If your Murfreesboro home has been damaged by water, you’re likely overwhelmed and wondering what to do next. Time is not on your side. Water spreads fast, and within 24 to 48 hours, it can lead to mold growth, structural instability, and ruined belongings. This isn’t the moment for guesswork or DIY fixes.
You need fast, expert help from a local team that knows Murfreesboro homes inside and out. Arcus Restoration has helped countless Tennessee homeowners recover from water disasters with precision, care, and urgency. In this guide, you’ll discover exactly what to do after water damage hits, how professional water damage restoration prevents long-term issues, and why calling Arcus Restoration immediately is your smartest move.
Immediate Steps to Take After Water Damage
1. Put Safety First
Before doing anything else, protect yourself and your household. Standing water can pose serious risks, especially if it’s in contact with live electrical systems. If safe to do so, shut off the electricity in affected areas. Wear gloves, rubber boots, and masks if there’s any chance the water is contaminated by sewage or flood runoff.
2. Stop the Water Source
Find the source and stop it as quickly as possible. This might mean turning off the main water valve or shutting down an appliance. In cases where the leak isn’t obvious or continues during a storm, call a professional right away.
Common sources include:
- Burst or frozen pipes
- Roof damage from heavy rain or wind
- Overflowing toilets or washing machines
- Water heater failures
If you're unsure where the water is coming from, it's safest to shut off the main valve and call a restoration company like Arcus Restoration immediately. The sooner they’re en route, the faster your recovery can begin.
3. Contact a Professional Restoration Company
Call a trusted water damage restoration team as soon as the immediate threat is under control. Don’t wait until after you’ve assessed everything—early contact means faster response times and expert guidance right from the start. Companies like Arcus Restoration can walk you through next steps and even assist with your insurance documentation once they arrive on-site.
4. Document the Damage
While waiting for your restoration team to arrive, take detailed photos and videos of all affected areas, belongings, and structural materials. Capture multiple angles and don’t discard anything before it’s documented. This visual record will support your insurance claim and help your restoration team create an accurate plan.
5. Protect Belongings
If it’s safe to do so, move dry and undamaged items—such as electronics, heirlooms, or important documents—to a dry area. For larger furniture that can’t be moved, place plastic, foil, or wood blocks under the legs to reduce moisture absorption and staining. This is a temporary measure that helps minimize damage until professional help arrives, especially if there’s still residual water on the floor.
The Professional Water Damage Restoration Process
Working with a trained team ensures nothing gets overlooked and prevents secondary problems months down the line.
Thorough Assessment and Inspection
At Arcus Restoration, we use professional-grade moisture meters, infrared sensors, and Matterport 3D imaging to scan every corner of your home. This helps us create a restoration plan based on accurate data.
Water Removal and Extraction
Using industrial pumps and vacuums, we remove all standing water as quickly as possible. The longer water sits, the more damage it causes. Flooring, drywall, and insulation are particularly vulnerable.
Drying and Dehumidification
Even when the surface looks dry, water often lingers behind walls, beneath floorboards, and inside structural cavities. We deploy powerful air movers and commercial dehumidifiers to remove hidden moisture, reducing the risk of mold and rot.
Cleaning and Sanitizing
Water intrusion often brings bacteria, especially if sewage or storm runoff is involved. Arcus Restoration uses antimicrobial and antifungal treatments to clean affected surfaces and ensure your home is safe again.
Repairs and Full Restoration
The final step is restoring your home to its pre-damage state. This may include replacing drywall, repainting, reinstalling flooring, and rebuilding cabinetry. Our in-house crews handle it all with care and consistency.
Why DIY Cleanup Isn’t Enough
It’s tempting to tackle water damage with a wet vac and a few fans. Unfortunately, that approach leaves you vulnerable to serious long-term problems.
Hidden Moisture Risks
Most homeowners don’t have the tools to detect moisture in walls or floors. What looks dry could still be soaked underneath. That hidden water leads to mold growth, wood rot, or structural warping over time.
Mold in Murfreesboro’s Climate
Murfreesboro’s humidity makes mold a real concern. In the right conditions, it can begin growing within just 24 to 48 hours. Even a small patch can trigger allergies or worsen asthma symptoms.
Insurance Complications
Insurance companies expect detailed documentation and professional evaluations. Arcus Restoration works directly with insurers to provide everything needed to support your claim, including reports and photographs. This simplifies the process and helps you avoid delays.
What to Look for in a Murfreesboro Restoration Company
Choosing a restoration partner is about more than cleanup. It’s about clarity, confidence, and protecting your home from future issues.
A great restoration company should offer:
- 24/7 Emergency Service – Emergencies don’t follow business hours. You need help right away.
- Advanced Technology – Tools like 3D imaging and moisture mapping ensure thorough results.
- Clear Communication – Look for real-time updates and transparency throughout the process.
- Local Expertise – Teams that understand Murfreesboro homes and weather conditions will deliver better results.
Why Homeowners Trust Arcus Restoration
Arcus Restoration brings more than equipment. We bring experience, structure, and a clear plan for getting your life back on track.
- Emergency Response, 24/7: We’re often on-site within hours of your call.
- Tech-Enabled Precision: Our 3D scans and customer portal give you total visibility from start to finish.
- In-House, Permanent Crews: Our licensed team members treat your home with care and consistency.
- Local Accountability: We live and work in Tennessee, and our reputation is built on trust.
How to Prevent Water Damage in the Future
Once your home is restored, the next goal is making sure it doesn’t happen again. A few proactive steps go a long way.
- Inspect regularly: Check roofs, pipes, and appliances at least twice a year.
- Use smart technology: Leak detectors and automatic shut-off valves can stop problems early.
- Maintain your gutters: Clogged gutters lead to overflow and foundation damage.
- Grade your landscaping properly: Soil should slope away from your home’s foundation.
- Schedule preventive checkups: Especially before storm season, have vulnerable areas inspected by a professional.
Get Help Now—Before It Gets Worse
When water damage hits your Murfreesboro home, speed matters. Waiting too long can turn a manageable issue into a major crisis. Mold, warped flooring, and weakened drywall are just the start. Add in health risks and insurance complications, and the stress becomes overwhelming.
Arcus Restoration is ready to help. Our highly trained local crews respond around the clock with the tools, expertise, and empathy to restore your home—and your peace of mind. With Matterport 3D imaging, real-time updates via our DASH portal, and a reputation for honest service, we make the recovery process as smooth as possible.
Don’t wait. Call Arcus Restoration today to schedule your free assessment. Get expert help fast, and stop water damage in its tracks.