Can I use fans or a shop vac to dry it myself?

Can I Use Fans or a Shop Vac to Dry My Flooded Basement?

It’s a fair question, and one we hear a lot from homeowners dealing with a flooded basement. Short answer? You can try—but it won’t get the job done.

Here’s why:

• Home fans aren’t strong enough. They’re made to circulate air in a room, not remove gallons of moisture from walls, carpet, subfloor, and hidden spaces.

• Shop vacs fill up fast. Sure, a shop vac will help with standing water, but that’s just the beginning. Water soaks into drywall, concrete, insulation, and wood framing. You can’t see all of it.

• You’ll leave moisture behind. Even if the surface looks dry, moisture lingers in the structure. And once it’s trapped, mold starts growing fast—often in just 24 to 48 hours.

• You’re not dehumidifying. Without a professional-grade dehumidifier running 24/7, you’re just blowing damp air around the basement. That makes it harder—not easier—for things to dry out.

What You Need Instead:

At Total Home Water Restoration, we bring:

• High-powered extraction equipment to remove water fast

• Commercial air movers and dehumidifiers to dry deep and wide

• Moisture meters to find wet spots you can’t see or feel

• IICRC-certified technicians who follow strict drying protocols

We don’t just stop the damage—we prevent future problems.

Don’t Risk Mold or Structural Damage

A DIY cleanup might feel cheaper, but if you don’t dry it properly, you’ll end up paying more down the road. That includes mold remediation, drywall removal, flooring replacement, and possibly battling with your insurance company over coverage.

Give us a call at 380-246-1837. We’re based right here in Grove City and serve Columbus and surrounding areas. When disaster hits your basement, we fix it like it’s our own home.

Total Home Water Restoration
4141 Hoover Rd, Grove City, OH 43123
Call: 380-246-1837