If water is leaking inside, shut off the water supply and stay out of wet rooms where outlets or cords are under water. Call (855) 727-0147 and we’ll connect you with an independent restoration company that serves your area to extract the water and dry the building.
What is water damage restoration?
It is the work of removing water, drying the structure and contents, and repairing what can’t be dried. Common causes include burst or leaking pipes, failed water heaters, appliance hoses, roof leaks and water left after a fire.
Drying is measured, not guessed. Restorers take moisture readings and keep equipment running until materials are dry.
Why does speed matter?
Mold can start quickly. The EPA says water-damaged areas and items should be dried within 24 to 48 hours to prevent mold growth (EPA).
Water also wicks up drywall, soaks under flooring and spreads into cabinets and wall cavities. The longer it sits, the more material has to be removed.
What should I do first?
- Shut off the main water valve or the valve for the leaking fixture.
- Stay safe around electricity. Don’t touch electrical equipment if it is wet or you are standing in water. Turn off the power only if you can do it safely (Ready.gov).
- Photograph and film the water, the source and every affected room before cleanup.
- Call your insurer. Some policies require notice of water damage quickly, so check yours (TDI).
- Move valuables, papers and furniture out of the wet area if it is safe.
How do professionals restore water damage?
| Stage | What happens | Typical timing |
|---|---|---|
| Inspect | Find the source, map the wet area with moisture meters and decide what can be dried. | First visit |
| Extract | Pump and vacuum standing water from floors and carpet. | Usually the first day |
| Remove what can’t be saved | Pull out soaked pad, baseboards or wet drywall where needed so the structure can dry. | First days |
| Dry | Air movers and dehumidifiers run while readings are checked and logged. | Usually several days |
| Clean and treat | Clean affected surfaces. Contaminated water needs more removal and cleaning. | During and after drying |
| Repair | Replace drywall, flooring, trim and cabinets once materials are dry. | After drying is confirmed |
The industry standard for this work is the ANSI/IICRC S500 Standard for Professional Water Damage Restoration.
Does it matter where the water came from?
Yes. Water from a clean supply line is handled differently from water that touched the ground, a toilet or a sewer line. Contaminated water means more materials are removed and more cleaning is needed.
Rising water from outside is a flood, which is a different kind of claim. See flood damage cleanup.
What can usually be saved?
- Framing and many hard surfaces dry well if drying starts quickly.
- Carpet and pad may be saved after clean water, but are usually removed after contaminated water.
- Porous materials that get moldy, such as ceiling tiles and carpet, may have to be thrown away (EPA).
- Wet documents and photos can sometimes be saved if they are kept from going moldy. Ask the company about freezing or drying them.
What is safe to do yourself?
- Shut off the water and, if safe, the power to wet areas.
- Mop up small amounts of clean water and run fans.
- Lift furniture onto blocks and remove rugs.
- Don’t run your heating and cooling system if you suspect mold in it (EPA).
- Don’t use appliances that were under water until a qualified technician checks them (Atmos Energy).
What drives the cost?
- How much water there was and how far it spread.
- Whether the water was clean or contaminated.
- How long it sat before drying started.
- How much drywall, flooring and cabinetry has to come out.
- The number of days drying equipment runs.
- Repairs and any permits they need.
Ask for a written estimate and copies of the moisture readings. Your adjuster may ask for them.
How does homeowners insurance handle water damage in Texas?
Your policy and your adjuster decide what is covered. The restoration company’s job is to document the damage and write an estimate the adjuster can review.
- Report the claim early. Texas insurers have 15 business days to acknowledge a claim, then 15 business days to accept or deny it once they have what they need. They can extend that by 45 days if they explain why (Texas Department of Insurance).
- Photograph and film everything before it is moved or cleaned, and keep every receipt (TDI claim tips).
- Stop the damage from getting worse, for example with a tarp or a temporary repair. TDI lists this as a step for policyholders.
- Your deductible is yours to pay. Texas law bars contractors from offering to waive, rebate or absorb it (TDI: know the law).
- A contractor can’t act as your public adjuster. A company that does the repair work can’t negotiate your claim for you or advertise that it will.
- If you can’t live at home after covered damage, additional living expenses coverage may pay for a hotel, meals and laundry. Keep the receipts (TDI on living expenses).
Stuck on a claim? Call the Texas Department of Insurance consumer help line at 800-252-3439 or file a complaint online.
How getting help works
When you call or send the form, we connect you with an independent restoration company that serves your area. They inspect, document the damage and give you a written scope — you decide whether to hire them.
Questions to ask the company that comes out
- Which IICRC certifications does the lead technician hold (for example WRT, FSRT, OCT or AMRT)?
- Do you carry general liability and workers’ comp insurance, and can I see the certificate?
- Will I get a written scope of work before anything starts?
- Who will talk with my insurance adjuster, and what will you send them?
- If mold is involved: what is your TDLR mold remediation license number, and who did the independent mold assessment?
Frequently asked questions
Usually several days, but it depends on how much water there was and what it soaked. A restorer checks moisture readings and keeps drying until materials are dry.
It often can be, but it depends on your policy and the cause. Report it quickly, photograph everything and let the adjuster decide what is covered.
For a small, clean spill you caught right away, fans may be enough. For anything soaking walls, floors or ceilings, get a professional to check hidden moisture.
No. Standard homeowners policies don’t cover flood. Flood from rising water outside is covered by separate flood insurance.
Find help in your area
Elsewhere in Texas? See all the areas we cover.
Get connected with a local restoration company
Free. No obligation. Prefer to talk? Call (855) 727-0147.