Water damage
The complete guide
Water Damage Restoration: The Complete Guide
What causes water damage, what to do in the first hour, how drying works, what it costs and how insurance handles it. Written by restoration crews, split into 23 short topics.
- 23Topics
- 362Articles planned
- 5Stages
Water in the house right now? Call (800) 719-4808 first, read later.
The short version
Water damage in five facts.
If you only read one part of this guide, read this. Each point links to the topic that explains it.
- The type of water matters. Clean, gray and black water are handled differently. Categories & classes
- The first hour sets the cost. Stop the source, cut power to wet rooms, take photos. Emergency first steps
- Dry is measured, not felt. Moisture meters decide when drying is done, usually 3 to 5 days. Extraction & drying
- Mold can start in 24 to 48 hours on damp drywall, carpet pad and wood. Mold guide
- Sudden damage is usually covered; slow leaks and outside flooding often aren't. Insurance claims
All 23 topics
Pick a topic, read in minutes.
Grouped in the order most people need them, from the moment water shows up to the day the last wall is painted.
Understand the damage
What kind of water it is, where it came from and why that matters.
01
Water damage categories & classesClean, gray and black water, and the four classes of how far it spread.15 articles 02
Plumbing & pipe leaksBurst pipes, slab leaks, corroded lines and failed fittings.16 articles 03
Appliance leaksDishwashers, fridges, washers, water heaters and AC units.15 articles 04
Roof, window & exterior leaksFailed shingles, window seals, flashing and siding.15 articles 05
Weather & storm floodingHeavy rain, flash floods, storm surge and runoff.15 articles 06
Sewage backup & contaminated waterWhy black water is different and how it is cleaned up safely.15 articles 07
Basement & crawl space floodingSeepage, standing water and moisture under the house.15 articles
Stop it and dry it
The first hour, extraction, drying and how different materials react.
08
Emergency first stepsWhat to do in the first hour: water, power, photos, calls.16 articles 09
Water extraction & dryingHow water is removed and how long drying takes.15 articles 10
Structural drying & equipmentAir movers, dehumidifiers, meters and specialty drying.16 articles 11
Damage to specific materialsHardwood, drywall, carpet, laminate, ceilings and more.15 articles 12
Damage by roomKitchens, bathrooms, attics, laundry rooms and garages.15 articles
Pay for it and plan
Insurance, cost, timelines and choosing who does the work.
13
Insurance claims & documentationWhat policies cover, what adjusters need and how to file.17 articles 14
Cost & estimatesWhat drives the price and how estimates are written.16 articles 15
Restoration timelineHow long drying, mold work and rebuilding usually take.10 articles 16
DIY vs professionalWhat you can safely handle and when to call a crew.10 articles 17
Choosing a restoration companyCertifications, questions to ask and red flags.11 articles
Rebuild and prevent
Putting the house back together and keeping it dry.
Bigger and unusual losses
Commercial buildings, special cases and large disasters.
20
Commercial & multi-familyOffices, apartments, restaurants, retail and property managers.18 articles 21
Special situationsVacant homes, historic buildings, sprinklers, multi-floor losses.25 articles 22
Large-scale water disastersFloods, levee breaches, mudslides and FEMA zones.20 articles 23
Disaster response & coordinationEvacuations, returning home and regional flood response.15 articles
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Related guideMold Remediation: The Complete GuideWater damage and mold go together. 14 topics on testing, removal and prevention.
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