RESIDENTIAL WATER DAMAGE RESTORATION FAQ

The time it takes for drying to occur depends on several factors, such as the location, duration, and source of water, the types of building materials, weather conditions, and the promptness of emergency services. By consistently monitoring and evaluating the drying process, we can determine when the drying is complete. Even if your carpet feels dry to the touch, the padding and subfloors may still be wet underneath. There are no specific rules to determine the exact time it will take for your property to dry, but it may usually take between three to five days or more, depending on the conditions.

Proper testing with our specialized equipment is the correct method to determine if items are completely dry; relying on touch alone may be inaccurate.

Not necessarily. We will adjust the temperature to its optimum setting for the proper drying conditions. Please do not change the setting or shut off the HVAC system; doing so may prolong the drying process.

Wood flooring must be evaluated during the drying process. We utilize specialized drying systems and dehumidifiers to create an environment where wood floors can dry more efficiently and resume their original shape. Due to the density of hardwood flooring and urethane finishes, drying may take longer. If you filed a claim, your insurance adjuster will work with you to make the final decision as to whether floors will need to be refinished or replaced.

The extent of the damage and the construction of the furniture will determine if your furniture can be restored. Your furniture must be dried before the damage can be adequately assessed. Unsalvageable furniture will be documented for you. If any items need to be discarded, a customer release form will need to be signed.

After you file an insurance claim, your insurance representative may offer guidance, but ultimately the decision is yours. There are several factors to consider, with safety being the most important. Our equipment is designed to be childproof, but we still need your supervision to ensure that no children play with it. The air movers and dehumidifiers will be noisy and may make your property drafty for a few days. It’s crucial that the equipment remains on, so if the noise is bothersome, you may want to find an alternative place to stay.

Please remember the following information: During the drying process, it is not uncommon to notice odors. The increase in heat and humidity can lead to a rise in odors, which could be from the building materials drying or from dormant spill and accident areas. It’s important not to mistake these normal odors for the smell of mold. As the drying process continues and humidity levels decrease, you will notice these odors gradually disappearing. Deodorizers are often used to minimize these effects as well.

Not usually. If items need to be moved out, we will let you know in advance.

Our technicians will evaluate moisture content, determine the severity of the damage, and may have to remove some of your ceilings for ventilation. Wet insulation can also be a hazard and may need to be removed.

Opening your windows to assist with the drying process is not always recommended. Outside weather conditions may vary, so the technician will determine when and if the outside air is appropriate.

It is highly recommended to minimize traffic and wear shoes for safety.

Non-porous flooring can trap water and prevent it from drying properly. Specialty floors are evaluated and efforts to restore them will be made.

Carpet on the stairs is generally not removed for safety reasons. Exposed tack strips or staples, especially on steps, are dangerous. However, there are situations where removing carpet from stairs is necessary to prevent damage to hardwood steps, or in the case of sewage contamination. Removing tack strips is not advised, as this may damage the hardwood or the subfloor. Extreme caution must be used whenever the tack strip is exposed or when the carpeted stairs are damp. If carpet left on the stairs is unsalvageable, it will be removed when a new carpet is installed.

We will use an identical pad when available. If your original pad is not available, we will provide a pad of the same quality, thickness, and density. Please note that a similar pad may differ in color based on the time it was manufactured.

Rugs are taken to our warehouse for special care. They need to be dried carefully to minimize the bleeding of colors and discoloration. Your rugs will be dried, cleaned, and returned.

When water damage has occurred, water can be absorbed into the drywall (sheetrock), baseboards, subflooring, etc. Drying these surfaces requires high-velocity air movers to accelerate the release of absorbed water into the air. Dehumidifiers are necessary for removing this excess moisture to help protect property and create conditions for efficient drying. Please do not turn off or move drying equipment without first calling ServiceMaster Remediation Services.

Our water damage mitigation specialists will place and monitor equipment to achieve optimal results in the shortest amount of time. Please make sure no one turns the equipment off or moves it. Please notify our office immediately if the power goes off or if the equipment turns off.

Hard surfaces can be cleaned and sanitized. Affected items that cannot be sanitized require disposal. Porous materials such as drywall, ceiling tiles, insulation, particleboard, paneling, etc., that have been directly affected should be removed during the emergency service visit.

As the property owner, you are responsible for the payment. You will need to sign a form to authorize the work and payment. In the case of an insurance claim, ServiceMaster Remediation Services will typically only collect the deductible amount and bill the remaining balance to your insurance provider as a courtesy. If the loss is substantial, your mortgage company may also be listed as a payee on the insurance payment, requiring their signature as well. If your claim is not covered or if you choose not to file a claim, full payment will be expected at the time of service.