7 Water Damage Mistakes Salt Lake Homeowners Make (And How Your Handyman Can Fix Them Fast)
Water damage strikes Salt Lake Valley homes year-round, from burst pipes during those brutal January freezes to flash floods during summer storms. Whether you're dealing with a small leak in Sandy or major flooding in West Valley City, the mistakes homeowners make in those first critical hours can turn a manageable situation into a financial nightmare.
As a licensed B100 General Contractor serving the Salt Lake Valley, we've seen these same costly mistakes happen over and over. The good news? Many water damage disasters are preventable or can be significantly limited when you know what to avoid and act fast with the right help.
Mistake #1: Waiting "Just a Little Longer" to Call for Help
We get it, water damage feels overwhelming, and your first instinct might be to grab some towels and see if you can handle it yourself. But here's the thing: water doesn't wait. In just 24-48 hours, what started as a small leak can become a full-blown mold situation that costs thousands more to remediate.
Salt Lake Valley's dry climate might make you think water will evaporate quickly, but moisture gets trapped in walls, under flooring, and in insulation where you can't see it. That hidden moisture is where the real problems begin.
How professionals fix it fast: A licensed general contractor arrives with moisture detection equipment that identifies hidden water you can't see. We start extraction and drying immediately, preventing the damage from spreading deeper into your home's structure. Speed isn't just about convenience, it's about saving you money.
Mistake #2: Thinking Fans and Space Heaters Are Enough
Walking into a flooded basement and setting up a couple of box fans might feel productive, but household fans simply move air around, they don't actually remove moisture from materials. Worse, if you're not controlling humidity levels, you're just circulating damp air that can spread moisture to other areas of your home.
Space heaters create their own problems. Yes, heat speeds up evaporation, but without proper dehumidification, you're just creating a humid, warm environment that's perfect for mold growth.
How professionals fix it fast: Professional water damage restoration uses a balanced approach: commercial air movers, industrial dehumidifiers, and precise temperature control. We measure moisture levels in walls and flooring with specialized meters, ensuring everything reaches acceptable dryness levels before declaring the job complete.
Mistake #3: Ignoring Safety Hazards While Trying to "Just Clean It Up"
Water and electricity don't mix, but in the rush to start cleaning, many homeowners wade into standing water without considering electrical hazards. Floodwater can also contain sewage, chemicals, and bacteria: especially if it's coming from outside or backing up from drains. Cleaning up without proper precautions and equipment can lead to serious illness or injury.
How professionals fix it fast: Licensed contractors arrive equipped with proper safety gear and follow strict protocols for handling contaminated water. We identify water category based on its source and visible conditions and follow appropriate containment and sanitation protocols. We shut off electricity to affected areas and use appropriate cleaning and sanitizing procedures to protect your family's health.
Mistake #4: Forgetting to Document Everything for Insurance
In the chaos of water damage, many homeowners start throwing away damaged items or begin repairs before documenting the extent of damage. Then, when they file an insurance claim, they can't prove what was actually damaged or how severe the situation was.
This mistake can cost you thousands in denied claims or reduced payouts. Insurance companies need detailed documentation, and once you've cleaned up or thrown things away, that evidence is gone forever.
How professionals fix it fast: Professional restoration companies photograph and document all damage before beginning any work. We create detailed inventories of damaged items and structural issues, providing the documentation your insurance company needs for a smooth claims process.
Mistake #5: Rushing to Repair Before Everything's Actually Dry
It's natural to want your home back to normal as quickly as possible. Many homeowners start painting over damp drywall or installing new flooring before materials are completely dry. But moisture trapped behind fresh paint or under new flooring creates the perfect environment for mold and rot.
We've seen beautiful paint jobs start peeling within weeks and new hardwood floors warp because the subfloor wasn't properly dried first. These rushed repairs often end up costing more than doing it right the first time.
How professionals fix it fast: Professional general contractors use moisture meters to test all materials before beginning repairs. We don't just look at surfaces: we check inside walls, under flooring, and in other hidden areas to ensure everything meets industry-accepted moisture thresholds for dryness before any restoration work begins.
Mistake #6: Attempting DIY Cleanup Without Professional Equipment
Shop vacs and household cleaning supplies aren't designed for serious water damage. Hidden moisture inside walls, under flooring, and in insulation requires specialized equipment to detect and remove. Without proper tools, you'll miss moisture pockets that can cause problems for months or years down the road.
Plus, different types of water damage require different approaches. Clean water from a burst supply line needs different treatment than gray water from appliance overflow or black water from sewage backups.
How professionals fix it fast: Professional water damage restoration teams use use industrial-grade extraction equipment, thermal imaging cameras to detect hidden moisture, and air scrubbers to remove contaminants from the air. We follow IICRC standards for water damage restoration, ensuring nothing gets missed.
Mistake #7: Assuming Everything's Fine Once It Looks Dry
This might be the most costly mistake of all. Just because surfaces look dry doesn't mean moisture isn't lurking in hidden places. Mold can start growing inside walls or under flooring where you can't see it, creating health hazards and structural damage that won't become obvious until much later.
Salt Lake Valley's climate changes can also affect how materials dry. What looks dry on a warm day might still contain moisture that becomes problematic when temperatures drop.
How professionals fix it fast: Professional inspections include comprehensive moisture testing and follow-up monitoring. We check back to ensure moisture levels remain stable and address any issues before they become bigger problems.
Why Professional Help Protects Your Investment
Your home is likely your biggest investment, and water damage can seriously impact its value and safety. While the initial cost of professional restoration might seem high, it's almost always less expensive than dealing with mold remediation, structural repairs, and health issues down the road.
As a licensed and insured B100 General Contractor, Your Handyman Pros coordinates all phases of water damage restoration: from initial assessment and extraction to complete reconstruction. Our team includes individually licensed electricians, plumbers, and HVAC professionals who can address any systems affected by water damage.
We work throughout the Salt Lake Valley, including Sandy, West Valley City, Herriman, Bountiful, and surrounding areas in Davis, Wasatch, Summit, and Tooele counties. When water damage strikes, you need a team that can respond quickly and handle every aspect of restoration professionally.
Don't let these common mistakes turn your water damage into a long-term nightmare. For immediate assistance with water damage anywhere in the Salt Lake Valley, call Mike at 801-949-2376. We're a licensed and insured B100 General Contractor (Lic # 12888335-5501) ready to protect your home and your investment with professional restoration services you can trust.
