Water in your home? Get a restoration pro on the way.
Burst pipe, flooded basement, ceiling leak, sewage backup or mold. Tell us what happened and we connect you with an independent restoration company that serves your area.
- Water Damage Restoration
- Water Extraction
- Flood Cleanup
- Mold Remediation
- Sewage Cleanup
- Storm Damage
Need water damage restoration? Flood Rescue Pros is a free referral service for homeowners and businesses dealing with water damage. Tell us what happened and we connect you with an independent restoration company that serves your area for water removal, drying, mold remediation, sewage cleanup and repairs. We don't do the work ourselves; the company you're matched with quotes and handles the job.
How it works
Stop the water
Shut off the main water valve and the power to wet areas if it's safe. Take photos before anything gets moved.
Tell us what happened
Use the Get help now form: what got wet, where, and how much water. It takes about a minute.
A local pro reaches out
An independent restoration company that serves your area contacts you to arrange an inspection and estimate.
Our services
Storm Damage Restoration
Storm damage restoration covers the water that gets in when wind, hail or a falling tree breaks the roof, windows or siding: emergency tarping or board-up to stop more water, then extraction, drying and repairs. Make the home safe and watertight first, document everything, and then start the water cleanup. ## After the storm - Stay clear of downed power lines and report them to the utility. - Don't climb onto a damaged roof. Look from the ground and take photos. - Cover broken windows and roof openings with tarps or plywood to keep the rain out; your policy expects you to prevent further damage. - Photograph the outside, every room with water, and damaged belongings before cleanup. - Keep receipts for tarps, board-up and hotel stays. ## What a storm restoration crew does 1. **Emergency protection:** roof tarping, window board-up, tree removal from the structure. 2. **Water removal** from ceilings, walls and floors. 3. **Drying** with dehumidifiers and air movers, tracked with moisture readings. 4. **Tear-out** of wet drywall, insulation and flooring that can't be saved. 5. **Repairs** to the roof, siding, windows and interior, sometimes through a separate contractor. ## Wind and rain vs. flood Water that comes in through a storm-damaged roof or window is usually treated as **wind or storm damage** under a homeowners policy. Water that rises from the ground and flows in is **flood**, which needs separate flood insurance. The difference affects your claim, so describe exactly how the water got in. For rising water, see [flood cleanup](/flood-cleanup/). ## Watch out for storm chasers After big storms, out-of-town contractors go door to door. Before you sign: - Ask for a local address, license number and proof of insurance. - Get a written estimate and don't pay the full amount up front. - Don't sign anything that hands over your insurance claim until you've read it. - Check reviews and how long the company has worked in your area. ## Mistakes to avoid - Waiting for the adjuster before tarping the roof. Stop new water first, then document. - Throwing away damaged items before photographing them. - Closing up walls before the cavities are dry. Related: [ceiling water damage](/ceiling-water-damage/) and [mold remediation](/mold-remediation/). ## How to get help now Use the **Get help now** button on this page and tell us what happened, where, and how much water is involved. We pass your request to an independent restoration company that serves your area so they can call you back and arrange a visit. Flood Rescue Pros is a free referral service: we don't do the work ourselves, and the company you're matched with sets its own prices, schedule and terms. Ask any company for its licensing, insurance and IICRC certification before you sign anything.
Learn more →Flood Cleanup & Flood Restoration
Flood cleanup is removing floodwater, mud and debris after a storm, river or surface flood, then disinfecting and drying the building. Floodwater is treated as **Category 3 (black) water**: it can carry sewage, chemicals and bacteria, so most porous materials it touched have to go. Wear protective gear or leave it to a crew equipped for it. ## Before you go back inside - Wait until local officials say it's safe to return. - Don't turn the power on if water reached outlets or the panel; have an electrician check it. - Watch for structural damage, gas smells and animals that came in with the water. - Photograph every room, the waterline on the walls and damaged belongings for your claim. ## What a flood restoration crew does 1. Pumps out standing water and shovels out mud and silt. 2. Removes wet carpet, pad, drywall and insulation, usually cutting drywall a foot or two above the waterline ("flood cuts"). 3. Cleans and disinfects the remaining framing, subfloor and hard surfaces. 4. Dries the structure with dehumidifiers and air movers, checking moisture readings until it's dry. 5. Treats any mold growth before walls are closed back up. ## Flood insurance is separate Standard homeowners policies usually **don't cover flooding** from rising water outside the home. Flood damage is covered by a separate flood policy, such as one through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or a private insurer. If you have one, report the loss right away and keep receipts for everything you spend on cleanup. ## Mistakes to avoid - Keeping wet drywall and insulation because they "look fine." Floodwater contamination soaks in, and wet insulation stays wet. - Running a gas generator or pressure washer indoors or in a garage. Carbon monoxide kills. - Mixing bleach with other cleaners. It can create toxic fumes. - Closing walls before the framing is fully dry, which traps moisture and invites mold. ## Tips for the cleanup - Wear rubber boots, gloves, eye protection and an N95 or better respirator. - Separate and photograph damaged items before throwing them out. - Food, medicine and cosmetics that touched floodwater should be thrown away. - Book the cleanup crew early. After a regional flood, every company in the area fills up fast. Related: [flooded basement cleanup](/flooded-basement-cleanup/), [storm damage restoration](/storm-damage-restoration/) and [mold remediation](/mold-remediation/). ## How to get help now Use the **Get help now** button on this page and tell us what happened, where, and how much water is involved. We pass your request to an independent restoration company that serves your area so they can call you back and arrange a visit. Flood Rescue Pros is a free referral service: we don't do the work ourselves, and the company you're matched with sets its own prices, schedule and terms. Ask any company for its licensing, insurance and IICRC certification before you sign anything.
Learn more →Flooded Basement Cleanup
A flooded basement needs the water pumped out, the source fixed, and the space dried within a day or two before mold takes hold. Basements flood from heavy rain, a failed sump pump, a burst pipe, a water heater or a sewer backup. The source decides how the cleanup is done, so find it first. ## Common causes | Cause | What to check | |---|---| | Heavy rain or snowmelt | Gutters, downspouts, grading, window wells, foundation cracks | | Sump pump failure | Power, float switch, discharge line, backup pump | | Burst or leaking pipe | Supply lines, frozen pipes on exterior walls | | Water heater | Tank leaks, relief valve, supply connections | | Sewer backup | Floor drain bubbling, toilets and drains backing up at the same time | ## Steps to clean up a flooded basement 1. Turn off power to the basement at the breaker if water is near outlets, appliances or the furnace. If the panel is in the flooded basement, call an electrician or your utility. 2. Stop the source: shut the main water valve, restore power to the sump pump, or stop using drains during a sewer backup. 3. Pump out standing water. A professional crew uses submersible pumps and extractors; a wet-dry vacuum only handles small amounts. 4. Remove wet carpet, pad, boxes and furniture. 5. Cut out wet drywall and insulation, especially if the water was dirty. 6. Dry the space with dehumidifiers and air movers until moisture readings are back to normal. 7. Clean and disinfect, then fix the cause before you finish the basement again. ## Sewage in the basement If the water came from a floor drain or sewer line, treat it as Category 3 (black) water. Keep children and pets out, don't try to clean it with a mop and bucket, and see [sewage cleanup](/sewage-cleanup/). ## Mistakes to avoid - Pumping a deeply flooded basement out too fast while the ground outside is saturated. Pressure on the walls can crack or collapse them. Lower the water gradually, a few feet a day. - Leaving cardboard boxes and carpet down there "to dry." They stay wet and grow mold. - Running the furnace or water heater after water reached it without having it inspected. ## Preventing the next flood - Test the sump pump each season and add a battery backup. - Keep gutters clear and extend downspouts away from the foundation. - Insulate pipes on exterior walls before winter. - Consider a backwater valve if your area has had sewer backups. ## How to get help now Use the **Get help now** button on this page and tell us what happened, where, and how much water is involved. We pass your request to an independent restoration company that serves your area so they can call you back and arrange a visit. Flood Rescue Pros is a free referral service: we don't do the work ourselves, and the company you're matched with sets its own prices, schedule and terms. Ask any company for its licensing, insurance and IICRC certification before you sign anything.
Learn more →Mold Remediation & Mold Removal
Mold remediation is finding the moisture that feeds mold, fixing it, and safely removing the mold-damaged material without spreading spores to the rest of the house. Mold after a leak or flood can start in 24 to 48 hours. The EPA's rule of thumb: you can usually clean a small area yourself, but a moldy area larger than about **10 square feet**, mold inside walls or HVAC systems, or mold after sewage or flooding calls for a professional. ## Signs you have a mold problem - A musty smell that won't go away - Spots or staining on walls, ceilings, grout or behind appliances - Recent water damage, a slow leak or high indoor humidity - Peeling paint or warped drywall near plumbing or exterior walls ## What professional remediation includes 1. **Inspection** to find the moisture source and the extent of growth, sometimes with air or surface sampling. 2. **Containment** with plastic sheeting and negative air pressure so spores don't drift into clean rooms. 3. **Air filtration** with HEPA air scrubbers during the work. 4. **Removal** of moldy drywall, insulation, carpet and other porous materials. 5. **Cleaning** of salvageable surfaces with HEPA vacuuming and cleaning agents. 6. **Drying** so the area stays below the moisture level mold needs. 7. **Clearance** check before walls are closed and rebuilt. ## Where mold hides | Area | Why | |---|---| | Crawl spaces | Ground moisture and poor ventilation | | Attics | Roof leaks, bath fans venting into the attic | | Behind drywall | Slow plumbing leaks | | Under flooring | Water that soaked through after a spill or flood | | Bathrooms | Daily humidity without good ventilation | ## Mistakes to avoid - **Painting over mold.** It keeps growing underneath. - **Bleaching porous materials.** Bleach doesn't reach mold rooted in drywall or wood; those materials are usually cut out. - **Dry scraping or sanding without containment.** It throws spores through the house. - **Removing mold without fixing the moisture.** It comes back. ## What does mold remediation cost? Cost depends on the size of the affected area, where it is (a crawl space or attic is harder to work in), how much material comes out, and whether testing is needed. A small bathroom job costs far less than a whole crawl space. Ask for a written scope that lists the containment, removal and clearance steps. Mold after water damage is usually handled together with [water damage restoration](/water-damage-restoration/). Insurance often covers mold only when it resulted from a covered sudden water loss. ## How to get help now Use the **Get help now** button on this page and tell us what happened, where, and how much water is involved. We pass your request to an independent restoration company that serves your area so they can call you back and arrange a visit. Flood Rescue Pros is a free referral service: we don't do the work ourselves, and the company you're matched with sets its own prices, schedule and terms. Ask any company for its licensing, insurance and IICRC certification before you sign anything.
Learn more →Emergency Water Removal & Extraction
Emergency water removal means getting standing water out of your home or business fast, usually the same day, with pumps and commercial extractors. It's the first step of every water damage job. The sooner the water is out, the less soaks into walls, subfloors and furniture, and the lower the chance of mold. ## When to call for emergency extraction - Standing water on floors or in a basement - Carpet that squishes underfoot or is soaked through to the pad - Water coming through a ceiling or out of a wall - A burst pipe, failed water heater, washer or dishwasher overflow - Sewage backup (always a job for a professional) ## How extraction works Crews use **truck-mounted extractors** for large losses and **portable extractors** where hoses can't reach. Submersible pumps handle deep water in basements and crawl spaces. Weighted extraction tools press water out of carpet pad, which a shop vacuum can't do. Once the standing water is gone, the crew sets up air movers and dehumidifiers to start [drying the structure](/water-damage-restoration/). ## Can I do it myself? A small spill of clean water on a hard floor can be mopped and dried with good airflow. For anything larger, a wet-dry vacuum removes only surface water and leaves the pad and subfloor wet. Rented carpet extractors help, but without moisture meters you can't tell when the job is really done. If the water came from a toilet, sewer line or outside flooding, don't handle it yourself. ## Mistakes to avoid - Using a household vacuum on water. It's an electrical hazard and ruins the vacuum. - Walking through standing water before the power to that area is off. - Leaving wet rugs and furniture in place, where they keep the floor underneath wet and can stain it. - Turning the heat up high to dry things. Heat without dehumidification raises indoor humidity and spreads moisture to dry rooms. ## Questions to ask before the crew arrives - How fast can you be here, and is there an emergency or after-hours fee? - Will you take moisture readings and photos for my insurance claim? - Do you only extract, or do you also handle drying and repairs? - Are your technicians IICRC certified? ## How to get help now Use the **Get help now** button on this page and tell us what happened, where, and how much water is involved. We pass your request to an independent restoration company that serves your area so they can call you back and arrange a visit. Flood Rescue Pros is a free referral service: we don't do the work ourselves, and the company you're matched with sets its own prices, schedule and terms. Ask any company for its licensing, insurance and IICRC certification before you sign anything.
Learn more →Ceiling Water Damage & Leaks
Water leaking from a ceiling means water is collecting above it, from a roof leak, a bathroom or plumbing line upstairs, an AC drain pan or condensation in the attic. Put a bucket under the drip, turn off the water if it's plumbing, and if the ceiling is sagging, poke a small hole at the lowest point to drain it in a controlled way, then get it inspected. ## Find the source | Where | Likely cause | |---|---| | Top floor, worse when it rains | Roof leak, flashing, skylight or vent boot | | Under a bathroom | Toilet seal, shower pan, tub drain or supply line | | Near an AC unit or air handler | Clogged condensate line or overflowing drain pan | | Winter, near exterior walls | Frozen pipe or ice dam | | Brown ring that slowly grows | A slow leak that has been going for a while | ## What to do right now 1. Move furniture and electronics out from under the leak and catch the water. 2. Shut off the water supply if the leak is from plumbing. 3. If a light fixture is wet or the ceiling is near one, turn off that circuit at the breaker. 4. If the ceiling is bulging, stand aside and pierce the center of the bulge with a screwdriver over a bucket. This beats the whole panel coming down. 5. Photograph the ceiling, the stain and anything damaged. ## Repairing a water-damaged ceiling A dry water stain on intact drywall can sometimes be sealed with a stain-blocking primer and repainted. Drywall that sagged, softened or stayed wet usually has to be cut out. The insulation above it should be checked too: wet insulation loses its value and holds moisture against the framing. A restoration company can dry the cavity with air movers and dehumidifiers before the ceiling is patched. ## Mistakes to avoid - Painting over the stain before fixing the leak. - Leaving wet insulation in the attic or ceiling cavity. - Standing under a sagging ceiling. Wet drywall is heavy and can drop without warning. - Ignoring a stain that keeps coming back. That's an active leak. ## Will insurance pay? If a pipe burst or a fixture suddenly failed, homeowners insurance often covers the resulting ceiling damage. Roof leaks from wear and age are often excluded, while storm damage to the roof may be covered. Check your policy and document everything. Related: [roof and storm damage](/storm-damage-restoration/), [burst pipe water damage](/burst-pipe-water-damage/) and [mold remediation](/mold-remediation/). ## How to get help now Use the **Get help now** button on this page and tell us what happened, where, and how much water is involved. We pass your request to an independent restoration company that serves your area so they can call you back and arrange a visit. Flood Rescue Pros is a free referral service: we don't do the work ourselves, and the company you're matched with sets its own prices, schedule and terms. Ask any company for its licensing, insurance and IICRC certification before you sign anything.
Learn more →Water Damage Restoration
Water damage restoration is the work of stopping the water, pulling it out, drying the structure and repairing what got wet. Speed matters most: mold can start growing within 24 to 48 hours, so call a restoration company as soon as the source is under control. Most jobs run from emergency extraction to drying to rebuild over several days. ## What restoration includes A full water damage job usually has four stages: 1. **Inspection.** The crew finds the source, maps how far the water spread with moisture meters and thermal cameras, and classifies the water. 2. **Water removal.** Truck-mounted or portable extractors pull standing water out of floors, carpet and pad. 3. **Drying.** Air movers and dehumidifiers dry the walls, subfloor and framing. The crew takes daily moisture readings until materials reach normal levels. 4. **Repair.** Wet drywall, insulation, baseboards and flooring that can't be saved are removed and replaced. Some companies handle all four stages; others do the mitigation (stages 1 to 3) and hand the rebuild to a contractor. Ask which one you're getting. ## The three categories of water | Category | Source | What it means | |---|---|---| | Category 1 (clean) | Supply line, faucet, rain | Lowest risk if handled fast | | Category 2 (gray) | Washer, dishwasher, toilet overflow without waste | Contaminated; porous materials often removed | | Category 3 (black) | Sewage, river or surface flooding | Unsanitary; needs protective gear and removal of porous materials | Clean water turns gray and then black the longer it sits, which is one more reason to start quickly. These categories come from the IICRC S500 standard most restoration companies follow. ## What to do in the first hour - Shut off the water at the main valve if a pipe or fixture is leaking. - Turn off power to wet areas at the breaker, and don't walk through standing water near outlets or appliances. - Move furniture, rugs and valuables out of the wet area. - Take photos and video of everything before cleanup starts; your insurer will want them. - Call your insurance company to open a claim, then call a restoration company. ## Mistakes to avoid - **Waiting to see if it dries on its own.** Water wicks up drywall and hides under flooring. Surfaces can look dry while the framing behind them stays wet. - **Using a household fan and calling it done.** Fans move air but don't remove moisture. Professional drying uses dehumidifiers sized to the room and tracks readings daily. - **Throwing things out before the adjuster sees them.** Photograph damaged items and keep samples of carpet and pad if you can. - **Signing an assignment of benefits without reading it.** It can hand your insurance claim rights to the contractor. ## Does insurance cover water damage? Standard homeowners policies usually cover water damage that is **sudden and accidental**, like a burst pipe or a failed water heater. They usually don't cover slow leaks that went on for months, or flooding from outside water, which needs separate flood insurance. Read your policy or ask your agent, and let the restoration company document the loss with photos and moisture readings. ## How much does it cost? Cost depends on how much area got wet, the category of water, how long drying takes, and how much needs to be torn out and rebuilt. A small clean-water leak caught early costs far less than a flooded basement with sewage. Get a written estimate, and ask whether the company bills your insurer directly. See also: [emergency water removal](/emergency-water-removal/), [flooded basement cleanup](/flooded-basement-cleanup/) and [mold remediation](/mold-remediation/). ## How to get help now Use the **Get help now** button on this page and tell us what happened, where, and how much water is involved. We pass your request to an independent restoration company that serves your area so they can call you back and arrange a visit. Flood Rescue Pros is a free referral service: we don't do the work ourselves, and the company you're matched with sets its own prices, schedule and terms. Ask any company for its licensing, insurance and IICRC certification before you sign anything.
Learn more →Burst Pipe Water Damage
When a pipe bursts, shut off the main water valve first, then the power to wet areas, and call a plumber to repair the pipe and a restoration company to remove the water and dry the structure. A burst supply line can release hundreds of gallons an hour, so finding your main shutoff before you need it is the best thing you can do. ## Where is the main shutoff? Usually where the water line enters the house: in the basement, a crawl space, a utility room, the garage or near the water heater. In warm climates it may be outside or in a box near the street at the meter. Many homes also have shutoffs under each sink and behind each toilet. ## What to do after a pipe bursts 1. Shut off the main water valve. 2. Turn off electricity to the affected area if water is near outlets or fixtures. 3. Open faucets to drain the remaining water out of the lines. 4. Call a plumber to fix the pipe. 5. Get standing water out fast: see [emergency water removal](/emergency-water-removal/). 6. Photograph the damage and the broken pipe, and call your insurer. ## Why pipes burst - **Freezing.** Water expands as it freezes and the pressure splits the pipe, often between the ice and a closed faucet. The leak shows up when it thaws. - **High water pressure** above what the plumbing is rated for. - **Corrosion** in older galvanized or copper pipes. - **Failed fittings** on washer hoses, toilet supply lines and water heater connections. ## Preventing frozen pipes - Insulate pipes in crawl spaces, attics, garages and exterior walls. - On very cold nights, let faucets on exterior walls drip and open cabinet doors under sinks. - Disconnect garden hoses and shut off outdoor spigots before winter. - Keep the heat on, at least in the 50s, when you're away. ## Mistakes to avoid - Thawing a frozen pipe with an open flame. Use a hair dryer or heat tape. - Assuming the water only went where you can see it. It runs along joists and soaks into walls and subfloors. - Waiting for the plumber before removing water. Start extraction and drying while the repair is scheduled. ## Insurance Sudden pipe bursts are one of the most commonly covered water losses under homeowners policies. Damage from a leak that was ignored for a long time usually isn't. Save the broken section of pipe if the plumber removes it. ## How to get help now Use the **Get help now** button on this page and tell us what happened, where, and how much water is involved. We pass your request to an independent restoration company that serves your area so they can call you back and arrange a visit. Flood Rescue Pros is a free referral service: we don't do the work ourselves, and the company you're matched with sets its own prices, schedule and terms. Ask any company for its licensing, insurance and IICRC certification before you sign anything.
Learn more →Sewage Cleanup
Sewage cleanup should be done by trained, protected technicians. Sewage backup is **Category 3 (black) water**: it carries bacteria, viruses and parasites, so anything porous it touched (carpet, pad, drywall, insulation) is removed, and every hard surface is cleaned and disinfected before drying. Keep children, pets and anyone with a weak immune system out of the area. ## Signs of a sewer backup - Water or waste coming up through a basement floor drain, shower or toilet - Several drains gurgling or backing up at the same time - A sewage smell in the basement or yard ## What to do right away 1. Stop using water: no flushing, showers, laundry or dishwasher until the line is cleared. 2. Turn off power to the affected area if water is near outlets. 3. Keep everyone out, and open windows if you can do so safely. 4. Call a plumber or drain service to clear or repair the line. 5. Call a restoration company for the cleanup, and photograph the damage for your insurer. ## How professional sewage cleanup works 1. Technicians wear protective suits, gloves, boots and respirators. 2. Sewage and standing water are pumped out and disposed of properly. 3. Contaminated porous materials are cut out and bagged. 4. Hard surfaces and framing are cleaned and disinfected. 5. The area is dried with dehumidifiers and air movers, with moisture checks until dry. 6. Air scrubbers help clear odor and airborne contaminants. ## Mistakes to avoid - Cleaning it up with household tools and no protection. - Keeping carpet that was soaked by sewage. It can't be reliably cleaned. - Running the HVAC system if sewage reached the ducts or air handler. - Using the plumbing before the blockage is cleared, which pushes more sewage into the house. ## Does insurance cover sewer backup? Many standard homeowners policies **exclude sewer and drain backup** unless you added a sewer backup endorsement. Check your policy. If the backup came from the city main rather than your line, ask your local utility how to file a claim. Related: [flooded basement cleanup](/flooded-basement-cleanup/) and [water damage restoration](/water-damage-restoration/). ## How to get help now Use the **Get help now** button on this page and tell us what happened, where, and how much water is involved. We pass your request to an independent restoration company that serves your area so they can call you back and arrange a visit. Flood Rescue Pros is a free referral service: we don't do the work ourselves, and the company you're matched with sets its own prices, schedule and terms. Ask any company for its licensing, insurance and IICRC certification before you sign anything.
Learn more →Why choose Flood Rescue Pros?
- ✓Free to use, no obligation
- ✓Water removal, drying, mold, sewage and storm damage
- ✓Restoration companies that serve your area
- ✓Plain-English guides for the first hour after a leak
- ✓Insurance basics so you know what to document
- ✓Ask any company for its license, insurance and IICRC certification
Get help now
Water damage help, fast. We connect you with a local restoration company.
Frequently asked questions
- How does {niche} work?
- {niche} is a free referral service. You tell us about the water damage, and we pass your request to an independent restoration company that serves your area so they can contact you. We are not a restoration company and don't perform the work.
- Who does the work?
- Independent, locally operating restoration companies. Each sets its own prices, schedule and terms, so ask for a written estimate and check licensing, insurance and IICRC certification before you sign.
- Does it cost anything to use {niche}?
- No. Using the site is free for homeowners and businesses. Restoration companies may pay us for referrals; that never adds to your bill.
- How fast should I act after water damage?
- Right away. Mold can begin growing within 24 to 48 hours, and clean water becomes contaminated the longer it sits. Stop the source, then get the water out and the structure drying the same day if you can.
- Will my insurance cover it?
- Homeowners policies usually cover sudden, accidental water damage like a burst pipe, but often exclude slow leaks, outside flooding (which needs flood insurance) and sewer backup unless you added that coverage. Check your policy and document everything with photos.