When water damage strikes, it’s natural to feel overwhelmed. At Cousino Restoration, we’ve seen firsthand how quickly a water emergency can spiral into bigger problems when the wrong steps are taken. The truth is, some of the most expensive and stressful damage isn’t from the initial water intrusion, it’s from what happens (or doesn’t happen) afterward.
In this blog, we’ll walk you through the most common mistakes homeowners and property managers make after a water damage incident. We’re sharing this from our experience in the field, helping families and businesses get back on their feet every day. If we can help you avoid just one of these pitfalls, it’s worth the read.
Key Takeaways
- Time is one of the most important factors, so act fast after a water damage incident.
- Hidden moisture can lead to mold and structural issues.
- DIY cleanup often leads to bigger problems down the line.
- Use professional-grade drying and mold prevention equipment.
- Always document water damage before cleanup for insurance claims.
- Know what your homeowner’s insurance policy actually covers.
- Hire a certified and experienced restoration company.
- Don’t overlook potential structural or electrical damage.
- Fix the root cause to prevent future water damage.
Keep open communication with your restoration provider.
Waiting Too Long to Act
One of the biggest mistakes we see is people waiting too long to take action. Maybe they think the water will dry on its own, or they’re unsure who to call first. The problem is, the longer water sits, the more damage it causes.
Mold can begin to grow in as little as 24-48 hours. Wood swells, drywall soaks it up like a sponge, and flooring can warp permanently. We’ve even seen situations where a small leak turns into a major renovation because of delayed cleanup.
What to do instead:
The moment you notice water damage, act quickly. Turn off the water source if possible, then call a professional restoration company like Cousino Restoration. To keep damage and costs down, it’s really important to act fast.
Underestimating the Extent of the Damage
Water has a sneaky way of hiding in walls, under flooring, and behind cabinets. Just because a surface looks dry doesn’t mean it is. Many property owners clean up what’s visible, assume the problem is solved, and move on, only to discover mold, warping, or structural issues weeks later.
What to do instead:
Always bring in professionals who can use moisture meters and infrared cameras to detect hidden moisture. At Cousino Restoration, we use industry-leading tools to map out the full extent of the water damage before we begin mitigation. That way, no areas are missed and future issues are avoided.
DIYing the Cleanup Without the Right Equipment
We’ve seen plenty of folks grab a shop vac and a few fans from the garage thinking it’ll do the trick. While that might help in very minor situations, most water damage requires commercial-grade equipment and expertise to be properly mitigated.
Inadequate drying can lead to mold growth, lingering odors, and material deterioration. A lot of DIY projects end up costing homeowners more because they call us weeks later with bigger, trickier problems.
What to do instead:
Call in the pros right away. We have industrial air movers, dehumidifiers, and drying systems designed to handle everything from minor leaks to major floods. Our job is to do it right the first time.
Skipping Professional Mold Prevention
Even if you think you’ve dried the area well, mold spores are opportunistic. All they need is a little leftover moisture and organic material like wood, drywall, or fabric to thrive. We’ve had clients who handled the cleanup themselves but ended up with costly mold remediation later.
What to do instead:
Include mold prevention as part of your water damage response. At Cousino Restoration, we apply antimicrobial treatments and monitor the drying process to ensure no conditions are left that could support mold growth.
Failing to Document the Damage
If you’re planning to file an insurance claim, proper documentation is key. Many homeowners forget to take photos or video of the damage before cleanup begins, or they throw out ruined materials before the adjuster can see them.
What to do instead:
Before touching anything, take plenty of photos and videos from multiple angles. Capture both the source of the water and all affected areas. Keep a log of damaged items and save receipts for any emergency repairs or mitigation. We help clients document their losses thoroughly to ensure the insurance process goes as smoothly as possible.
Not Understanding What Insurance Covers
Water damage coverage can vary significantly depending on your policy and the source of the water. Some plans cover sudden pipe bursts but not gradual leaks. Others exclude flood damage entirely unless you have a separate flood insurance policy. Many homeowners assume they’re fully covered, until they find out they’re not.
What to do instead:
Review your policy now, before you have a water emergency. Know your deductibles, what types of water events are covered, and what your responsibilities are. When in doubt, consult with your insurance agent or broker. If you’re ever dealing with a claim, our team at Cousino Restoration can help you understand the process and communicate with your adjuster.
Choosing the Wrong Restoration Company
Not all restoration companies are created equal. Some cut corners, use outdated equipment, or aren’t properly certified. Others may not have experience with large-loss restoration or specialty cleaning. We’ve even been called in to fix jobs that were done poorly by other contractors.
What to do instead:
Choose a certified, experienced, and trusted restoration company. At Cousino Restoration, we’re IICRC-certified, locally rooted, and committed to the highest industry standards. We handle everything from residential water damage to commercial losses with professionalism and care.
Ignoring Potential Structural Damage
Sometimes water damage affects more than just carpets and drywall. It can compromise framing, foundations, and even the electrical system. If these deeper issues aren’t addressed, they can lead to long-term safety concerns.
What to do instead:
If you suspect significant damage, request a full assessment. Our team knows how to identify and address structural concerns, and can handle the reconstruction process with ease.
Not Taking Preventive Measures After Cleanup
After restoration is complete, many homeowners breathe a sigh of relief and then forget all about it, but without addressing the root cause, the problem can come back. Whether it was a roof leak, poor drainage, or a failed sump pump, it’s important to fix the issue, not just the damage.
What to do instead:
We always work with our clients to understand why the water damage happened in the first place. From there, we can recommend or implement repairs, upgrades, or preventive maintenance, like installing a water alarm, improving ventilation, or scheduling regular plumbing inspections.
Not Asking Questions
This might seem simple, but many people are hesitant to ask questions about the process, pricing, or timeline. We know all too well that when you’re dealing with the stress of water damage, it can be hard to think clearly, but staying informed helps you feel more in control and ensures your expectations are met.
What to do instead:
Don’t be afraid to speak up. Ask your restoration provider how long things will take, what’s included, and what to expect each step of the way. At Cousino Restoration, we walk our clients through everything from start to finish, so you’re never in the dark.
We’re Here to Help Your Recover the Right Way
At Cousino Restoration, we understand how stressful water damage can be. We’re here to make the recovery process easier, faster, and more thorough. Our team is ready 24/7 to respond quickly, assess the full extent of the damage, and get your home or business back to its pre-loss condition.
If you’ve recently experienced water damage, don’t hesitate to reach out. Let our trusted experts handle the hard part so you can focus on what matters most.
Call Cousino Restoration today and let’s get your property back to normal with our exceptional water damage restoration services.