Complex issues often contain multiple key elements that influence the most effective solution. This is certainly true of water damage, which can arise from any of several sources, affect any number of household areas, and be of any variety of types—from clean water to gray to black—each with its own potential impacts on health and safety. At the most basic level, there are two kinds of questions to address: the damage done and the how, why, and where of the water that got there in the first place. Who in your house can best answer those with any reasonable certainty? You and your partner.
A key factor to consider is the materials affected by water damage. While a host of different materials are used in construction and to furnish spaces, there are certain ones that are most susceptible to water damage because of how they are made and their locations in the home. These materials are porous, which means they naturally can absorb a certain amount of moisture. But when a lot of moisture gets into them, or when the moisture sticks around for too long, they can start to warp, grow mold, or deteriorate in other ways. In practical terms, this means that the wood in a house (including the framing, floors, and furniture), as well as anything made of drywall, plaster, or some kinds of concrete, is vulnerable when water gets into the house. Other materials that can be damaged by water include paper, fabric, and certain kinds of flooring.
To strategize effective water damage repairs, you must ensure that preventive measures are in place to stop a repeat performance. This means locking down the source of the water that just caused so much inconvenience and expense. Was it a broken pipe? A malfunctioning appliance? A simple lack of adequate sealing that allowed Mother Nature to come right on in? Until you find the answers (and your DIY skills don’t pan out, in which case it’s time to call for pro help), this current situation is likely to keep happening.
Regular maintenance is key. Stops up plumbing and appliances need to be regularly checked and maintained so that they don’t turn into gushing geysers. Your infrastructure (incl. the plumbing that can't just be seen or ignored) needs regular check-ups that involve more than just looking around and listening for gurgles.
Flood insurance and knowing where the dang flood zone is just might save your bacon too.