The short answer
Stop the Water First
Before you dry anything, find where the water is coming from. Check the roof, walls, and door seals for gaps or damage. If a pipe or appliance inside the unit is leaking, shut off the water supply to that fixture. Spring storms can bring heavy rain, so inspect the exterior of the unit for roof damage or pooling water.
If the leak is from a broken pipe, you may need a plumber to fix it. For a roof leak, a roofer can handle repairs. Once the water stops, you can begin the drying process. Acting quickly reduces the chance of mold and further damage to your belongings.
Remove Wet Items Carefully
Take out everything that is wet or damp. Place items in a dry area outside the unit, if weather permits. Set aside books, photos, and important documents in a separate pile, as they need special care. Electronics and appliances should be unplugged and dried before you use them again.
Wear gloves and a mask when handling items that were in floodwater or sewage, as they may contain harmful bacteria. If you feel unwell during cleanup, see a doctor. For items you cannot dry yourself, such as soaked documents, the pros can handle document drying and restoration.
- Use plastic bins or trash bags to keep dry items separate
- Lay wet fabrics flat to air dry, not in a pile
- Do not turn on electronics until they are completely dry
- Throw away porous items like mattresses or pillows if they are heavily soaked
- Keep a log of damaged items for your insurance records
Dry the Air and Surfaces
Open all doors and windows to let fresh air circulate. Use box fans or a shop fan to move air across wet floors and walls. A dehumidifier helps remove moisture from the air, which speeds up drying. You can rent a commercial dehumidifier if the unit is large or the leak was extensive.
Check hidden areas like behind stored boxes, under shelving, and along baseboards. These spots trap moisture and can lead to mold growth. If the floor is concrete, dry it with towels or a wet-dry vacuum. For wood or laminate flooring, drying is trickier and may require professional equipment.
- Run fans for at least 24 hours, changing their direction periodically
- Empty the dehumidifier regularly to keep it working
- Use a moisture meter to test walls and floors if you have one
- Do not close the unit until everything feels dry to the touch
- Wipe down metal shelves and racks to prevent rust
Handle Walls and Flooring
Drywall and insulation that got wet may need to be cut out and replaced. Wet drywall can sag, crumble, or grow mold behind the surface. If the water came from a clean source like a pipe, you might be able to dry it with fans, but if it was dirty water, removal is safer. Check for discoloration or soft spots.
For concrete floors, dry them thoroughly and watch for efflorescence, a white powdery residue left by water. For wood subfloors, the pros can assess whether the wood is salvageable. If the leak was in the floor or under the unit, you may need subfloor and under-house water leak repair.
Know When to Call the Pros
Some drying jobs are too large for a homeowner to handle alone. If the leak affected a large area, if mold has already started growing, or if the structure is damaged, professional help is wise. The pros use industrial dehumidifiers and moisture meters to dry the space fully. They can also inspect for hidden water damage.
If you have valuable documents or photos, the pros offer document drying and restoration. For ongoing leaks, leak detection services can find the source. If you live in Rockwall, keep your shutoff valve location written down so you can act fast in the future. Policies vary, and your insurer decides what is covered.
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Call Now (469) 698-4610Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to dry out a storage unit?
It depends on the extent of the leak, the materials in the unit, and the drying equipment you use. With fans and a dehumidifier, a small leak might dry in a few days. Larger leaks or soaked insulation can take a week or more.
Can I dry wet documents myself?
You can try freezing wet papers to prevent mold, but drying them properly is difficult. The pros have special equipment to dry and restore documents. If the papers are important, it is safer to let a professional handle them.
Should I throw away items that got wet?
Not always. Non-porous items like plastic, glass, and metal can be cleaned and dried. Porous items like mattresses, pillows, and cardboard boxes may need to be thrown away if they are heavily soaked or contaminated. Use your judgment and consider the source of the water.