How to fix water under a wood floor?

Author: Ed Kunze  |  Last update: Sunday, August 3, 2025

Drying water under a wood floor requires proper ventilation and dehumidification. Use fans and dehumidifiers to circulate air and remove moisture from the affected area. Additionally, you may need to lift and aerate the floorboards to facilitate drying thoroughly.

What to do if water gets under a wood floor?

Most wood floors flooded with water will take weeks or more to fully dry out. In some circumstances, especially with a wooden subfloor, removing the wood flooring is necessary to fully dry out the subfloor. Total replacement of all the flooring is necessary in these cases.

What pulls moisture out of wood floors?

Use a dehumidifier placed at the highest setting possible to dry the floors. Place it in the center of the room and leave it on for at least 24 hours. Next, place fans around the room so the entire surface receives the blowing air. Place the fans at the highest settings possible.

How to dry out water under flooring?

Use fans, dehumidifiers, or even a wet-dry vacuum to dry water under laminate flooring and the subfloor. Ensure proper ventilation to accelerate the drying process. You can also use towels to absorb excess moisture.

How to remove water from under the floor?

I used a wet /dry vacuum and a large funnel to draw the water up throught the floorboards. I simply placed the funnel over the floorboards to widen the area under vacuum. Ithen put the vacuum over the funnel's narrow end. I activated it and let it run for several hours.

Repair water damage on wood floor - Easy beginner do it yourself improvement

What draws moisture out of wood?

After thoroughly towel drying the floor, add absorbent material like sawdust, baking soda, or kitty litter. Spread a generous amount of the material over the affected area and let it sit overnight. The absorbent material helps to draw out any remaining moisture from the wood and makes it easier to dry.

Who to call for water under floorboards?

Assessing Your Wood Floor Water Damage

Avoid using heaters to dry out the wood; instead, use a dehumidifier to trap any moisture, but it is more important to call a water remediation company like 1-800 Water Damage immediately to come and assess the situation.

How do I get rid of moisture under my floor?

The most common and effective way to do this is by using a dehumidifier in tandem with fans to help draw out the air humidity and excess water quickly. Other common ways to dry out your concrete floor include, but are not limited to: Using a wet vacuum to suck up excess moisture.

How long does it take for mold to grow under wet laminate?

Mold from trapped moisture on floors can start forming in as little as 24 hours. Vinyl, tile, laminate, and other water-resistant flooring can still sustain water damage and develop mold. Call a professional water damage restoration company as soon as signs of water damage are detected.

What happens if water gets under waterproof flooring?

Warped and Buckled Planks: One of the primary consequences of water seepage is the warping and buckling of vinyl planks. When exposed to water, the core material of the flooring can expand, causing the individual planks to warp and lift.

Will wet wood floor go back to normal?

Will Wet Wood Floor Go Back to Normal? No, in most cases, water-damaged wood flooring will not just “go back to normal”. As a professional water damage mitigation company, we regularly deal with multi-thousand-dollar water damage repair projects.

What do you do if you get water under floorboards?

  1. Water Under Floor But I Don't See a Leak. If you've exhausted all sources, it might be time to conduct a test. ...
  2. Stop or Identify the Water Source. ...
  3. Remove Floor Coverings. ...
  4. Begin Drying Your Floor. ...
  5. Clean and Disinfect. ...
  6. Ventilate Room. ...
  7. Call a Professional.

Will a dehumidifier remove water from the under floor?

Even though your floor looks dry, chances are moisture is still lurking beneath the surface. Moisture can and will find its way into the cracks and crevices of your hardwood flooring. An easy way to remove moisture from your wood floors is to use a dehumidifier.

How do you fix a water damaged wood subfloor?

How to Fix a Water-Damaged Subfloor: Your 8-Step DIY Guide
  1. Start by Stopping the Water. ...
  2. Expose the Subflooring. ...
  3. Make Your Mark. ...
  4. Carefully Cut Subflooring. ...
  5. Remove Damaged Materials. ...
  6. Speed Up the Drying Process. ...
  7. Reinforce Floor Joists. ...
  8. Install Your New Subflooring.

How to dry damp under floorboards?

Dehumidify or reduce humidity levels in the room by opening up windows and doors, using multiple fans to continue drying the floor surface, or bringing a dehumidifier into the room for 24 hours.

How long does it take for water to damage wood floors?

As time passes, the moisture trapped within the wood creates an ideal environment for mold and mildew growth. Within 24 to 48 hours, mold spores can begin to colonize, posing health risks to residents and further compromising the structural integrity of the flooring.

How to fix a water damaged swollen laminate floor?

To repair minor swelling issues, complete the following steps:
  1. Dry out the affected area: Use a dehumidifier to drain the excess moisture from the air. ...
  2. Apply weight to the floor: Once the area has started to dry, place heavy items, such as books, on top of the affiliated planks.

Will a one-time water leak cause mold?

A single water leak can lead to mold growth if not fixed quickly. Mold loves moist places and can start growing in 24 to 48 hours. Even small water damage can cause mold to grow. It's key to fix water damage fast to lower the water leak mold risk.

How to fix mold under flooring?

To get rid of mold using borax, you'll need to mix it with one gallon of hot water. Then, apply the solution to the area affected by mold beneath the flooring. Next, scrub the area with a brush until the mold cannot be seen anymore. You don't have to rinse the area after applying the solution.

What to do if water gets under wood floors?

Drying water under a wood floor requires proper ventilation and dehumidification. Use fans and dehumidifiers to circulate air and remove moisture from the affected area. Additionally, you may need to lift and aerate the floorboards to facilitate drying thoroughly.

What soaks up moisture under house?

To remove the standing water from your home, you need a device that will soak up the water and put it elsewhere. This is what a sump pump does. There are two types: pedestal sump pumps and submersible sump pumps.

How to dry water under a wood laminate floor?

Use fans: Place fans in the affected area to help circulate air and dry out the flooring. Use a dehumidifier: A dehumidifier can help remove excess moisture from the air and speed up the drying process. Remove baseboards: Removing baseboards can help improve airflow and speed up the drying process.

How to fix water under flooring?

Key Takeaways. If you have water under your floorboards, remove floor coverings and dispose of damaged paper products, dry the area, clean and disinfect the soaked floorboards, ventilate the room, and contact a professional like ServiceMaster of Lake Shore for complete restoration services.

Will homeowners insurance cover water damage to floors?

Homeowners insurance generally covers water damage that's sudden and accidental. For example, if a pipe bursts or a washing machine overflows and damages your floor, you may be covered. But if the water comes from flooding, standard homeowners insurance typically won't cover it.

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