Water Damage Questions, Answered

Stop the water source if you can, turn off power to wet areas if it is safe, move valuables and furniture out of the water, take photos for insurance and call for professional extraction and drying.

Most drying takes several days, depending on how much water there was, how long it sat and which materials got wet. Moisture readings show when everything is truly dry.

Fans dry surfaces, but water trapped in walls, subfloors and insulation can stay wet for a long time. In Florida's humidity, open windows can even add moisture. Commercial air movers and dehumidifiers dry the structure itself.

Mold can begin growing within 24 to 48 hours, which is why fast extraction and thorough drying are so important in Central Florida.

Many policies cover sudden and accidental damage, such as a burst pipe, but may exclude gradual leaks, flooding from rising water or sewer backups unless you have extra coverage. Check your policy and contact your insurer.

Clean water comes from sources like supply lines. Gray water comes from sources like washing machines or dishwashers. Black water, such as sewage or flood water, is heavily contaminated and needs special cleanup and sanitizing.

Not always. Materials dried quickly after a clean-water leak can often be saved. Materials soaked by contaminated water, or wet for too long, usually need replacing.

We serve Lakeland and nearby communities including Winter Haven, Bartow, Auburndale, Plant City, Haines City, Lake Wales, Mulberry and Davenport.