By: Aaron Eller

April 3, 2025

What to Do with Water Damage in Your House

Water damage can cause a lot of issues for homeowners from ruining personal items in your home or causing costly damages that could need to be fixed. At Cash Offer Man, we are local home buyers with tons of experience. Being based in Missouri we are faced with heavy rain in the spring season causing a lot of our homes to experience water in their foundation. If you are looking to sell your home with or without water damage we are BUYING! Fill out the form below and our team will get you an offer on your Home. 

Immediate Actions

Gauge Your Current Situation

When you first notice water in your home, you want to quickly find the source. If a pipe burst you want to turn the water off immediately and find where the pipe burst. If your basement has water it might not be as big of a deal or as controllable but you still want to take measures to protect your home. 

Determine these questions to find the problem and severity:

• Is the water source ongoing, or has it stopped?
• Is the water contaminated (such as from sewage or floodwater)?
• Are there electrical appliances or outlets in contact with the water?
• How deep is the water, and how far has it spread?

These will help determine the cause and measure how much damage has been caused. 

Stop Water If Possible

If the water damage is due to a pipe that has burst, a sink overflowing, or malfunctioning appliance, turn off the main water supply immediately. Knowing where your main shut-off valve is located can save you thousands of dollars in damages. Water will generally keep flowing until the water shut-off valve is closed or the issue has been fixed. 

For issues like a leaky roof, try to contain the water using buckets and tarps while waiting for a professional to assess the damage. If your basement is flooding due to heavy rain or rising groundwater, a working sump pump can be your best line of defense.

Remove Water If Possible

Once the water has stopped flowing, it is best to remove as much of it as you can. Prolong water sitting can cause further damage. 

• Wet/Dry Vacuum: Ideal for smaller water incidents, these vacuums can help suck up excess water efficiently.
• Sump Pumps: If you have one, use it to remove large volumes of water quickly.
• Mops and Towels: While more labor-intensive, they are helpful for minor water issues.
• Professional Water Extraction Services: If the water damage is extensive, hiring a professional restoration company may be necessary.

Check for Water Damage

After the water has resided or you have dried out your basement, check the area for damage/ Look for these main factors:

• Structural Issues: Warped floors, weakened drywall, and damaged ceilings.
• Mold Growth: Mold can begin forming within 24-48 hours of water exposure.
• Electrical Hazards: Water can damage wiring, creating fire hazards if left unchecked.

If the damage is severe, you may need to call a professional restoration service to properly dry out and repair your home.

How to Prevent Water Damage

Water damage can be costly to repair, so prevention is highly recommended. Here are some ways we advise to protect your home from future issues:

Foundation Work

A solid foundation is essential in preventing water damage. Cracks in the foundation can allow water to seep in, leading to basement flooding and structural problems. To prevent foundation issues:

• Regularly inspect and seal foundation cracks.
• Apply waterproof coatings to basement walls.
• Install a proper drainage system to redirect water away from your home.

Sump Pump Maintenance

A sump pump is a valuable tool for preventing basement flooding. Make sure your sump pump is working correctly, test it regularly, and consider installing a battery backup in case of power outages. If your sump pump fails during a storm, you could end up with a flooded basement.

Outside Drainage

Proper drainage around your home is crucial to preventing water damage. To improve drainage:

• Clean your gutters regularly to prevent blockages. Leaves dropping in the fall can get stuck in the gutters. 
• Extend downspouts at least 6 feet away from the foundation.
• Ensure your yard slopes away from the home to prevent water accumulation.

Options You Have with Water Damage

If you have experienced extensive water damage in your home, these are your options:

Get the Damage Fixed

If the damage is minor or moderate, you may choose to repair it. This involves removing damaged materials, drying out the space, and possibly hiring contractors to restore the home. While this option can be expensive, it allows you to continue living in your home without worrying about further damage.

The cost of repairing water damage can vary based on the severity of the problem:

• Minor leaks and drywall repair: $500 – $2,000
• Extensive flooding requiring mold removal: $3,000 – $10,000
• Full home restoration after major flood damage: $10,000 – $50,000+

Leave the Damage

Some homeowners choose to live with water damage if it doesn’t severely impact their daily lives. However, this can lead to:

• Mold Growth: Poses serious health risks.
• Lower Home Value: Water damage reduces a home’s marketability.
• Increased Repair Costs Over Time: Delaying repairs can make the problem worse.

Sell Your House

Selling a house with water damage can be challenging, especially if you’re going the traditional route with a realtor. Many buyers shy away from homes with damage, and you may need to make expensive repairs before listing it on the market.

How to Sell Your House with Water Damage

If you decide to sell your house but don’t want to deal with costly repairs, selling it as-is to a cash home-buying company is a great option. Companies like Cash Offer Man specialize in buying homes in any condition, allowing homeowners to sell quickly without spending money on repairs.

Cash Offer Man Can Help

At Cash Offer Man, we understand that dealing with water damage is stressful. That’s why we offer homeowners in St. Louis a fast, hassle-free way to sell their homes. Here’s why homeowners trust us:

• We Buy Houses in Any Condition – You don’t need to fix anything. We’ll make a fair cash offer on your home as-is.
• We Buy Houses on Any Timeframe – Whether you need to sell fast or take your time, we work on your schedule.
• No Repairs, No Hidden Fees – Skip the costly repairs, realtor fees, and closing costs. We make selling easy and stress-free.

Sell Your House Fast with Cash Offer Man

If you’re dealing with water damage and need to sell your house fast, Cash Offer Man is here to help. We are a trusted St. Louis home-buying company that provides cash offers for houses in any condition. Whether you’re facing foundation issues, a leaky basement, flood damage, or foreclosure, we offer a simple and quick solution to sell your home.

Get a Cash Offer Today

Don’t let water damage hold you back. If you’re considering selling your home, contact Cash Offer Man today for a no-obligation cash offer. We make the process easy, allowing you to move on without the burden of repairs.

Missouri Home Buyers

We buy houses in Missouri, Springfield, Jennings, Columbia, Hannibal, Troy, St. Charles, Hazelwood, Florissant, Bridgeton, Oakville, Afton, and Arnold just to name a few. If you have a house located in Missouri and want to get an offer, fill out the form below and our team will get you an offer right away!