Water damage is severe when it reaches the structure, involves contaminated water, covers a large area or has already grown mold. Minor damage stays on the surface and dries quickly. Use the checklist below to decide if you can handle it or need a professional today.
Quick self-check
Answer these questions. One "yes" means it is time to call a professional.
- Is the ceiling sagging or bulging?
- Do floors feel soft, spongy or uneven?
- Did the water come from a toilet, sewer line or outside floodwater?
- Has the area been wet for more than 48 hours?
- Is there visible mold larger than about 10 square feet?
- Did water reach outlets, the electrical panel or appliances?
- Has the water spread across more than one room?
Minor or severe? Side by side
| Usually minor | Usually severe | |
|---|---|---|
| Area | One spot, a few square feet | Several rooms or a whole floor |
| Water source | Clean supply line or sink | Sewage, toilet with waste, floodwater |
| Materials | Tile, sealed concrete, hard surfaces | Drywall, insulation, carpet pad, subfloor |
| Time wet | Found and dried within hours | Wet 48 hours or longer |
| Mold | None | Visible growth or a strong musty smell |
| Structure | Surface stains only | Sagging, soft or warped ceilings and floors |
What you can handle yourself
Small clean-water spills on hard floors can usually be handled with towels, fans and a dehumidifier. The EPA says a moldy area under about 10 square feet can usually be cleaned yourself. Watch the spot for a few days. If a stain grows or a smell appears, the water went further than you thought.
When to call a professional
Call the same day if anything on the checklist applies. Severe damage gets worse quickly: wet drywall and insulation hold water, contaminated water spreads bacteria and mold can start within 24 to 48 hours. A professional can measure moisture inside walls and floors, so nothing is missed.
Start with emergency water extraction to get the water out, then water damage restoration for drying and repairs. To see how professionals classify damage, read what is considered severe water damage.