Water Damage FAQs

Water repair or water cleanup is a multi-phase process. The first step is to remove all standing water from flooring, wet carpet, and other affected materials. Once the water is removed, dehumidifiers and other specialized equipment are used to dry the areas. This can take multiple days, depending on the amount of water and space involved. After the process is complete, we use moisture meters and thermal imaging cameras (when applicable) to make sure your home is thoroughly dry. Fixing water damage may also involve drywall removal, carpet cleaning, wood floor repair, odor control, air duct cleaning, and mold removal.

Full restoration consists of two major phases. The first, mitigation, consists of demolition, cleaning and drying out the structure and belongings. This phase usually takes no more than 3 – 4 days. The second phase, repairs, can range from a few days to a couple of weeks depending on the degree of damage and lead time of materials such as carpeting, cabinets, or other flooring materials. Your AdvantaClean project manager will work closely with you and your insurance company to develop a full timeline for your mitigation and repairs so that your property is back to normal as quickly as possible.

The Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC ) provides a specific set of standards for fixing water damage. According to the IICRC S500 standards, water damage repair should only be done by experienced and trained technicians.These experts are equipped to swiftly carry out the appropriate water damage cleanup procedures in the event of a house flood.

The cost to clean up water damage depends on the size of the flooded area and the amount of time needed to handle the water repair. If your insurance policy covers water damage restoration, you are typically only responsible for the deductible. Due to water's rapid movement and potential for destruction, prompt water removal using the appropriate equipment is crucial to prevent further issues such as mold growth and structural damage. When done properly, fixing water damage can take several days and many man-hours to complete, which have varying costs.

• Clean water – poses no harm to people. This includes water damage caused by a sink or bathtub overflow or an appliance malfunction, such as a water heater or washing machine.
• Gray water – can cause harm and illness to people. This category includes water that has a significant amount of contamination, which can be chemical, physical, and/or biological.
• Black water – can cause severe illness to people. Black water is very unsanitary and contains pathogenic agents coming from other contaminated water sources. Black water can come from seawater, ground surface water, and sewage backups.

Water damage certainly has the potential to cause mold growth . Because mold thrives in moist environments, any place that is wet (and especially humid) is a perfect place for it to grow. If you ignore the moisture, it can begin to grow within 24-48 hours. It’s very important to take immediate action when you experience flood damage of any type!

Flood damage can be caused by a variety of factors, requiring you to find a reliable company to clean up water damage. Some of these include heavy rain storms , burst or leaky pipes and malfunctioning appliances. House floods can also occur as a result of roof leaks and from defective gutters and downspouts which can cause flood water in your basement or crawlspace.

Some signs of hidden water damage include peeling paint and wallpaper, visible mold, musty odors, and moisture or dampness in your walls, ceiling, carpet or other floorings.