Last summer in Central Utah, the Thompson family encountered every homeowner’s worst nightmare. A pipe broke in their second-floor bath, which flooded the second floor and ran down the walls and ceiling, causing almost every room below to have water saturation. In a panic, they did what many people would do in their position: googled how to fix it quickly, put some fans in their house, and hoped the summer heat would dry the space with the help of the Utah sun.
A week passed, and they started to smell a noticeable musty odor in the house. Next, they noticed mold spots on the drywall, and their daughter developed symptoms. They called Restore Masters, the top-rated water damage restoration company in Utah.
What the Thompsons experienced was shocking: the moisture they didn’t dry out during their DIY dry-out was causing the mold to grow rapidly behind their walls. Restore Masters explained to the Thompsons that timing and professional help matter, and many water damage or restoration assumptions are myths!
Let’s look at the most common water restoration myths and break them down so homeowners in Utah do not make common and costly mistakes.
If it Looks Dry, It’s Dry
The Truth: Wet is just the first part of dry. Water can penetrate drywall, wood frames, insulation, and flooring at multiple depths. Just because it feels dry on a surface level doesn’t mean that moisture isn’t hidden deeper within the structure, and over time, moisture creates mold colonies and risks of structural failure.
Why It’s Important in Utah:
Water in Utah can act unpredictably. Homeowners often don’t recognize how moisture works inside a structure. You will need formal equipment like thermal imaging and moisture meters to identify moisture under the surface.
Mold Takes Weeks to Grow
The Truth: Mold can start to grow within 24–48 hours of a water event if it’s not dried and treated properly. That is a very narrow window for decision-making. If you wait just 1–2 days after a water incident, you’ll incur very real health risks and high remediation costs.
Takeaway Tip:
Although many people in Utah think mold will not grow because the climate is dry, once water is absorbed by building materials, the internal humidity will create the necessary micro-environment for mold to thrive, regardless of what is happening outside.
My Insurance Covers Everything
The Truth: Insurance coverage varies! Some insurance policies only cover certain types of water damage (like a pipe burst), while others exclude gradual leaks or floods from natural disasters. Filing a claim without understanding your policy can be especially frustrating.
Restore Masters’ Tip:
Before you make a claim, always review your insurance policy and speak to your restoration company. Restore Masters, a highly rated water damage restoration service in Utah, will work collaboratively with your insurance provider to get proper documentation and offer you the best coverage possible.
I Can Clean Up the Water Damage Myself
The Truth: If a wine glass spills, you could clean that mess up without help. However, in the case of water damage, larger events can be more complicated than you think. Do-it-yourself measures, including towels, fans, or even rented wet vacs, cannot address hidden moisture in walls, floors, and HVAC systems. The average homeowner without specialized tools and knowledge is likely doing more harm than good.
What the Thompsons Got Wrong:
Their fans and dehumidifiers couldn’t access where the moisture had pooled during the flood. It took a certified technician from Restore Masters who had access to known processing points and advanced tools. The technician removed the Thompsons’ baseboards, drilled specific inspection holes, and deployed professional drying systems.
Water Damage Only Affects Basements
The Truth: Water damage can often be found around sinks and showers; basements are just the first place we look. Kitchens, bathrooms, attics, and behind walls with leaky pipes can also be affected. Today’s appliances, including washing machines and dishwashers, can be the worst offenders for leaks and floods. Water heaters are another major culprit, often failing unexpectedly and catastrophically.
Key Takeaway:
Older homes, aging appliances, and outdated plumbing in Utah can easily cause unexpected water damage in unexpected places.
I Only Need a Restoration Service After a Significant Flood
The Truth: Minor leaks or small plumbing problems can slowly lead to major water damage issues. Something as simple as a dripping pipe under the sink, a loose washing machine hose, or poor shower caulking can lead to gradual water infiltration. These issues are often ignored over time to save money.
Keeping in Mind:
Usually, by the time we see visible damage, something significant has already happened. A small leak left unresolved can cost thousands in repairs, something that could have been avoided by scheduling a water damage service in Utah.
Replacing Damaged Materials Is Cheaper Than Professional Restoration
Truth: This is typically not true. Water damage restoration professionals have the training and experience to save and restore materials, often minimizing demolition and rebuilding. Without a restoration professional, large-scale and unnecessary demolition can occur.
The Restore Master’s Advantage:
With drying chambers, industrial dehumidifiers, and air movers, Restore Masters can often save floors, walls, and furniture that a non-restoration professional would write off as a total loss.
Water Damage Is Always Obvious
The Truth: Hidden damage often takes time to reveal itself. Slow leaks behind walls or under floors can go unnoticed for days, weeks, or even months. The first signs may be a slightly elevated water bill, peeling paint, or an unexpected odor, certainly not a visible puddle.
What to Look For:
- Warped wood or laminate flooring
- Musty odors in rooms
- Bubbling paint or wall coverings
- Cold or damp areas on walls
Professional inspections from a Utah water damage restoration company can identify and stop property damage early.
Any Contractor Can Handle Water Damage
The Truth: Water damage requires specialized knowledge and equipment. A general contractor may repair visible structural damage, but managing moisture levels, preventing mold, and handling contaminated water requires tools and training that most general contractors lack.
The Importance of Certification:
Restore Masters technicians are certified by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC), ensuring they meet the highest standards for water restoration solutions.
Once the Problem Is Over, It’s Over
The Truth: Drying the structure is just the beginning. Water damage can cause long-term structural issues, mold growth, and even bacterial or hazardous contamination, especially in gray or black water scenes. A true professional will perform:
- Structural assessments
- Mold inspections
- Air quality testing
- Sanitization of all affected areas
Restore Masters is your trusted source for Water Damage Restoration In Utah, and we can provide full post-restoration services to ensure your home is completely safe.
Conclusion: Knowledge Is Your Best Protection Against Water Damage
Water damage isn’t just a seasonal problem; it’s a serious threat that can cause structural harm and health risks if not handled correctly. The Thompson family’s experience is a cautionary tale, but they are not alone. Many homeowners fall for water damage myths that lead to delays, mistakes, and added costs.
By understanding and avoiding these common myths, homeowners throughout Utah can protect their properties early and effectively. Whether it’s from a pipe burst, appliance failure, or roof leak, calling in the pros quickly is always the smartest move.
Restore Masters is a locally owned and operated residential and commercial full-scale water damage recovery service in Utah, providing fast, responsive, effective, and affordable solutions, 24 hours a day.
Whether you’re searching for water damage restoration near me or need a certified team to handle emergency restoration, Restore Masters brings the latest equipment, licensed professionals, and years of experience to return your property to pre-loss condition.
Our specialists respond quickly to minimize your losses and maximize your peace of mind. When disaster strikes, feel free to contact us.
