What to Do When Your Server Room Gets Wet: Immediate Restoration Steps

When a server room experiences water contamination, immediate action is crucial. Whether caused by a burst pipe, flooding, or sprinkler malfunction, water damage can threaten your IT infrastructure, compromise sensitive data, and bring your operations to a halt. This guide outlines the essential restoration steps to protect your business continuity and server performance.

First Response: Ensure Safety and Shut Down Power

Before touching any equipment:

• Turn off electricity to the affected area from the main breaker to avoid electrocution.

• Do not enter standing water if power is still on.

• Notify your IT and facilities teams immediately.

• If safe, document the damage with photos for insurance claims.

Step 1: Remove Water and Dehumidify the Server Room

Once the area is safe:

• Use wet/dry vacuums or water pumps to extract standing water.

• Deploy commercial-grade dehumidifiers and air movers to lower humidity quickly.

• Open any access panels or flooring to expose hidden dampness.

• Maintain temperatures between 68–77°F and relative humidity under 60% during drying.

Step 2: Begin Technical Cleaning of Server Equipment

Moisture can leave behind corrosive residues that damage electronics even after drying. Follow these precautions:

• Do not power on wet electronics.

• Remove affected equipment and send to a specialized electronic restoration provider.

• Clean any exposed surfaces using anti-static wipes and isopropyl alcohol where safe.

• Inspect for visible corrosion or residue on PCBs, rack systems, and connectors.

Step 3: Assess Damage and Begin Recovery

Once equipment is dry and cleaned:

• Test each device in a controlled, isolated environment before returning it to the rack.

• Assess if hard drives, switches, or servers suffered permanent damage.

• Restore data from backups if critical storage was compromised.

• Replace any non-recoverable or warranty-voided components.

Step 4: Sanitize and Seal the Environment

After the restoration:

• Clean and sanitize all surfaces in the server room, including subfloor areas.

• Ensure HVAC systems are dry and functional.

• Consider resealing cracks or replacing materials like carpets or tiles to prevent future contamination.

Step 5: Review Infrastructure and Mitigate Future Risk

Once operations are restored, conduct a post-incident review:

• Identify the source of water intrusion—plumbing, roofing, HVAC leak, etc.

• Install leak detection systems and water sensors beneath raised floors or near critical assets.

• Develop or revise your disaster recovery plan (DRP) and include a water-specific response protocol.

• Schedule regular environmental inspections for your server room.

Final Thoughts

Water in a server room is a critical emergency that requires swift, informed action. From the moment contamination is detected to full restoration, every minute counts. Proper server room cleaning, technical restoration, and future-proofing can mean the difference between a minor setback and catastrophic data loss.

If your organization lacks the in-house expertise or resources for full recovery, partnering with an electronic restoration specialist can accelerate your return to full functionality—safely and efficiently.