Best Water Damage Restoration Services in Columbia

Frequently Asked Questions

• What do I do after my home has been damaged by water?

  In most cases, after your home has been damaged by water, the first thing you should do is attempt to remove as much water as possible by using a mop, wet/dry vac and dehumidifier, and opening windows. The next step is to document any damage with photos, videos and notes. Next, it’s time to call your insurance company. Repairs for some kinds of water damage may be covered by your homeowners’ insurance policy, so filing a claim as soon as possible is imperative. Damage from melting snow or burst pipes, for example, may be covered, while flooding may not, but you won’t know for sure without reviewing plan documents with an insurance agent. Depending on the extent of damage, contacting a water damage restoration company may also be required.

• Can I repair my water damaged furniture?

  That depends on both the kind of furniture and the extent of the damage. Furniture made from plastic or metal may be easily salvageable, while wood furniture can be more problematic. In general, everything with upholstery should be thrown away, including couches, chairs, and mattresses. For sentimental or valuable pieces that aren’t severely damaged, it may be possible to remove upholstery and padding and have it redone. A professional is recommended to ensure furniture is repaired and appropriately preserved.

• How do I get rid of carpet odor from water damage?

  Mold is a serious issue that is, unfortunately, quite common after water damage. Treating mold isn’t negotiable. If it’s present, it needs to be addressed as soon as possible. First, dry all areas and remove any items that have traces of mold. If you think there’s a possibility that mold may be in the walls or floors, a professional water damage restoration company is likely necessary.

• How do I fix a water damaged wood floor?

  Standing water can permanently damage wood floors, so acting fast is essential. Dry all affected areas and remove signs of mold as soon as possible, using tools such as squeegees, mops, and shop vacuums. First, remove all surface water and use a cleaning solution to thoroughly clean boards. Remove any signs of mold, mop up all remaining water, and keep the area thoroughly vented until floors are completely dry. Sanding and refinishing may be required. If the damage appears to be severe, floors can’t be adequately dried using tools available at home, or there are signs of significant corrosion, contact a water damage restoration company.

• Does homeowners insurance cover water damage?

  In many cases, insurance does cover water damage. This generally applies to incidental water damage, such as flooding from burst pipes. However, certain kinds of water damage likely won’t be covered, which is particularly true for flooding in areas that require separate flood insurance. Always check with your insurance company about policy details before filing a claim.

• What is contents restoration?

  Contents restoration is very similar to personal property restoration. However, contents restoration is a term that’s used to refer to restoration in a place of business. Depending on the service and any applicable insurance policies, contents restoration might cover items such as office furniture, equipment, and inventory. Items may need to be removed and cataloged before being brought to an off-site restoration location. Typically, the goal is to clean and restore the items so they don’t look or smell damaged.

• What type of water damage is covered by homeowners insurance?

  While every insurance policy is different, it's usually safe to assume that a homeowners insurance policy will cover sudden and accidental damage that's the result of a plumbing malfunction, such as a ruptured water heater or a burst pipe. Depending on the insurance company and coverage amounts included in the policy, the entire cost of water cleanup and restoration may be covered, or the insurance provider may only help with some of the repairs, such as damp or moldy drywall or ceilings.

  Of course, there are many variables involved, and often, many cases in which insurance companies do not cover water damage. For example, if an appliance has been leaking for some time and the homeowner hasn't taken necessary precautions, insurance companies typically aren't willing to cover the cost of water damage that results from a leak. Additionally, most insurance policies don't automatically include coverage for flood damage; however, flood insurance can often be purchased as a supplement to homeowners policies.