Short answer: Often yes, if the damage is limited to a few rooms of clean water, the power is safe and the home still has working plumbing. You should move out, at least for a while, if there is sewage or flood water, a large area of mold, unsafe electrics, no working bathroom or kitchen, or anyone at home with breathing problems or a weak immune system.
After water damage, one of the first questions families ask is whether they can stay at home while the drying and repairs happen. The answer depends on the type of water, how much of the home is affected, and who lives there.
Can you stay in your house during water damage restoration?
It depends on four things: how dirty the water was, how much of the home is affected, whether power and plumbing are safe, and who lives in the home.
When it is usually fine to stay
- The water was clean, such as a broken supply line
- Only a few rooms are affected, and they can be closed off
- Electricity and gas are safe and working
- You still have a working bathroom and kitchen
- No one at home has asthma, lung disease or a weakened immune system
When you should leave, at least for a while
- Sewage or outside flood water got into the home
- There is widespread mold, or mold is being removed
- Electrical systems were soaked or the power is off
- You have no working bathroom or kitchen
- Structural damage, such as sagging ceilings or floors
- Babies, older people or anyone with health problems live in the home
If you smell gas, see sparks or the structure seems unsafe, leave right away and call 911 or your gas company from outside.
What living with drying equipment is like
Professional drying uses air movers and dehumidifiers that run day and night, often for several days. They are loud, they make rooms warmer and they use a lot of electricity. Technicians will ask you not to switch them off or move them, and to keep doors and windows as they set them. Some areas may be sealed off with plastic containment, especially if mold or dirty water is involved.
Tips if you stay
- Keep children and pets out of work areas and away from equipment and cords
- Close off affected rooms to hold down noise and dust
- Ask the provider how long each room will take and when readings are done
- Keep windows closed unless the technician says otherwise
- Store valuables and documents away from work areas
Protecting your health if you stay
- Stay out of rooms with containment or active mold work
- Wash hands after touching anything in affected areas
- Run the air conditioning only if the technician says the ducts are clean
- Watch for headaches, coughing or breathing problems, and leave if they start
- Keep food and medicines away from work areas
If you need to move out
Many homeowners policies include additional living expenses, also called loss of use coverage, which pays for somewhere to stay and extra costs when the home cannot be lived in because of a covered loss. Ask your insurer early, keep every receipt and ask for guidance on limits. Read about water damage insurance claims.
Questions to ask before deciding
- Is any of the water contaminated?
- Will any rooms be sealed off, and for how long?
- Is it safe to use the heating and cooling system?
- Which rooms will be noisy or warm, and when?
- When will the drying be finished and repairs start?
Children and pets
Drying equipment, cords, plastic sheeting and open walls are hazards for small children and pets. Keep them out of work areas, and consider staying elsewhere if the home has contaminated water or mold. Pets can also track contaminated water through the house.
If you leave for a few days
- Medicines, glasses, chargers and important documents
- Clothes and toiletries for several days
- Pet food and supplies
- A list of your insurer’s claim number and the restoration company’s contact
- A key or lockbox code for the restoration crew, agreed in writing
How long restoration takes
Drying often takes several days, and repairs after drying can take from a few days to several weeks depending on what must be replaced. Read what to do in the first 24 hours and about water damage cost.
Quick answers
Can I stay in my house during water damage restoration?
Often yes for limited clean water damage with safe power and working plumbing. Leave if there is sewage, flood water, mold or unsafe electrics.
Is it safe to sleep in a house with dehumidifiers running?
Usually yes, in unaffected rooms. The equipment is noisy and warm, so many people sleep in rooms away from it.
Does insurance pay for a hotel during water damage repairs?
Many policies include additional living expenses when the home cannot be lived in because of a covered loss. Check your policy.
How long will the drying equipment run?
Often several days. The technician checks moisture readings daily and removes equipment when materials are dry.
Who should I call for water damage restoration?
A water damage restoration company that handles water removal, drying and repairs. Sifixit can connect you with a local provider.
Related
- Water damage restoration near you
- Water damage insurance claims
- Flooded basement cleanup
- Water damage categories
This guide covered can you stay in your house during water damage restoration. For more background, see FEMA’s flood insurance pages, and if you need help, Sifixit can connect you with a local provider.
This guide is general information for homeowners, not professional, insurance or safety advice for your situation.
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