North Shore Water Damage Help (847) 000-0000
Free referral service — not a contractor. North Shore Water Damage Help does not perform restoration, plumbing or mold work. Calls are routed to independent, third-party local providers who pay for referrals. Calls may be recorded. How this works.

Water damage restoration

Leaks, overflows and storm water get into drywall, flooring and framing fast. Here's how restoration usually works and what you can do right now.

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Why speed matters

Water wicks up drywall and soaks into carpet pad, subfloor and insulation. The EPA's guidance is to dry water-damaged areas and items within 24–48 hours to prevent mold growth, and to throw out porous materials that can't be cleaned and dried. That clock is the main reason people call a professional instead of waiting for things to air-dry.

What a restoration provider typically does

  1. Inspection and moisture mapping. Moisture meters and thermal cameras show how far water traveled behind walls and under floors.
  2. Water extraction. Pumps and extraction wands remove standing water and as much as possible from carpet and pad.
  3. Removal of unsalvageable materials. Wet insulation, ceiling tiles, carpet pad and the bottom of drywall are often cut out (a “flood cut”).
  4. Drying. Air movers and dehumidifiers run for several days, with readings taken until materials reach normal moisture levels.
  5. Cleaning and documentation. Surfaces are cleaned (sanitized if the water was contaminated), and readings and photos are recorded for your insurer.
  6. Repairs. Some providers rebuild; others hand off to a general contractor.

Questions to ask any provider

The Illinois Attorney General warns residents to be cautious of door-to-door storm repair offers, demands for full payment up front, and cash-only deals. See the insurance guide for more.

Related problems

Flooded basement

Standing water after a storm, a failed pump or seepage.

Burst or frozen pipes

Supply lines that split, usually in a cold snap.

Sump pump failure

Pump quit, power went out, or it couldn't keep up.

Sewer backup

Dirty water from floor drains, toilets or laundry tubs.

Mold after water damage

Musty smell or growth after a leak or flood.

Need a restoration provider now?

One free call connects you with an independent local water damage provider. This site is a referral service, not a contractor.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does drying usually take?
Commonly several days, depending on how much water there was and what materials got wet. A provider should take moisture readings to show when materials are actually dry rather than going by a fixed number of days.
Can I just use fans?
For a small, clean-water spill caught quickly, fans and a dehumidifier may be enough. The EPA cautions against using fans if mold is already growing or if the water was contaminated, such as sewage.
Do I have to use the company my insurer suggests?
Ask your insurer what your policy requires. Many policies let you choose your own contractor, but you'll want the insurer involved before major work begins.

Sources

Local facts on this page come from these public sources. Programs, amounts and phone numbers change — confirm with the agency before relying on them.

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