Find and stop the source, then get the floor checked with a moisture meter. Water spreads under flooring and into the subfloor where you can't see it, so a floor can be wet well beyond the spot that looks damaged.
Signs of water under the floor
- Cupping, buckling or lifting in hardwood or laminate
- Loose or cracked tiles, or grout that stays dark
- Soft or spongy spots
- A musty smell
- Water seeping up at the edges or along baseboards
Common sources
- A dishwasher, fridge or washer supply line. See washer and dishwasher leaks.
- A toilet seal or supply line
- A water heater. See water heater leaks.
- A pipe under the slab. See slab leaks.
Right now
- Shut off the water to the appliance, or the main if you can't find the source.
- Take photos and video before anything is moved.
- Pull up wet rugs and move furniture off the floor.
- Get moisture readings. A water damage company can tell how far it spread and whether the flooring can be dried in place or has to come up.
For your claim
Sudden leaks are usually covered. Damage from a slow leak over weeks or months often isn't. Note when you first saw signs, and keep the failed part. The coverage checker walks through it.
Common questions
Can hardwood dry out after water gets under it?
Sometimes, if drying starts fast and the boards haven't cupped badly. Specialty floor drying mats can pull water out of the boards and subfloor.
How do I know if the subfloor is wet?
You usually can't tell by touch. A moisture meter or thermal camera is how pros find it.
Will insurance replace the whole floor?
That depends on the damage and your policy. Ask how your insurer handles flooring that runs continuously into undamaged rooms.