A fast, practical playbook for Boise homeowners dealing with leaks, floods, and surprise water intrusion

Water moves quickly—under flooring, into drywall, and behind baseboards—often long before the damage looks “serious.” The goal in the first 24–48 hours is simple: stop the source, protect safety, document the loss, and dry correctly. Done right, you can reduce structural damage, limit mold growth, and make the insurance process smoother.

Why the first 24–48 hours matter

Water damage isn’t just “wet carpet.” Moisture wicks upward in drywall, spreads through insulation, and can seep below tile or hardwood. If materials remain wet, microbial growth becomes more likely. Federal guidance for flood cleanup notes that mold can grow on building materials if they remain wet for more than about 24 hours, which is why prompt drying and dehumidification are so important. (epa.gov)
Rule of thumb: Anything that was wet and can’t be cleaned and dried completely within 24–48 hours should be evaluated for removal—especially porous materials like carpet padding, drywall paper-facing, and insulation. (cdc.gov)

Step-by-step: what to do right away

1) Make it safe before you touch anything

If water is near outlets, a panel, appliances, or ceiling fixtures, avoid entering the area until power safety is confirmed. For flood-related events, use generator safety practices—generators belong outside and away from openings to avoid carbon monoxide risks. (epa.gov)

2) Stop the source (or reduce it fast)

Shut off the water supply if a pipe, supply line, or appliance is leaking. If the source is roof intrusion or snowmelt, focus on temporary containment (buckets, towels, plastic sheeting) until repairs can be made. The goal is to prevent ongoing saturation while you plan next steps.

3) Document damage for insurance

Take clear photos and video by room before moving items. Keep receipts, and separate damaged from undamaged belongings when possible. FEMA guidance also emphasizes documenting damage prior to cleanup and keeping repair receipts. (fema.gov)

4) Start water removal (the right way)

Remove standing water as soon as it’s safe: wet/dry vac, sump pump, extraction tools, and towels for smaller areas. Don’t forget hidden reservoirs—carpet padding, toe-kicks in kitchens, and wall cavities can hold surprising amounts of moisture.

5) Dry aggressively (and measure moisture—not just air)

Open up airflow, use dehumidifiers, and run fans when electricity is safe. The CDC recommends using fans and dehumidifiers to remove moisture after a disaster, and drying the home as quickly as possible—ideally within 24–48 hours. (cdc.gov)
Important: “It feels dry” isn’t the same as “it is dry.” Materials like drywall and subfloor can hold moisture internally. Professional restoration teams use moisture meters and drying targets to avoid premature rebuild that can trap moisture.

6) Clean correctly (and don’t create hazards)

For small mold on hard surfaces, the EPA recommends scrubbing with detergent and water and drying completely. Porous/absorbent materials (like ceiling tiles and carpet) may need disposal if moldy because mold can infiltrate and be difficult to fully remove. (epa.gov)
Safety note: Do not mix cleaners (for example, bleach and ammonia), as this can create toxic vapors. (cdc.gov)

When to call a water damage restoration professional

Some situations are beyond DIY—either because the water is contaminated, the drying is complex, or the risk of hidden damage is high. The EPA notes that if the water damage was caused by sewage or other contaminated water, you should call a professional experienced with contaminated-water cleanup. (epa.gov)
Call for help if:

• Water came from sewage backup, storm flooding, or unknown sources (higher contamination risk).
• You see ceiling sagging, warped floors, or water traveling between levels.
• The affected area is large, or moisture is inside walls, insulation, or under flooring.
• You smell a persistent musty odor after “drying.”
• You suspect mold growth beyond a small patch (EPA uses ~10 square feet as a DIY threshold for many situations). (epa.gov)
If you’re in Boise or the Treasure Valley and need rapid help, Apex Restoration provides emergency response and IICRC-certified remediation for water damage, mold, asbestos, and lead—focused on restoring properties to pre-loss condition with safety-first practices.

Quick comparison table: DIY vs. professional restoration

Situation DIY may be reasonable Professional is recommended
Small clean-water leak caught quickly Drying with fans/dehumidifier, basic cleanup If moisture entered walls, cabinets, or subfloor
Carpet/pad soaked Only if promptly extracted and fully dried fast If drying can’t be completed within 24–48 hours (cdc.gov)
Sewage, storm floodwater, or unknown water Not advised EPA recommends calling experienced professionals (epa.gov)
Visible mold spread Small areas (EPA references ~<10 sq ft in many cases) (epa.gov) Large areas, health concerns, HVAC involvement

Boise & Treasure Valley angle: why water damage behaves differently here

In Boise and nearby communities (Meridian, Garden City, Eagle, Kuna, Star, and beyond), many water losses come from a mix of seasonal and everyday causes: winter pipe breaks, ice dam/roof intrusion, irrigation line failures, water heater leaks, appliance supply line bursts, and spring runoff that finds weak points in foundations and window wells.
Two local realities to keep in mind:

• Freeze-thaw cycles: A “small” drip in a wall can turn into significant saturation before you see staining.
• Crawl spaces and basements: These areas often hide moisture, raising the odds of odor and microbial growth if drying is incomplete.
If you’re outside Boise proper, Apex Restoration also serves nearby areas across the region. For example:

Need help fast?

If you have active water intrusion, suspected mold, or contamination concerns, getting a professional assessment early can prevent hidden damage and avoid rebuilding over trapped moisture.
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Prefer to explore services first? Visit Apex Restoration.

FAQ: Water damage restoration in Boise

How quickly can mold start after water damage?

Mold can begin growing on wet materials quickly. Disaster-cleanup guidance commonly emphasizes drying within 24–48 hours to reduce risk, and notes that materials remaining wet beyond that window are more likely to support mold growth. (cdc.gov)

Can I just run fans and call it good?

Fans help, but effective drying usually requires dehumidification and verification. Moisture can remain trapped in drywall, insulation, cabinets, and subfloors even when surfaces feel dry. A restoration team can measure moisture and dry materials to appropriate targets before repairs.

What should I do if the water might be contaminated?

If water came from sewage, floodwater, or another contaminated source, professional help is strongly recommended. The EPA specifically advises calling a professional experienced with contaminated-water cleanup in these cases. (epa.gov)

Do I need to remove drywall after a leak?

Sometimes. Drywall may be able to dry in place if it’s not swollen and seams are intact, but wall cavities are difficult to dry and often require ventilation and moisture monitoring. If drywall is compromised or moldy, removal is often the safer option. (epa.gov)

We’re remodeling a pre-1978 home—does lead paint matter during water damage repairs?

It can. The EPA notes that renovations in pre-1978 housing can create hazardous lead dust when painted surfaces are disturbed, and paid work is generally required to follow lead-safe practices under the Lead RRP program. If drying or removal work involves disturbing old paint, use lead-safe methods and qualified professionals. (epa.gov)

Glossary

Dehumidification: Removing water vapor from the air to speed drying and reduce the chance of moisture lingering in materials.
Porous materials: Absorbent items like carpet, padding, ceiling tiles, and some drywall components that can trap moisture and make mold removal difficult. (epa.gov)
HEPA vacuum: A specialized vacuum designed to capture very small particles; commonly recommended for final cleanup in mold remediation environments. (epa.gov)
Lead RRP (Renovation, Repair and Painting) Rule: EPA program requiring lead-safe work practices for paid work that disturbs paint in many pre-1978 homes and child-occupied facilities. (epa.gov)
Interested in joining the team? Visit Apex Restoration jobs.