- Type of water
- Clean or gray water
- Common sources
- Supply lines, AC overflows, water heaters, roof and window leaks
- Usually removed
- Soaked carpet pad, swollen baseboards, lower drywall when it cannot be dried
- First priority
- Find every wet area and start controlled drying
Services
Restoration services
The right approach depends on where the water came from, how clean it is and how long it has been sitting. Start with the situation that matches yours.
Six services
Pick the service that fits the water
Each page explains what the work involves, how long it tends to take and what usually has to be removed.
Water Damage Restoration
Extraction, structural drying, moisture monitoring and repairs after a leak or overflow.
Read moreEmergency Water Removal
Fast extraction of standing water from burst pipes, water heater failures, overflows and storm intrusion.
Read moreMold Remediation
Containment, HEPA filtration, removal of affected materials and moisture correction after a leak.
Read moreSewage Cleanup
Removal, disinfection and drying after toilet overflows, main line backups and septic problems.
Read moreFlood Cleanup
Mud and silt removal, flood cuts, cleaning and drying after storm or surge water enters a building.
Read moreCommercial Water Damage
Large-area drying, documentation and phased work for offices, stores, restaurants, associations and hotels.
Read moreSide by side
How the services compare
The type of water decides most of the job: what can be dried in place, what has to come out and what happens first.
- Type of water
- Any standing water
- Common sources
- Burst pipes, failed tanks, appliance overflows, storm water inside
- Usually removed
- Wet pad and anything blocking extraction or airflow
- First priority
- Extract the bulk water as fast as possible
- Type of water
- Hidden or long-standing moisture
- Common sources
- Slow leaks, AC condensate, humidity, areas that were never fully dried
- Usually removed
- Moldy drywall, insulation and particleboard cabinet parts
- First priority
- Contain the area before materials are disturbed
- Type of water
- Contaminated (Category 3)
- Common sources
- Toilet overflows with waste, main line and septic backups
- Usually removed
- Porous materials that sewage touched, including carpet and lower drywall
- First priority
- Protect people, remove waste, then disinfect
- Type of water
- Outside water (Category 3)
- Common sources
- Tropical storms, heavy rain, street flooding, storm surge
- Usually removed
- Drywall below a flood cut, wet insulation, carpet and pad
- First priority
- Safety check and photos before anything is removed
- Type of water
- Any category, over larger areas
- Common sources
- Fire sprinkler lines, roof drains, restroom supply lines, HVAC
- Usually removed
- Ceiling tile, carpet tile and drywall in affected zones
- First priority
- Name a site contact and plan phased work
The work
What most restoration jobs involve
Details change with the water and the building, but the order stays close to this on most jobs.
Inspect and document
The source is stopped, safety hazards are checked and the damage is photographed before work begins.
Extract
Standing water comes out of floors, carpet and pad so drying equipment is not fighting bulk water.
Dry and monitor
Air movers and dehumidifiers run while moisture readings are logged until materials reach normal levels.
Clean and remove
Materials that cannot be saved are cut out, and remaining surfaces are cleaned or disinfected.
Repair
Drywall, baseboards, flooring and cabinets are replaced once the structure is confirmed dry.
Property types
Homes, condos and businesses
Houses and townhomes
Water moves under flooring, into wall cavities and behind cabinets, so drying often covers rooms beyond the one where the leak started.
Water damage restorationCondos and apartments
Leaks cross into neighboring units and common areas. Building management often needs to shut off a riser, approve access and coordinate work between units.
What to do after water damageBusinesses and associations
Larger areas, after-hours schedules and several decision makers. Phased drying can keep parts of a building open while affected zones are dried.
Commercial water damageAvailable across South Florida
View all service areasFAQ
Choosing the right service
How do I know which service I need?
Start with where the water came from. A clean supply line or AC leak is usually water damage restoration, standing water needs extraction first, anything from a toilet, drain or outside flooding is handled as contaminated water, and a musty smell after an old leak points to mold. On the call, describe the source and the rooms affected, and the company inspecting the property confirms the scope.
Can one job include more than one service?
Often, yes. A burst pipe typically needs extraction followed by structural drying and repairs. A leak that went unnoticed for weeks may need drying and mold remediation together. A sewage backup is cleaned and disinfected first, then dried and rebuilt.
Why are sewage and flood water handled differently from a clean leak?
Both are treated as contaminated. Crews wear protective gear, porous materials the water touched are generally removed rather than dried in place, and remaining surfaces are cleaned and disinfected before drying starts.
Should drying wait until an insurance adjuster visits?
Waiting days usually lets the damage spread. Photograph the damage, report the loss to your insurer and ask the restoration company to document moisture readings and removed materials so the record is available later.
Do these services cover condos and businesses?
Yes. The same services apply to single-family homes, condos, apartments and commercial properties within the service area. Multi-unit and commercial jobs usually involve more coordination with managers, associations or tenants.