Water damage in your home is more than an inconvenience—it can be overwhelming. Whether caused by a burst pipe, storm runoff, or a leaky appliance, unwanted water has the potential to compromise the comfort and safety of your living space. Taking quick, informed action is key to minimizing costly repairs and preventing long-term issues like mold growth or structural weakening.
At Monster Clean, we understand how stressful water damage can be. That’s why we’ve put together this guide, designed specifically for homeowners in Virginia Beach and nearby areas. Follow these steps to protect your property and your peace of mind.
Step 1: Identify the Source of the Water
The first priority when water damage strikes is locating and stopping the source. This not only helps limit immediate damage but also allows for safe and efficient cleanup.
- Burst Pipes: If a pipe has ruptured, immediately shut off the water at the main valve. Most homes in Virginia Beach have the shut-off located near the water meter or where the main line enters the house.
- Roof Leaks: Heavy rainstorms are common here. If water is dripping from the ceiling, cover the area with a waterproof tarp and call a professional roofer.
- Appliance Leaks: For washing machines, dishwashers, or water heaters, unplug the appliance and turn off the connected water supply.
Quick, decisive action prevents more water from entering your space and sets the stage for effective recovery. If you’re unsure of the source or need help shutting off utilities, a local emergency plumber or restoration expert can step in to assist right away.
Step 2: Prioritize Safety
Before beginning any cleanup, make sure the area is safe. Water and electricity are a dangerous combination, and floodwater may contain contaminants.
- Turn Off Power: If there’s standing water near outlets or appliances, switch off the power at your circuit breaker.
- Avoid Walking Through Standing Water: Especially in older homes, flooring can weaken or collapse. Use caution.
- Wear Protective Gear: Rubber gloves and boots will shield you from bacteria or hidden sharp objects.
Safety comes first—both for your family and for anyone helping with the cleanup. When in doubt, contact your utility provider or a certified technician to evaluate the risk.
Step 3: Remove Standing Water Quickly
Water that lingers causes further damage to floors, drywall, and furniture. The faster you remove it, the better.
- For Small Spills: Towels and mops can handle minor puddles.
- Use a Wet/Dry Vacuum: These are great for moderate flooding and are often available at local hardware stores.
- Call Professionals for Major Flooding: Monster Clean brings in high-capacity pumps and truck-mounted extraction equipment to handle severe water accumulation efficiently.
Don’t forget: water can seep under floorboards and into wall cavities, so even small leaks can lead to mold if not fully removed. If you’re unsure how deep the damage goes, we use moisture meters and thermal imaging to detect hidden pockets of water.
Step 4: Dry and Dehumidify the Area
Once the standing water is gone, the next step is drying out the moisture that’s soaked into materials. In Virginia Beach’s humid climate, this step is especially critical.
- Set Up Fans: Use multiple fans to circulate air through the space.
- Run Dehumidifiers: These pull moisture from the air, preventing mildew growth.
- Open Windows: On dry, sunny days, airflow from open windows helps speed up evaporation.
- Inspect Under Carpets and Floorboards: Moisture often hides in these areas and requires specialized drying equipment.
At Monster Clean, our certified technicians use professional-grade air movers and moisture meters to ensure your home is truly dry—not just on the surface. We also track drying progress daily to ensure thorough results.
Step 5: Clean and Sanitize All Affected Surfaces
Water damage isn’t just about water—it can bring bacteria, especially if the source was a sewer backup or floodwater.
- Disinfect Hard Surfaces: Use a safe, EPA-approved cleaner to eliminate germs and prevent odors.
- Toss Contaminated Items: Some porous materials like mattresses or cushions may not be salvageable.
- Consider Professional Cleaning: Our eco-friendly cleaning solutions are tough on bacteria but safe for kids and pets.
This step ensures your home isn’t just dry—it’s clean, healthy, and safe for your family to return to. Be thorough, and don’t forget walls, trim, and baseboards—mold can start anywhere moisture lingers.
Step 6: Prevent Mold Before It Starts
Mold can begin to grow in as little as 24–48 hours after water exposure. Staying ahead of it means being thorough now.
- Check for Visible Mold: Look in corners, under furniture, and behind baseboards.
- Monitor Air Quality: Musty smells are an early indicator.
- Schedule a Professional Inspection: Our team is trained to detect and treat mold early, using safe and effective solutions.
We’ve helped many Virginia Beach families tackle mold before it takes hold—and we’re here if you need us too. Prevention is far less expensive than remediation.
Step 7: Restore and Rebuild
After the area is dry and clean, you may need to repair drywall, flooring, or trim. Now’s the time to make your space feel like home again.
- Replace Water-Damaged Materials: Don’t cut corners. Damaged drywall, warped wood, and ruined insulation must be replaced to avoid future issues.
- Deep Clean Remaining Surfaces: Especially carpets, which trap moisture and allergens.
Monster Clean specializes in post-water damage carpet restoration. Our hot water extraction method, recommended by most carpet manufacturers, removes embedded contaminants and refreshes your floors to like-new condition. It’s not just cleaning—it’s care.
If your furniture was affected, consider upholstery cleaning or replacing cushions. For wood floors, check for warping and buckle damage—repair or refinish as needed. If insurance is involved, keep records of damage and cleanup.
Call Monster Clean for Water Damage Recovery in Virginia Beach
Water damage can be overwhelming—but you don’t have to face it alone. With over 17 years of hands-on experience and IICRC-certified technicians, Monster Clean delivers fast, reliable service when you need it most.
Whether you’re dealing with soaked carpets, musty smells, or concerns about hidden moisture, our expert team uses powerful, eco-friendly equipment to restore your home safely and thoroughly.
Our services go beyond drying. We provide deep carpet cleaning, stain and odor removal, and even help you identify vulnerabilities that might lead to future leaks.
Call today for trusted water damage recovery and carpet cleaning in Virginia Beach and surrounding areas. Your comfort, safety, and satisfaction are our top priority.
