DIY Water Mitigation: Why It’s Harder Than You Think (and When to Call a Professional)
Water damage can happen in a moment — a burst pipe, roof leak, or storm intrusion — and suddenly your floors, walls, and belongings are soaked. It’s natural to want to handle it yourself, but here’s the truth: proper water mitigation is a science, not just mops and fans.
Below is what it really takes to perform water mitigation the right way — and why calling a certified restoration professional can save you time, stress, and money.
Step 1: Stop the Water — If You Can
First, you have to find and stop the source:
- Main shutoff valve (often buried near the curb).
- Pressure lines inside walls or slabs (which require tools and knowledge to isolate).
- Electrical safety checks before you even enter standing water.
⚠️ One wrong step and you can risk electrical shock or secondary flooding. Professionals have thermal cameras and moisture meters to pinpoint leaks safely.
Step 2: Document Everything for Insurance
Before you even begin cleanup, you must:
- Take detailed photos and videos of every area.
- Record the cause of loss and materials affected.
- File an insurance claim properly to ensure coverage.
Most homeowners forget this step — and insurance companies often deny claims without proper documentation.
Our team handles this documentation for you, using industry software like MICA and Xactimate, so you’re fully covered.
Step 3: Extract All Standing Water
DIY water removal sounds easy, but it’s not.
- Consumer vacuums don’t extract deep moisture trapped in carpet pads or concrete pores.
- Water left behind can wick into walls and insulation within hours.
- You’ll need truck-mounted extractors and weighted wands to truly remove water at the professional level.
If even 10% of moisture is left, mold can start growing within 24–48 hours.
Step 4: Tear Out Wet Materials
Professionals know what to remove and what can stay:
- Drywall and insulation usually need to be cut 12–24 inches above the wet line.
- OSB, baseboards, and carpet pads can’t be salvaged after Category 2 or 3 water exposure.
- Disposal requires PPE, containment, and proper waste handling.
These decisions come from IICRC S500 standards — the same national standard that insurance companies use.
Most DIY jobs miss hidden moisture, causing future mold and insurance disputes.
Step 5: Structural Drying and Monitoring
This is the most technical step:
- You’ll need multiple air movers, dehumidifiers, and moisture mapping equipment.
- You’ll have to check daily readings until materials reach target moisture levels (wood ≤15%, drywall ≤16%).
- Improper setup can cause condensation, secondary damage, or wasted electricity.
Professionals calculate airflow and equipment placement scientifically.
We even document drying logs daily for adjusters — something homeowners rarely have time or tools for.
Step 6: Cleaning, Sanitizing, and Mold Prevention
Once dry, everything must be disinfected using EPA-registered antimicrobials and HEPA vacuums.
This isn’t just cleaning — it’s infection control.
Without this step, even “clean water” losses can lead to odor, bacteria, and mold within days.
The Real Question: Is DIY Worth It?
Let’s be honest:
Water mitigation looks simple on YouTube — but once you realize how many steps, tools, and safety measures are involved, most homeowners say,
“Forget it. I just want it done right.”
And that’s where Kingship Restoration Services comes in.
We’re certified in IICRC S500 water mitigation and S520 mold remediation, use advanced drying equipment, and handle all insurance documentation start to finish.
The Kingship Difference
- Licensed & insured restoration professionals.
- 24/7 emergency response in Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Maricopa County.
- Full documentation for insurance adjusters.
- Advanced structural drying, moisture detection, and mold prevention.
- Compassionate service that treats your home like our own.
Don’t take chances with mold, hidden damage, or denied insurance claims. Let the experts handle it — we’ll restore your home safely and completely.
- www.kingshipwaterremoval.com
- in**@*****************on.com
- (623)777-5896