Emergency Restoration

Stop the source if you can do it safely, turn off power to wet areas, move valuables out, and call a restoration company. Do not wade into water that may be contaminated or electrified.

Most homes take three to five days of monitored drying, longer if water reached insulation, hardwood, or wall cavities. Moisture meters, not the calendar, decide when drying is done.

Mold can start within a day or two on wet organic material. Fast extraction and drying are the main prevention, and any growth found during drying should be remediated, not painted over.

Sudden events like burst pipes and storm damage are often covered, while long term leaks and floodwater from outside usually fall under different rules. Document everything and check your policy early.

Surface drying helps, but water trapped in walls and floors needs professional extraction and dehumidification. Undried cavities are where mold and rot start.