Emergency Water Damage Cleanup, Nationwide

What counts as an emergency

Treat it as an emergency if water is still entering the building, if more than a small area is wet, if ceilings are sagging, if water is near electrical equipment, or if the water came from a toilet, drain or outside flood. Wet drywall, insulation and subfloors keep absorbing moisture for hours, and every day of delay raises the chance of mold and widens the repair.

What to do before the crew arrives

1. Stop the source. Close the main shutoff, the fixture valve or the appliance valve.
2. Cut power to wet areas at the breaker only if the panel is dry and you can reach it without standing in water.
3. Keep people and pets out of wet rooms, especially if the water might be sewage.
4. Photograph and film everything before you move it.
5. Lift small furniture, electronics and papers onto dry surfaces.

How the emergency process usually runs

A typical response starts with a safety check, then extraction of standing water with pumps and wet vacuums. Technicians measure moisture in walls and floors with meters and thermal cameras, set air movers and dehumidifiers, and remove materials that cannot be dried in place, such as soaked insulation or carpet pad. Daily readings show whether the structure is actually drying. The exact scope depends on the water source, how long it sat and what materials were affected.

What to ask the company that calls you back

• Whether they hold the licenses your state or city requires for this work, and the license number
• Proof of general liability insurance
• Whether their technicians hold IICRC water damage training
• How they price the job and whether they will bill your insurer directly
• When a crew can reach your address

Find help in your state

Choose your state to see local conditions and cities we cover: water damage restoration by state.

Popular cities

Frequently asked questions