Monsoon Water Damage Checklist for Arizona Homeowners
Arizona's monsoon season runs from June 15 to September 30. Most monsoon water damage comes from roof leaks, clogged scuppers, runoff under doors and wind-driven rain. Prepare your roof and drainage in May, keep sandbags and shutoff locations ready, and dry any wet areas within 24 to 48 hours.
Reading this with water on the floor? Get help first.
Need Help Now? Tap Here(833) 937-0179Monsoon storms can turn a dry street into a river in minutes. They bring microbursts, hail, dust, and short bursts of very heavy rain. For homeowners, that means roof leaks, water under doors, flooded garages and wet attics. This checklist covers what to do before, during and after a storm.
Before the season: May and early June
- Clear roof scuppers and canales. Flat and low-slope roofs drain through these openings. Leaves, nests and debris block them and send water into the house.
- Check tile roofs. Look for cracked or slipped tiles. The underlayment beneath tile is what keeps water out, and it wears out after 20 to 25 years in Arizona sun.
- Test your yard grading. Soil and rock should slope away from the foundation. Run a hose and watch where water goes.
- Clean gutters and downspouts and point them away from the slab.
- Service your evaporative cooler if you have one. Check the pan, float and water line before a storm shakes it loose.
- Know your shutoffs. Find the main water valve and the electric panel. Label the breakers for rooms that flood first.
- Get sandbags for low garage and patio doors. Many cities and fire departments offer them before monsoon season.
- Review your insurance. Homeowners policies usually exclude outside flood water. Flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program usually has a 30-day waiting period, so buy it early.
During a storm
- Stay off flooded roads. Arizona's "Stupid Motorist Law" can make drivers who ignore barricades pay for their rescue.
- Watch ceilings, windows and door thresholds for water.
- Put towels and buckets under small leaks and move valuables away.
- If water rises toward outlets or cords, turn off power at the breaker if it is safe to reach.
- Do not go on the roof during the storm.
After the storm
- Photograph every wet area and the outside damage for your insurer.
- Check the attic with a flashlight for wet insulation or dripping.
- Feel the base of walls and carpet near doors for dampness.
- Remove standing water and start fans and dehumidifiers within hours.
- Treat outside flood water as contaminated. Wear gloves and boots, and plan to discard soaked carpet pad and upholstered items.
- Call a restoration company if water got into walls, under flooring or into the attic.
Why monsoon damage turns into mold
Monsoon storms raise humidity, which slows drying. Water trapped inside a wall or under laminate can stay wet for days even when it feels dry outside. The EPA advises drying wet materials within 24 to 48 hours to prevent mold. A moisture meter is the only way to be sure.
Quick reference
| Problem | First action |
|---|---|
| Ceiling stain or drip | Bucket under it, power off to fixtures, check attic |
| Water under garage door | Sandbags, move items, extract water |
| Wet carpet near patio door | Pull back carpet, fans, check pad |
| Roof tiles blown off | Tarp when safe, call roofer |
| Flooded room | Power off, photos, call for extraction |
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About the author
Noah Miller founded AZ Water Damage Help in Queen Creek to give Arizona homeowners fast, honest water damage help. He writes and updates these guides using public guidance from the EPA, the IICRC, the National Weather Service and Arizona state agencies. More about Noah.
Sources
- National Weather Service Phoenix
- National Weather Service: Flood Safety
- FloodSmart (FEMA National Flood Insurance Program)
- EPA: Mold