The short answer
Immediate Steps to Take
Your first move is safety. Turn off the power to the server room at the main breaker if water is near electrical equipment. Do not touch anything wet that could be live. If you smell gas or see standing water near outlets, leave and call the utility company.
Move servers, switches, and other hardware to dry surfaces if you can do so safely. Disconnect cables and label them for reassembly. Open cabinet doors and pull out drawers to let air circulate. Place towels or shop rags under equipment to soak up moisture.
If you live in Rockwall, keep your shutoff valve location written down so you can stop a leak fast.
- Turn off power at the breaker
- Unplug and move equipment carefully
- Use fans and dehumidifiers to dry air
- Wipe down surfaces with dry cloths
- Document damage with photos and notes
Protect Your Data and Hardware
Water can destroy hard drives and circuit boards within hours. If a server was wet, do not power it on until it is completely dry. Remove hard drives and place them in sealed bags with desiccant packets, or let a professional data recovery service handle them. Back up any accessible data to an external drive or cloud service right away.
For equipment that was not directly wet, keep it running if safe, but monitor for overheating or short circuits. Corrosion can start even after drying, so consider having a professional inspect electronics before restoring full operation.
Dry Out the Room Thoroughly
Drying a server room is not like drying a living space. You need to remove moisture from the air, walls, and flooring to prevent rust and mold. Use industrial dehumidifiers and high-velocity fans. Keep the room sealed off from the rest of the building to avoid spreading humidity.
Check ceiling tiles, carpets, and wallboard for water saturation. Wet drywall and insulation must be removed and replaced to avoid mold growth. If the leak came from a roof or pipe, the source needs to be fixed first, or the problem will return.
- Run dehumidifiers continuously for several days
- Remove soaked ceiling tiles and drywall
- Check under raised floors for standing water
- Use moisture meters to verify dryness
- Replace insulation that got wet
Inspect for Mold and Corrosion
Mold can start growing within 24 to 48 hours in humid conditions. Look for discoloration on walls, a musty smell, or damp spots. If you find mold, do not disturb it. A mold professional can assess the extent and recommend safe removal.
Corrosion on metal racks, connectors, and circuit boards is another concern. Even after drying, salt and minerals in the water can cause damage. Wipe down metal surfaces with a dry cloth and consider applying a corrosion inhibitor if recommended by the equipment manufacturer.
When to Call the Pros
If the water damage is extensive, or if the room has sensitive equipment, local water damage pros should handle the drying and cleanup. They have commercial-grade dehumidifiers, moisture meters, and experience with electronics-heavy spaces. They can also help you document the damage for your insurance company.
Policies vary, and your insurer decides what is covered. Take photos and keep receipts for any equipment you replace. The pros can help document the damage, but your insurer will determine reimbursement. If you have a server room in a commercial building, the process is similar, but the scale may be larger.
- Extensive water from flooding or burst pipes
- Standing water that soaked into walls or flooring
- Electrical systems or data equipment at risk
- Visible mold growth or strong musty odor
- You need help with insurance documentation
Water damage does not wait
Water keeps spreading into floors and walls, so it is worth acting early. Calls are answered 24/7.
Call Now (469) 698-4610Frequently asked questions
Can I dry wet servers with a hair dryer?
Avoid hair dryers or heat guns. High heat can warp components and damage solder. Instead, use fans and dehumidifiers to circulate dry air. If a server got wet, let it dry for at least 48 hours before powering on, or consult a data recovery professional.
Should I turn off the power to the server room?
Yes, if water is near electrical equipment. Turn off the main breaker to prevent short circuits and electrocution. Do not touch anything wet. If you cannot reach the breaker safely, leave the room and call the utility company. Safety comes first.
Will insurance cover water damage to servers?
Policies vary, and your insurer decides what is covered. Commercial policies often cover water damage from burst pipes or roof leaks, but flooding may require separate coverage. Document everything and contact your insurance company promptly. They will guide you through the claim process.