Water Under Laminate Floor: Fix Guide

Found water under your laminate flooring? You’re not alone. I’ve helped hundreds of homeowners fix this exact problem over the past 15 years.

This guide solves your water damage crisis step by step. You’ll learn how water gets under laminate floors, spot the warning signs early, and remove moisture safely. I’ll also show you when to call professionals versus handling repairs yourself.

Here’s what makes this different: Real experience from actual jobs, not theory. I’ve crawled under damaged floors, dealt with insurance companies, and seen what works.

My goal is simple. Get your floors dry, prevent mold growth, and save you thousands in unnecessary repairs.

Ready to fix this problem today? Let’s start with how water sneaks under laminate flooring.

How Does Water Get Under Laminate Flooring?

Water finds ways into places you’d never expect.

Spills that seep through gaps are common. Even the smallest spaces between planks can let water through. That coffee spill you thought you cleaned up? Some of it probably made its way down.

Plumbing leaks are another major problem. A tiny leak under your kitchen sink can go unnoticed for weeks. Meanwhile, water slowly spreads under your floor.

High humidity causes issues too. In basements or bathrooms, moisture can build up and eventually work its way under your flooring.

Poor installation creates problems. If the installer didn’t seal the edges properly, you’ve got an open invitation for water damage.

Even wet mopping can cause trouble. Too much water on your mop means excess moisture that can seep through joints.

Signs You Have Water Under Laminate Floor

Your floor will tell you when there’s a problem. You just need to know what to look for.

Warping or cupping of planks is the most obvious sign. When laminate absorbs moisture, it expands. This creates visible bumps and uneven surfaces.

Listen for squishy or hollow sounds when you walk. Normal laminate should sound solid under your feet.

Peeling or lifting edges are clear warnings. Water causes the adhesive to fail, and planks start coming up at the seams.

Changes in color or texture happen too. Water-damaged laminate often looks duller or develops dark spots.

Musty odors are serious red flags. That smell means mold or mildew is already growing underneath your floor.

You might notice soft spots when you walk. Press down gently with your foot. If the floor feels spongy, water has likely damaged the subfloor too.

Dangers of Ignoring Water Under Laminate Flooring

I get it. You’re hoping the problem will just go away on its own. It won’t.

Mold growth is the biggest threat. Once mold starts growing under your floor, it spreads fast. This creates serious health risks for your family.

Structural damage comes next. Water weakens your subfloor. What starts as a small wet spot can turn into major floor repairs costing thousands of dollars.

The longer you wait, the more expensive it gets. I’ve seen homeowners ignore small water issues only to end up replacing entire rooms of flooring.

Insurance complications are another headache. Many policies don’t cover water damage that develops over time. Act fast, and you might have coverage. Wait too long, and you’re on your own.

Your indoor air quality suffers too. Trapped moisture creates the perfect environment for bacteria and allergens.

How to Remove Water Under Laminate Flooring (Step-by-Step)

Here’s exactly how I handle water under laminate floors.

Step 1: Identify and stop the source of water

Find where the water is coming from first.

• Check sinks, toilets, and appliances for leaks
• Look at water heater and washing machine connections
• Turn off water supply if you find an active leak
• Take photos for insurance documentation

Step 2: Carefully remove affected laminate planks

Start at the edges and work toward the center.

• Use the click-lock system to gently lift planks
• Number each plank for proper reinstallation order
• Don’t force damaged pieces
• Set planks aside in a dry area to air out

Step 3: Dry subfloor completely

Your subfloor needs to be bone dry before moving forward.

• Set up multiple fans pointing at wet areas
• Run a dehumidifier to pull moisture from air
• Wait 48-72 hours minimum for complete drying
• Use moisture meter if available (aim for below 12%)

Step 4: Clean and disinfect to prevent mold

Mix bleach solution (1 part bleach to 10 parts water).

• Wipe down all exposed surfaces thoroughly
• Focus on corners and crevices where mold grows
• Let disinfectant sit for 10 minutes before wiping
• Keep windows open during this process

Step 5: Replace or reinstall flooring

Inspect each plank for damage before reinstalling.

• Replace any warped, swollen, or discolored planks
• Ensure salvageable planks are completely dry and flat
• Start from original corner and work systematically
• Check for proper alignment to avoid gaps

Can Wet Laminate Flooring Be Saved?

It depends on several factors.

How long was it wet? Laminate that got soaked for a few hours has a much better chance than flooring that sat in water for days.

What type of water was it? Clean water from a supply line is one thing. Sewage backup is another story entirely.

High-quality laminate handles moisture better than cheaper options. Some premium brands have better water resistance built in.

Here’s what I look for when deciding:

Warping or swelling means the plank is done. No amount of drying will bring it back to its original shape.

Delamination (layers separating) is another death sentence for laminate planks.

But if the planks look normal after drying completely, you might get lucky. I’ve seen laminate bounce back from minor water exposure.

The subfloor condition matters just as much. Even if your laminate survived, damaged subflooring needs attention.

How to Prevent Water From Getting Under Laminate Floors

Prevention beats repair every time.

Seal those gaps. Use appropriate sealant around the edges of your laminate flooring. Pay extra attention to areas near water sources.

Install proper transitions at doorways, especially between rooms with different moisture levels.

Control your home’s humidity. Keep it between 30-50%. Use dehumidifiers in basements and bathrooms if needed.

Clean spills immediately. Don’t let any liquid sit on your floor, even for a few minutes. Use doormats at all entrances. Wet shoes are a major source of floor moisture.

Check your plumbing regularly. Look under sinks and around toilets for signs of leaks. Avoid steam cleaning laminate floors. The heat and moisture can penetrate seams and cause damage.

Professional Help vs DIY Fix: Which Should You Choose?

This decision depends on the size of your problem.

Professional restoration companies have industrial-grade drying equipment. They can dry out your subfloor in hours instead of days.

The cost difference might not be as big as you think when you factor in your time and the risk of doing it wrong.

Insurance coverage often requires professional documentation anyway. Check your policy before starting DIY repairs.

Final Thoughts

Water under laminate flooring is fixable. I’ve walked you through every step from detection to repair. You now know how to spot problems early, dry everything properly, and prevent future damage.

The secret is acting fast. Every hour you wait makes repairs harder and more expensive. I’ve seen small leaks turn into major renovations because homeowners delayed action.

You have two choices today. Fix this problem now using my step-by-step guide, or call a professional restoration company. Both work, but don’t do anything.

Start immediately if you suspect water damage. Your floors and your wallet will thank you later. Remember, I’m here to help homeowners just like you solve these problems quickly and affordably.

Take action now.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take for water to damage laminate flooring?

Water damage can start within 24-48 hours of exposure. The longer water sits under your laminate, the worse the damage becomes and the harder it gets to save your flooring.

Will insurance cover water damage under laminate floors?

Most homeowner insurance policies cover sudden water damage like burst pipes or appliance failures. Gradual leaks or flood damage typically require separate coverage, so check your specific policy details.

Can I use a wet vacuum to remove water under laminate?

A wet vacuum only works if you can access the water directly. You’ll need to remove the affected planks first to reach the trapped moisture underneath your flooring.

What’s the difference between warping and cupping in laminate floors?

Warping makes planks bend upward at the edges or ends. Cupping creates a bowl shape where the center dips down while edges stay higher, both indicating serious water damage.

Should I replace the entire floor if only one section got wet?

You only need to replace the damaged section if you catch the problem early. However, if water spread extensively or sat for days, replacing the entire floor might be more cost-effective.