts of trapped moisture can lead to major mold and structural issues down the road. Just because it looks dry doesn’t mean it is.
What we recommend:
Get a professional moisture inspection. At Rochester Restoration, we use thermal imaging cameras and non-invasive moisture meters to track water migration and ensure nothing is overlooked. Our goal is to prevent long-term damage and future problems.
Ignoring Signs of Mold Growth
We can’t stress this enough—mold is not something to ignore. If you see or smell something musty after a water event, take it seriously. Mold grows quickly and can have serious health implications, especially for children, the elderly, and anyone with allergies or respiratory issues.
Common signs of mold:
- Musty or earthy odors
- Visible discoloration on walls, ceilings, or flooring
- Increased allergy symptoms indoors
What to do:
Call a certified mold remediation professional. Don’t just spray bleach or paint over the area, because that doesn’t solve the underlying moisture problem. Rochester Restoration offers comprehensive mold removal and remediation to keep your space safe and clean.
Not Hiring a Certified Restoration Professional
When you’re de aling with water damage, hiring the cheapest or quickest option may cost you more in the long run. Not all restoration companies are created equal, and unqualified work can leave you with ongoing issues.
What to look for:
- IICRC-certified professionals
- Transparent processes and estimates
- Experience with insurance claims
- Reputation and reviews
Why choose Rochester Restoration?
We’re a trusted local company with years of experience handling water damage of all sizes. Our team is trained, certified, and committed to getting your property back to pre-loss condition with honesty and care.
Assuming the Problem Is Solved Once the Water Is Gone
We often see homeowners breathe a sigh of relief once the visible water is removed, but that’s only part of the job. Restoration doesn’t end when things “look” dry.
What still needs to happen:
- Structural drying
- Sanitizing affected areas
- Checking for mold or secondary damage
- Repairs and reconstruction if needed
Why it matters:
Skipping these steps can lead to odor problems, future mold growth, and weakened structures. Our team always performs a full restoration plan, including cleaning, disinfecting, monitoring, and repairing.
Skipping Preventative Maintenance Afterward
Once the mess is cleaned up, many people move on without thinking about how to prevent water damage in the future. Unfortunately, it can happen again, especially if the cause wasn’t fully addressed.
Tips for prevention:
- Get plumbing and roofing systems inspected
- Install sump pumps and water alarms
- Keep gutters clear
- Seal foundation cracks
- Maintain appliances and hoses
At Rochester Restoration, we’re happy to walk you through proactive steps you can take to avoid a repeat experience.
We’re Here to Help Every Step of the Way
At Rochester Restoration, we understand how overwhelming water damage can be. But you don’t have to go through it alone. Our team is here to help you recover quickly, safely, and completely. From emergency response and water removal to full restoration and insurance support, we’ve got you covered.
If you’re dealing with a water damage emergency or want to be prepared before one happens, reach out to Rochester Restoration today. We’re proud to serve our Rochester, NY community with honest service and expert care. Let’s get your property (and your peace of mind) back on track.
