Quick answer
Flood damage restoration removes water that came in from outside, such as storm runoff or overflowing drainage, then cleans, sanitizes and dries the home. Outside floodwater is treated as contaminated, so porous materials it touched are often removed rather than dried. Outside flooding is usually covered by a separate flood policy, if at all.
When to call
- Water came in under doors or through the foundation
- Mud or debris lines on walls
- Wet drywall at the same height across rooms
- A musty smell after a storm
Before help arrives
- Stay out of floodwater
- Don’t use electrical items that got wet
- Photograph the water line on walls
- Ask your insurer whether you have flood coverage
What the restoration involves
Call and describe it
Where the water came from, which rooms, and whether it’s still running. That decides what equipment comes first.
Inspect and map
A safety check, the water category, then meters and thermal imaging to map how far moisture travelled.
Extract the water
Pumps and extractors remove standing water from floors, carpet and low areas.
Dry and monitor
Air movers and dehumidifiers run while readings are logged daily until drying goals are met.
Clean and sanitize
Affected surfaces are cleaned, and sanitized when the water was contaminated.
Repair and record
Once dry, drywall, flooring and trim are repaired. Photos and logs support your claim.
Insurance and documentation
Take photos and video before anything is moved or removed. Keep damaged items until your adjuster says otherwise, and save receipts. Moisture readings and drying logs help show what was wet and for how long.
Whether a loss is covered depends on your policy and the cause; only your insurer can confirm that. See insurance documentation.
Questions about flood cleanup
How long does flood cleanup take?
It depends on how much is wet, the materials involved and how long they stayed wet. You’ll get a clearer timeline after the inspection and the first moisture readings.
How does water extraction work?
Pumps and extraction units remove standing water from floors, carpet and low areas before drying begins. Removing liquid water first makes every later step faster.
How fast can mold grow after a leak?
The U.S. EPA recommends drying water-damaged materials within 24 to 48 hours to help prevent mold growth. Actual timing depends on the material, temperature and humidity.
Will homeowners insurance cover water damage?
It depends on your policy and the cause. Sudden damage such as a burst pipe is often treated differently from gradual leaks or outside flooding, which usually needs separate flood insurance. Only your insurer can confirm coverage.
Do you serve my area?
We serve McKinney, Frisco, Plano, Allen and Prosper, Texas. Call with your ZIP code if you’re nearby and not sure.
Related services
Where we provide this service
Based in the McKinney area (McKinney, TX) and serving nearby cities: