Fast, calm steps that protect your home, your air quality, and your budget

Water damage rarely looks “big” at first—until flooring cups, drywall swells, and mold begins to grow. The first 24–48 hours are the most important window for preventing long-term damage. This guide breaks down what Boise-area property owners should do immediately, what not to do, and when it’s time to bring in certified help for water damage restoration.
Why speed matters: When building materials stay wet, damage spreads by wicking and humidity. Mold can begin growing quickly in damp conditions, and federal public health guidance commonly emphasizes cleaning and drying wet items within 48–72 hours to prevent mold. (cdc.gov)

Step-by-step: What to do right away (before you start tearing things out)

1) Stop the source (if safe)

If the water is from a plumbing leak, shut off the nearest fixture valve or your home’s main shutoff. If water is near electrical outlets, a breaker panel, or appliances, prioritize safety—do not step into standing water to reach switches.

2) Protect people first: ventilation, PPE, and exposure control

If you see or smell mold—or suspect contaminated water—limit who enters the space. Public health guidance recommends using at least an N95 respirator, eye protection, and gloves for mold cleanup, and cautions that some people (asthma, COPD, immunocompromised) should not do mold cleanup themselves. (cdc.gov)

3) Document everything (especially for insurance)

Take wide and close photos/videos of every affected room, damaged items, and visible water lines. Save receipts for emergency purchases. FEMA guidance also commonly recommends keeping samples of damaged materials (like carpet or wallpaper) when possible for claims documentation. (fema.gov)

4) Begin controlled drying (without spreading moisture)

Use fans and dehumidifiers to reduce humidity, and promote airflow. If it’s safe and weather allows, open windows/doors for cross-ventilation. EPA notes mold can grow on materials like drywall, wood, carpet, and furniture if they remain wet for more than about 24 hours, so drying should start as soon as you can do it safely. (epa.gov)

5) Separate “salvageable” from “discard” items

Porous materials (padding, upholstered items, insulation, certain drywall) that have been wet for an extended period may not be realistically restorable. If flooding/contaminated water is involved, prioritize hygiene and exposure control and discard items that pose a health risk. (fema.gov)

What NOT to do after water damage

Don’t mix cleaning products. EPA warns against mixing cleaners or adding bleach to other chemicals—dangerous gases can form. (epa.gov)
Don’t run HVAC if it was exposed to floodwater. Guidance commonly notes submerged HVAC components can hold debris and microorganisms; have a qualified professional evaluate before use. (consumerreports.org)
Don’t use indoor generators. EPA emphasizes generator safety and carbon monoxide risk—keep generators outside and away from buildings. (epa.gov)
Don’t assume “it’ll dry on its own.” Hidden moisture inside wall cavities, under flooring, and behind baseboards is a common reason small leaks become large repairs.

A practical timeline: first hour, first day, first two days

Timeframe Your priorities What a restoration team typically does
First 0–1 hour Stop the source if safe, keep people out of hazards, take initial photos, start basic water containment (towels, buckets). Moisture mapping, safety assessment, extraction plan, equipment staging for airflow and dehumidification.
First 1–24 hours Document thoroughly, remove standing water if possible, begin controlled drying, separate salvageable items. High-volume extraction, targeted drying, dehumidification, containment if microbial growth is suspected.
24–48 hours Watch for odors, staining, swelling, and persistent humidity; avoid DIY demolition if asbestos/lead is possible. Ongoing monitoring, equipment adjustments, removal of unsalvageable materials, planning for repairs and rebuild.
Note: Mold prevention guidance commonly highlights drying/cleaning wet items within 48–72 hours when possible. (cdc.gov)

Quick “Did you know?” facts

Mold prevention is mostly moisture control.
If materials stay wet, mold is far more likely—drying fast is often the biggest cost-saver. (epa.gov)
Floodwater can affect indoor air quality.
EPA notes floodwater can make indoor air unhealthy and may contain bacteria or chemicals, not just “dirty water.” (epa.gov)
Insurance and assistance rules can surprise homeowners.
FEMA notes NFIP flood insurance policies typically do not cover mold damage, and encourages quick cleanup and documentation after flooding. (fema.gov)

Boise & Treasure Valley angle: why local response time matters

In Boise, Meridian, Nampa, Caldwell, Eagle, and across the Treasure Valley, water damage often comes from winter weather stress, frozen or burst pipes, roof leaks, and plumbing failures that spread fast through drywall and subfloors. The practical takeaway is simple: the longer moisture remains trapped, the more likely you’ll face structural repairs and microbial growth. A rapid on-site evaluation helps confirm where water traveled (including hidden cavities) and whether the situation involves special safety considerations like potential asbestos abatement or lead abatement before demolition or rebuild.
If you’re seeing warping floors, bubbling paint, musty odors, or recurring moisture, consider a professional assessment early—especially if the home is older or you’re planning a remodel where regulated materials may be present.

Need a fast assessment for water damage restoration in Boise?

Apex Restoration serves Boise, Meridian, and surrounding Treasure Valley communities with IICRC-certified technicians and rapid emergency response. If you’re not sure whether water is trapped behind walls or under floors, a professional moisture assessment can prevent expensive surprises later.

FAQ: Water damage restoration in Boise

How quickly do I need to dry out my home to prevent mold?

Guidance from CDC commonly recommends cleaning and drying wet items within 48–72 hours to help prevent mold growth, and EPA notes mold can grow on certain materials if they remain wet for more than about 24 hours. The safest plan is to start drying immediately and verify moisture levels, including hidden areas. (cdc.gov)

Is it okay to clean mold myself?

For small areas, some homeowners choose DIY cleanup, but CDC cautions that people with asthma, chronic lung conditions, immune suppression, or allergies should not participate in mold cleanup. At minimum, use protective gear like a NIOSH-approved N95 and gloves, and avoid exposure. (cdc.gov)

Can I use bleach to kill mold?

CDC guidance includes a bleach-and-water option for certain cleanup situations and emphasizes safety: use no more than 1 cup of bleach per 1 gallon of water, and never mix bleach with ammonia or other cleaners. (cdc.gov)

Do I need to call a professional if it’s “just a small leak”?

If water reached drywall, insulation, subflooring, or you notice persistent humidity/musty odor after drying efforts, a professional moisture inspection can confirm whether water is trapped. Hidden moisture is one of the most common reasons repairs expand weeks later.

What should I do for insurance documentation?

Photograph damage, keep receipts, and avoid discarding everything before you’ve captured evidence. FEMA guidance commonly suggests keeping samples of certain damaged materials when possible (like carpet or flooring) to support claims. (fema.gov)

Glossary (plain-English)

Dehumidification
Reducing moisture in the air so wet materials can dry faster and mold is less likely to grow.
Moisture mapping
Using meters/thermal tools to find where water traveled—especially behind walls, under floors, and inside cabinets.
Porous materials
Materials that soak up water (carpet padding, drywall, insulation). These can hold moisture and odors even after surfaces look dry.
PPE (Personal Protective Equipment)
Safety gear like an N95 respirator, gloves, and eye protection used to reduce exposure to mold, dust, and contaminants. (cdc.gov)