How to Prevent Mould After Water Damage in Brisbane Homes
Introduction: Why You Need to Act Fast After Water Damage in Brisbane
In Brisbane, water damage is more common than many homeowners realise. Between summer storms, humid conditions, and unexpected plumbing issues, leaks and minor floods happen more often than you’d think.
But the real danger isn’t just the water itself. It’s what happens next.
If a leak, flood, or spill isn’t dried quickly and properly, mould can begin to grow in as little as 24 to 48 hours. Once mould spores take hold, they can spread fast — damaging your walls, ceilings, and floors while also impacting your health.
That’s why quick action is so important. The sooner you respond, the easier it is to prevent mould growth, avoid expensive repairs, and keep your home healthy.
This step-by-step guide will show you exactly what to do after a leak or flood in your home. Whether the water came from a burst pipe, heavy rain, or an overflowing sink, these tips are designed for Brisbane’s climate and help you stop mould before it starts.
If you’ve recently had water damage or live in a high-risk area, this guide is for you. Keep reading to learn how to protect your property and avoid common mistakes that can lead to long-term mould problems.
Step 1: Find and Stop the Source of the Water
The first step in preventing mould after a leak or flood is to stop the water at its source. If water is still entering your home, drying anything won’t help — the problem will just keep coming back.
Start by identifying exactly where the water is coming from. This could be something obvious, like a burst pipe or a leaking roof. But in many Brisbane homes, the source is hidden or slow-moving, which makes it harder to catch early.
Here are some of the most common causes of water damage in Brisbane homes:
Roof leaks caused by heavy rain or damaged flashing
Air conditioners or split systems dripping behind walls
Poor waterproofing in bathrooms or balconies
Floodwater entering through doors, windows, or low points
If you're unsure where the water is coming from, look around your windows, behind skirting boards, under sinks, and near ceilings. These are the areas most often affected in older Queenslander-style homes and newer properties alike.
The key is to fix the issue immediately. Whether that means calling a plumber, sealing a leak, or clearing gutters, stopping the water flow is the first and most important step to avoid mould growth.
Waiting even a few extra hours can allow moisture to soak deeper into the structure, giving mould the perfect conditions to grow.
Step 2: Remove Any Standing Water Immediately
Once the water source is stopped, your next priority is removing any standing water. Still water creates the perfect breeding ground for mould, especially in Brisbane’s warm and humid climate. The longer it sits, the more damage it does.
If the water is minimal — such as from a small leak or overflow — you can usually remove it yourself. Use towels, mops, or a wet/dry vacuum to soak up as much as possible.
But if the area is flooded or the water has soaked into carpets, walls, or flooring, it’s best to call in a professional. Flood restoration experts use high-powered vacuums, subfloor pumps, and specialised equipment to extract water from hard-to-reach places.
Quick action here can make all the difference. Removing water within the first few hours can often prevent thousands of dollars in damage and the need for full mould remediation.
Step 3: Start Drying the Area Immediately
Once the water is removed, it’s time to dry everything out — and fast. Mould spores can begin to activate in as little as 24 hours if moisture remains in the structure.
To speed up the drying process:
Use dehumidifiers and commercial air movers
Keep windows open if outside humidity is lower than indoors
Remove damp materials like rugs, curtains, cushions, and blankets
Avoid using your air conditioner if the ducts or vents are wet
Airflow is important, but regular household fans aren’t powerful enough to dry structural materials. Wall cavities, timber frames, and concrete floors hold moisture longer than you might think — and these are often the areas where mould takes hold first.
At Ever Ready Solutions, we offer professional structural drying services across Brisbane. Our equipment is designed to pull moisture out of deep materials and prevent long-term damage before it starts.
Step 4: Remove or Clean Wet Building Materials
Not all materials respond the same way to water. Some can be cleaned and dried, while others need to be removed completely to prevent future issues.
Remove materials if they’re:
Water-damaged or swollen skirting boards
Insulation that’s become mouldy or damp
Carpet or underlay that has soaked through
Untreated timber that feels soft, warped, or rotted
You may be able to clean and restore:
Tiles and grout (once fully dried)
Concrete floors, with proper cleaning and drying
Gyprock or plasterboard, if the damage is only surface level
If you’re unsure what can be saved, it’s better to err on the side of caution. Materials left damp — even if they look fine — can support mould growth behind walls or under flooring where it’s hard to detect.
Step 5: Treat Surfaces for Mould Spores
Even if everything looks clean and dry, there could still be active mould spores present. These microscopic particles can linger on surfaces, in the air, and within materials — ready to grow once moisture returns.
That’s why it’s essential to apply a mould treatment after drying.
At Ever Ready Solutions, we use non-toxic, hospital-grade products that are safe for use in homes with children and pets. Our treatments are designed to:
Kill mould spores deep within the material
Neutralise airborne contamination
Leave surfaces clean, safe, and residue-free
Avoid using bleach or supermarket products on porous materials — they often fail to eliminate the root of the problem and can worsen the issue over time.
Step 6: Monitor Moisture Levels After Cleanup
Just because something looks dry doesn’t mean it is. Moisture can linger in concrete slabs, behind gyprock, under timber flooring, and inside wall cavities — where mould often begins to grow unnoticed.
Use a moisture meter or thermal imaging to confirm that all materials are completely dry. This is the only reliable way to check moisture levels deep within the structure.
As part of every inspection, we provide moisture readings to ensure your home is safe before and after treatment. These readings can also help with insurance claims and give peace of mind that mould won’t return.
Bonus Step: Prevent Future Water Damage in Brisbane Homes
Once the immediate issue is resolved, take steps to reduce your long-term risk of mould. Brisbane’s climate makes homes more vulnerable, especially during storm season and in poorly ventilated spaces.
Here’s how you can reduce the chance of mould coming back:
Use dehumidifiers in rooms with poor airflow or damp conditions
Clean and maintain gutters before and after heavy rain
Check seals around showers, toilets, and sinks regularly
Install exhaust fans in bathrooms, laundry rooms, and kitchens
Fix plumbing leaks as soon as they appear
Book annual inspections, especially after major storms or floods
Taking small preventative steps now can save you from larger, more expensive problems later.
Need Help After a Leak or Flood?
If you’ve experienced water damage, don’t wait for mould to take hold. At Ever Ready Solutions, we offer emergency response services for homeowners across Brisbane, Logan, the Gold Coast, and surrounding areas.
Our experienced team can assess the damage, dry affected areas, treat surfaces, and stop mould before it becomes a serious problem.
Whether you’ve had a leaking air conditioner, flood water inside your home, or a pipe burst overnight — we’re ready to help.
Book a Free Inspection Today
We’ll inspect moisture levels, explain exactly what needs to be done, and provide a clear, honest plan to keep your home safe. No hidden fees. No rushed jobs. Just expert advice and thorough mould prevention.
