The five stages
Every water loss is different, but professional work usually follows the same order.
- Assess. The provider finds the source, identifies the water category (clean, gray or black), maps where moisture has spread and uses meters to read moisture in walls, floors and ceilings.
- Extract. Standing water is pumped or vacuumed out first. Drying cannot begin while water is still pooled. See emergency water extraction.
- Dry. Air movers and dehumidifiers pull moisture out of the structure. See structural drying.
- Monitor. Moisture readings are repeated over several visits. Drying is finished when materials reach the dry standard for that material, not when they merely look or feel dry.
- Restore. Materials that could not be dried, or that were contaminated, are removed and replaced, and finishes are repaired.
Why speed matters
The U.S. EPA says it is important to dry water-damaged areas and items within 24 to 48 hours to prevent mold growth. In Florida’s warm, humid climate, damp materials that are left alone can deteriorate quickly. That is why the first hours matter even when the visible damage looks small.
Which type of water problem do you have?
| Situation | Where to read next |
|---|---|
| A pipe, supply line or appliance leak | Burst pipes and leaks |
| Water rising from outside the home | Flood damage cleanup |
| Wind-driven rain or a roof leak after a storm | Storm and hurricane damage |
| A toilet, drain or sewer overflow | Sewage backup cleanup |
| A business or rental property | Commercial water damage |
What to ask before you agree to anything
- Who will be on site, and are they employees or subcontractors?
- Which licenses apply to the work they will do? You can check Florida licenses on the DBPR license search.
- Will they take moisture readings and share them with you?
- Is the quote an estimate or a fixed price, and what could change it?
- What paperwork am I being asked to sign, and does it involve my insurance benefits? Read it fully before signing.
Get help now
Call for water damage restoration help in Vero Beach, Fort Pierce, Naples or Punta Gorda. Describe what happened to arrange an inspection, with the work and price explained before anything starts. See what to expect when you call.