If water is leaking inside your College Station home, shut off the water supply and stay away from wet outlets and cords. Call (855) 727-0147 and we’ll connect you with an independent restoration company that serves College Station to extract the water and dry the building.
What to do in the first 24 hours in College Station
- Stop the water. Close the main shutoff valve or the valve on the leaking fixture.
- Stay clear of wet electrics. Don’t touch electrical equipment if it is wet or you are standing in water. Turn off power only if you can do it safely (Ready.gov).
- Call your electric provider if needed. College Station Utilities handles electric service in College Station. Report outages at 855-528-4278. You can also text OUT to 979-599-7917 to report a power outage.
- Call your insurer and write down the claim number. Photograph and film every room before anything is moved (TDI claim tips).
- Report it promptly. Some homeowners policies require notice of water damage much sooner than other claims (TDI).
- Start drying fast. The EPA says water-damaged areas should be dried within 24 to 48 hours to prevent mold (EPA).
- Don’t use appliances that were under water until Atmos Energy or a qualified technician checks gas appliances (Atmos Energy).
- Move what you can. Lift furniture onto blocks and move papers and valuables out of the wet area.
Local numbers to keep handy in College Station
| Who | Why you might call | Number |
|---|---|---|
| Emergency | Fire, injury or gas leak | 911 |
| College Station Fire Department (non-emergency) | Re-entry questions, fire report | 979-764-3700 |
| College Station Utilities | Power outage or reconnection questions | 855-528-4278 |
| Atmos Energy (gas emergencies) | Gas smell, gas service after damage | 866-322-8667 |
| College Station Planning & Development Services | Permits and inspections for repairs | 979-764-3570 |
| American Red Cross | Emergency help after a home fire | 1-800-733-2767 |
| Texas Department of Insurance | Help with an insurance claim | 800-252-3439 |
What water damage restoration involves
Professional water restoration is measured with moisture meters, not guesswork:
| Stage | What happens | Typical duration |
|---|---|---|
| Find the source and map moisture | The leak is located and wet materials are mapped with meters. | First visit |
| Extract water | Standing water is pumped and vacuumed from floors and carpet. | Usually the first day |
| Remove unsalvageable materials | Soaked pad, baseboards or drywall come out so the structure can dry. | First days |
| Structural drying | Air movers and dehumidifiers run while readings are logged daily. | Several days in most homes |
| Clean and treat | Surfaces are cleaned; contaminated water means more removal. | During drying |
| Repairs | Drywall, flooring, trim and cabinets are replaced once readings confirm dry. | After drying |
The industry standard is the ANSI/IICRC S500 Standard for Professional Water Damage Restoration.
What it typically costs
Water damage estimates depend most on:
- How much water there was and how far it spread.
- Clean water from a supply line versus contaminated water.
- How long it sat before drying started.
- How much drywall, flooring and cabinetry must be removed.
- How many days drying equipment runs.
- Repairs and plumbing permits.
Ask for an itemized estimate and copies of the daily moisture readings.
How does insurance work for water damage restoration in Texas?
Your adjuster decides what your policy covers. The restoration company documents the damage and writes the estimate the adjuster reviews. It can’t negotiate your claim for you.
- Timelines: insurers have 15 business days to acknowledge a claim, then 15 business days to accept or deny it after receiving what they need. They can take 45 more days if they explain why (TDI).
- What to photograph: every affected room, the source of the damage and damaged belongings, before cleanup.
- What the restorer documents: photos, moisture readings or residue notes, a written scope and an itemized estimate.
- Deductible: you pay it. Texas law bars contractors from offering to waive, rebate or absorb it. A contractor also can’t act as your public adjuster (TDI: know the law).
- Living expenses: if covered damage makes the home unlivable, additional living expenses coverage may pay for a hotel and meals (TDI).
Problems with a claim? Call the Texas Department of Insurance help line at 800-252-3439 or file a complaint.
What’s specific to College Station?
- One utility for power and water. College Station Utilities provides electric, water and wastewater service. Report problems to its dispatch line at 855-528-4278; customer service is 979-764-3535 (College Station Utilities).
- Freeze damage and permits. After the February 2021 winter storm, College Station waived permit fees for storm-related repairs. It reminded residents that plumbing permits were still required (City of College Station).
- Permits for plumbing and repair work. College Station lists additions and remodels, roofing, foundation work and water heaters among residential work that needs a permit. Repairing gas piping needs a plumbing permit. Call College Station Planning & Development Services at 979-764-3570.
- Most homes are rentals. Only 35.4% of College Station’s occupied homes are owner-occupied (U.S. Census Bureau, 2020–2024 estimate), so landlords and tenants often deal with the same damage. Single-family and small multiplex rentals must be registered with the city (City of College Station).
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
Extraction usually starts on the first visit. Drying then takes several days, depending on what got wet.
It can be, depending on your policy and the cause. Report it quickly, photograph everything and let your adjuster decide.
Not always. Drywall soaked by clean water can sometimes be dried in place. The restoration company decides from moisture readings.
Often, yes, if the damage is limited and the power is safe. Drying equipment is noisy and runs continuously for several days.
Plumbing repairs and larger rebuild work usually need one. Ask College Station Planning & Development Services at 979-764-3570.
Related help nearby
- Fire, smoke and water damage help in College Station
- Fire Damage Restoration in College Station
- Smoke Damage Restoration in College Station
- Flood Damage Cleanup in College Station
- Mold Remediation in College Station
- Water Damage Restoration in Bryan
- Water Damage Restoration: the full guide
Get connected with a local restoration company
Free. No obligation. Prefer to talk? Call (855) 727-0147.