Water damage - dehumidifiers and building dryers

Dealing with flood damage: What you can manage yourself and when you should call in a professional

Updated on 19.12.2025 

Reader time 2 minutes

✅ Water damage that you can usually fix yourself

If the flooding is minor and localised, homeowners can often manage the clean-up with dehumidifiers, fans and good ventilation.

Examples include:

- Small leaks or spills from household appliances (washing machine, water heater, dishwasher).

- Minor ingress of rainwater through windows or doors during a storm.

- A single room with shallow, clean water that drains quickly (e.g. a few centimetres).

- Flooding from clean water sources (e.g. a burst cold water pipe, not sewage).

- Floors and walls are largely non-porous (e.g. tiles, concrete) and no insulation is soaked.

👉 In these cases:

1. Remove standing water with mops, wet/dry vacuum cleaners or pumps.

2. Run dehumidifiers and fans continuously to dry the area.

3. Disinfect affected surfaces to prevent mould growth.

4. monitor humidity with a hygrometer to keep it below 60%.

If drying is effective within 24 to 48 hours, serious mould problems can often be avoided.

When the problem is too big for DIY enthusiasts

Certain situations go beyond the scope of standard household appliances and require professional water damage restoration services:

• Large-scale flooding affecting multiple rooms, floors or the entire basement.
• Contaminated water (e.g. sewage, rainwater, river flooding) that contains pathogens and requires special disinfection.
• Water trapped in walls, insulation or under floors where mould can grow unnoticed.
• Prolonged contact (standing water for more than 48 hours).
• Electrical hazards, such as submerged electrical outlets or wiring.
• Structural damage - warped floors, cracked walls, sagging ceilings or damaged foundations.
• If visible mould appears after initial drying or strong musty odours persist.

👉 Professionals use industrial dehumidifiers, moisture meters and thermal imaging cameras to detect hidden moisture and prevent long-term damage that is not initially obvious.

📝 Rule of thumb

• Small, clean water damage of short duration → DIY is often safe and effective.

• Large, contaminated or hidden water damage → Call in professionals immediately.

⚠️ One final tip Even after minor flooding it is advisable to monitor the humidity and the walls for several weeksas some moisture problems only develop slowly. A dehumidifier is an excellent preventative measure, but is no substitute for professional remediation if the water damage is extensive or contaminated.