Flood Restoration FinderFree referral service for homeowners
Call now
Water damage · Flooding · Burst pipes

Water in your home? Every hour makes the damage worse.

Call now and we connect you with an independent water damage restoration company that serves your area. The call is free, and you decide whether to hire them.

Call a restoration pro

Talk to a local restoration company · no obligation

Our phone line is closed right now. It opens again at 10:00 am Eastern. Until then, use the first-hour checklist below to limit the damage. If water is near outlets or you smell gas, leave the home and call 911.
Living room with water on the hardwood floor and a water stain on the ceiling

Illustration, not a customer photo.

What to do in the first hour

  1. Stay safe. If water is near outlets, appliances or the breaker panel, do not walk through it. Turn off power at the breaker only if you can reach it from a dry spot.
  2. Stop the water. Close the main water shut-off valve, usually near the water heater, in the basement or where the line enters the house.
  3. Document everything. Take photos and videos of the water, the source and damaged items before you move anything. Your insurer will ask for them.
  4. Call your insurance company to open a claim, and ask what they cover.
  5. Get professional drying started. Hidden moisture in walls and floors can lead to mold within 24 to 48 hours. Restoration companies use pumps, dehumidifiers and moisture meters for this.
Call now to be connected

What waiting costs you

First hoursWater spreads under flooring, into drywall and insulation. Furniture legs and rugs soak it up.
24 to 48 hoursDrywall swells and crumbles, wood floors start to cup, and mold can begin to grow on wet materials.
After a weekHidden mold behind walls, a musty smell, and repairs that often cost far more than drying would have.

That is why the first call matters more than the perfect choice. A restoration company can measure where the moisture went and start drying the same day if they have capacity.

What waiting costs you

The spot you seeVisible mold is often only part of it. It grows where moisture is, including inside walls and under floors.
WeeksAs long as the moisture source remains, the affected area tends to grow and more material has to be removed.
MonthsMusty smells, damaged drywall and framing, and a problem you have to disclose when you sell the home.

An inspection tells you how far it has spread and what caused it, before you spend money on the wrong fix.

Will insurance pay for it?

Many homeowners policies cover sudden and accidental water damage, such as a burst pipe or a failed water heater. Damage from slow leaks or from outside flooding is often not covered. Only your insurer can tell you for sure.

When you call your insurer, ask:

  • Is this type of water damage covered, and what is my deductible?
  • Can I hire my own restoration company, or do you send one?
  • Do you need photos or a moisture report before drying starts?

5 questions to ask before you hire anyone

  1. Are you licensed and insured in my state? Ask for proof.
  2. Are your technicians certified for water damage or mold remediation, for example by the IICRC?
  3. When can you be here, and what happens in the first visit?
  4. How do you price the job, and will you give me a written estimate before work starts?
  5. Can you work with my insurance company and document the moisture readings?
Call now and ask these questions

How this works

Basement during professional drying with air movers and a dehumidifier

Illustration: professional drying with air movers and a dehumidifier.

  1. You call the number on this page.
  2. You are connected to an independent restoration company that serves your area.
  3. You decide. Ask about availability, licensing, insurance and price. There is no obligation.
Good to know: We are a referral service, not a restoration company. We do not do the work ourselves and we do not guarantee any work performed. Always check that the company you hire is licensed and insured.

Why is this free for you? The restoration companies in our network pay for the referral. That is how this service is funded, and it is why you never pay us anything.

Common questions

What does water damage restoration cost?

It depends on the size of the area, the type of water and how long it has been there. Ask the company for an on-site estimate before work starts, and ask whether they bill your insurance directly.

Will my homeowners insurance pay?

Many policies cover sudden and accidental water damage, such as a burst pipe, but often not gradual leaks or flooding from outside. Your insurer can tell you what your policy covers.

How fast does mold grow after water damage?

Mold can start to grow within 24 to 48 hours on wet materials. Fast drying is the best way to prevent it.

Who answers the phone?

Your call is routed to an independent restoration company in our network that serves your area. Availability depends on the provider and your location.

P.S. If you only remember one thing: water keeps moving after you stop seeing it. Shut off the water, take photos, and get the drying started. One call connects you with a company that can tell you how far it went.

Call now
Call now