Tulsa, OK

Water on Your Hardwood Floor: What to Do First

Stop the water, stay clear of electricity, remove standing water, move rugs and furniture, don't sand or cover the boards, take photos, and call a water damage team the same day. What you do in the first hour shapes how much of the floor can be saved.

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White kitchen with sink and stainless dishwasher

Step 1: Stop the Water

Close the valve behind the washer, toilet or sink. If you can't find it, shut off the main water valve for the house, often near the water heater, in a utility room or garage, or at the meter.

Step 2: Stay Safe Around Electricity

Keep away from outlets, cords and appliances sitting in water. Switch off the circuit at the breaker only if you can reach it without standing in water.

Step 3: Remove Standing Water

Use towels, mops or a wet/dry vac. Don't use a regular household vacuum. The goal is to stop water from soaking further into the boards and seams.

Step 4: Clear the Floor

Pull up rugs, runners and mats, and move furniture off the wet area. Rugs trap water against the wood, and furniture legs can stain wet boards.

Step 5: Leave the Boards Alone

Don't sand, nail, glue or cover wet boards. Don't put plastic or a rug over them to hide the damage. Wood needs to dry, and work done now can lock in problems.

Step 6: Take Photos

Photograph the source, the water and the floor before anything else is moved. It helps if you file an insurance claim.

Step 7: Get the Floor Tested

The surface can dry in hours while water stays under the boards and in the subfloor. A moisture test shows where the water really is. Emergency water removal · Hardwood floor drying