Water damage: every answer
Water damage problems, sorted by how fast you need to move.
Tap what you are looking at. The clock matters here: the EPA says wet materials dried within 24 to 48 hours usually do not grow mold. Prefer to tap through? Start the water damage triage.
BestHonestPro is a free comparison resource, not a contractor. There is nothing to sign up for and we do not sell your details. When we begin connecting callers to contractors, we will be paid a referral fee by the contractor, never by you, and this line will say so.
- Right nowA burst or split supply pipe. Stop the water first.
- Right nowA leaking water heater. Power off, then water off.
- Right nowA main line backup. Stop using water in the house.
- Right nowA sagging or dripping ceiling. Get out from under it and drain it.
- Right nowA toilet overflowed with waste. That is Category 3. Do not clean it yourself.
- Right nowA washing machine hose or valve let go. Close the two valves behind it.
- Right nowOutside floodwater in the house. Category 3. You do not go in until it is safe.
- TodayA clean-water toilet overflow. Annoying, not dangerous.
- TodayA dishwasher leak. The floor under it is the real problem.
- TodayAn ice dam. Do not get on the roof.
- TodayBasement seepage after rain. Dry it now, fix the cause later.
- TodayClaim or no claim. Three questions decide it.
- TodayFresh clean water on a hard floor. You may not need anyone.
- TodaySomeone wants you to sign an Assignment of Benefits. You do not have to.
- TodaySomething else. The first aid is the same.
- TodayWater under carpet, wood or laminate. It will not dry from above.
- TodayWet drywall, baseboards or insulation. The wall cavity is the question.
- TodayWet for a day or two. You are at the edge of the window.
- TodayWet more than 48 hours, nothing visible yet. Dry it, then look harder.
- This weekA ceiling stain under a wet room. Something above is leaking slowly.
- This weekA ceiling stain under the roof. It is a roof leak until proven otherwise.
- This weekA musty smell after a leak, nothing visible. Find the moisture first.
- This weekVisible growth after a leak. This is a mold job now, not a drying job.