Water damage questions, answered

Stop the water if you can safely (shut off the main valve), turn off electricity to wet areas if it's safe, take photos, and move valuables. Then call for help: the longer materials stay wet, the more damage spreads.

It depends on your policy. Sudden, accidental damage like a burst pipe is often covered, while long-term leaks and outside flooding often aren't without separate flood insurance. Check your policy or ask your agent.

You can submit a request or call any time. The independent providers we connect you with set their own hours and response times, and many offer emergency service.

No. We're a referral service that connects you with independent local providers. Always confirm the provider's license and insurance.

Mold can start growing within a day or two on wet materials, which is why fast drying matters.

Yes, there's no charge to submit a request. Providers may pay us for referrals.

Drying a typical clean-water loss often takes several days; dense materials and contaminated water take longer, and reconstruction adds time. Your provider should take daily moisture readings.

Often not, but it depends on the extent, the water category (sewage is different), and whether utilities are safe. Ask your provider and insurer.

Sometimes, if it was clean water and dried quickly. Drywall exposed to contaminated water or wet for long periods is usually removed.

Sudden and accidental water damage is commonly covered, subject to policy terms; outside flooding and gradual leaks often aren't. Check your policy.

Ask for moisture readings that show affected materials have reached a dry standard compared with unaffected materials.