Water Removal
Whatever the cause of your water damage, it is crucial that excess water is extracted immediately to prevent further damage and higher costs. The Restore Pros team knows exactly what to do to take care of your water damage issues and will not hesitate to act.
Property Owners affected by flooding understand how costly and difficult the situation can be. They also know how important it is to do your research before letting the insurance company assign their water mitigation partner to your claim. In Georgia, you have the right to choose your contractors and you are not obligated to authorize work to a service provider that the insurance provider sends you. Restore Pros has seen it all, and with over a decade of experience cleaning up water damage and putting houses back together. After water removal is complete, feel confident that you chose the right company to handle your home’s restoration. Choose Restore Pros.
Why Choose Restore Pros for Water Removal Services
Established in 2009, Restore Pros has more than a decade of experience helping homeowners quickly cleanup water damage and restore their home afterwards. What separates Restore Pros from other water removal companies is that many mitigation companies only dry out a house and remove damaged property. Restore Pros gives you a single point of contact from the water removal all the way through the structural repairs.
We use the same software insurance adjusters use to estimate the costs of property damage to ensure that our homeowners are knowledgeable about their claim process and empowered to make the best decisions about the restoration of their home. Homeowners are not left to fend for themselves when dealing with their insurance provider. Restore Pros will help to educate you so that you can more easily navigate through the insurance claim process.
Restore Pros is certified by the IICRC (Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification). We are licensed and insured general contractors for residential and commercial properties. Restore Pros is a professional and experienced water restoration repair company, so homeowners can have peace of mind that the job was done right. And we wouldn’t have it any other way.
We are a locally owned and operated business in Athens, GA. We serve our own community and surrounding towns with exceptional service and high quality workmanship.
Most importantly, we work for our customers – not the insurance company. Of course we are here to help our customers navigate the difficulties and red tape of insurance claims, but we always put the property owner’s best interests first!
When that emergency comes, we make sure that the customer’s needs are taken care of. We’re there to work for the homeowner and what’s in their best interest. We’re not there for the insurance company. We’re not trying to figure out how to save the insurance company money, but we’re going to make sure that we leave the house in as good or better condition than before the damage.
Restore Pros Founder, Ross Kesterson
Restore Pros Differentiators
- Extensive experience with over a decade in the industry
- Comprehensive service: water removal AND restoration
- Precise estimates
- IICRC certified professionals
- Locally owned and operated with a community focus
- Prioritizing homeowners’ interests over insurance
- Fully licensed & insured for residential & commercial
- Expert guidance in navigating insurance claims process
Steps to Take When Your Property is Flooded
1.
Prioritize safety
Ensure the safety of all occupants. If you suspect a risk of electrocution, turn off the main power supply. In the case of severe flooding, evacuate the premises and call for help.
2.
Identify the source
Identify the source of the flooding. Common causes include burst pipes, heavy rainfall, or blocked drainage systems. If you can’t locate the source, call a professional to help you.
3.
Turn off water supply
If the flooding is caused by a burst pipe or a plumbing issue, turn off the main water supply to prevent further flooding and damage or call local emergency water services.
4.
Document the damage
Before starting any cleanup process, take photos or videos of the affected area to document the extent of the damage. This will be helpful when filing insurance claims.
5.
insurance company
Get in touch with your insurance company to report the incident and discuss the next steps. They will guide you through the claims process and direct you to hire contractors for water removal and restoration.
6.
Salvage belongings
Remove any items that can be salvaged from the flooded area and place them in a dry, safe space. If accessible, collect your most important or valuable items that are not yet impacted by water damage.
7.
Request an Estimate
Contact Restore Pros as quickly as possible to schedule an estimate for water removal and water damage restoration. We will meet with you to assess your situation, begin quality service, and get you back to normal.
8.
Prevent future flooding
Take steps to prevent future flooding incidents by addressing the cause of the issue. This may involve having a sump pump installed, improving drainage systems, or waterproofing your property.
Common Causes of Water Damage:
Interior water damage to a home or business property can result from a variety of causes, some of which are more prevalent than others. Excessive rain can lead to water infiltration if the building’s exterior or roof is not properly maintained or if there is inadequate drainage around the property. This can cause water to seep through walls, foundations, and other vulnerable areas, resulting in water damage and potential mold growth. Various factors can lead to interior water damage in a home or business property. Property owners must be vigilant and proactive in maintaining their buildings and addressing any issues that may arise, to prevent or minimize water damage and its associated costs.
Extreme temperatures
Extreme temperatures, especially during winter months, can cause pipes to freeze and burst, releasing a significant amount of water inside the property. This can lead to damage to walls, flooring, and personal belongings, as well as structural issues if not addressed promptly.
Leaking or busted pipes
Leaking or busted pipes are another common cause of interior water damage. Pipes can develop leaks due to age, corrosion, or damage, and even small leaks can cause significant water damage over time. Plumbing and HVAC malfunctions, such as broken connections or damaged water supply lines, can also contribute to water damage, often going unnoticed until the problem becomes severe.
Sewage backups
Sewage backups present a particularly hazardous situation, as they not only cause water damage but also introduce harmful contaminants into the property. This type of damage requires immediate attention and professional remediation to ensure the safety of occupants and the proper restoration of the affected area.
Overflowing appliances
Overflowing appliances, such as washing machines, dishwashers, and water heaters, can also lead to water damage. This can occur due to mechanical failure, human error, or a combination of both. Regular maintenance and proper use of appliances can help prevent these situations.
Natural disasters
Natural disasters, such as hurricanes, tornadoes, and flash floods, can result in extensive water damage to a property. These events often bring heavy rainfall and strong winds, which can compromise the structural integrity of a building and cause water to penetrate its interior. While it is impossible to prevent natural disasters, adequate preparation and adherence to building codes can help minimize the potential damage.
Water removal Steps
Property owners can be confident knowing that we are working for their best interest. How we go about our water removal process may vary due to the type of water damage that has occurred, but it always includes these certified and guaranteed steps. Remember that each flooding situation is unique, and professional help from a water removal company like Restore Pros is usually necessary depending on the severity of the flooding and the specific circumstances. Always prioritize safety and consult with our experts when needed.
- Remove the excess water and perform an inspection
- Discard damaged structures (drywall, insulation, floors, etc.)
- Use moisture detectors to determine humidity levels
- Contain water to ensure that the damage does not spread
- Trace the path of moisture to identify treatment areas
- Apply environmentally safe antimicrobial disinfectant
- Deploy specialized equipment to begin the drying process
- Continue to monitor moisture content until fully dry
- Inspect the area for any signs of mold growth
- Stabilize the integrity of the structure before making repairs
Because we’re going to be building it back, we’re going to do better taking care of the damage created by the water issue. For instance, when we have to cut drywall out, we’re going to make straight cuts because we’re going to put the drywall back in. Some companies will come in and just rip and tear everything out, but we’re careful on the front end to make it easier on the back end.
Restore Pros Founder, Ross Kesterson
Got questions about your insurance claim?
Restore Pros is here to help. We handle all manners of water damage for our residential and commercial customers, including water & sewage removal, cleanup, repair, and restoration. Schedule your appointment with Restore Pros to see why we are the best choice for water removal and all water damage related issues. We are certified to perform the following for your home or business:
- Dehumidification & Moisture Content Removal
- Antimicrobial Treatment To Prevent Mold Growth
- Odor Removal From Moisture & Mildew
- Wood, Vinyl, Carpet Floor Drying/Removal
- Drywall & Foundational Structure Drying
- Damage & Home Restoration Services
Water Removal Insurance Claims
The cost of repair will vary depending on the type of damage that you have, where the damage occurred, and the severity of the damage. We are cognizant of each homeowner’s priorities, and property owners can be confident knowing that Restore Pros will help the customer save on out-of-pocket costs. For homeowners with insurance claims, every dollar makes the difference in complete restoration covered by their insurance provider and paying for items that should have been covered according to their policy. Restore Pros will always stand with the homeowner and help to decipher the complexities of an insurance claim.. We are not trying to save the insurance company money.
Frequently Asked Questions About Water Mitigation
The sooner the drying process starts, the better the chances are that we can save your floors. We have special drying equipment that uses mats to pull air through the hardwood to dry in place. In some cases hardwood floors can be returned back to the original shape using our equipment.
Generally, it takes 3 to 6 days to completely dry the structure. The drying process varies from the many components that determine the time it takes to dry. Some examples are: the type of material, the amount of time exposed to water, atmospheric conditions, and the amount of water.
Wet carpet can harbor bacteria depending on the type of water it was flooded with, and the amount of time it has been wet.. It can also begin to delaminate, which can prevent it from being re-installed. In all cases the wet pad needs to be removed and replaced. On occasion the carpet can be dried with-out replacing, but it needs to have a new pad underneath. Always make sure the carpet is completely dry before relaying it on the pad.
Taking care of and properly maintaining your appliances will help to prevent them from becoming a water issue. Direct your gutters and downspouts away from your home and clean out your gutters regularly during the fall. Check under all your sinks for leaks while the water is running. Check your crawlspace for standing water and/or sagging insulation. Using a dehumidifier in areas like basements and crawl spaces will help reduce humidity. Humidity is one of the biggest contributors to mold damage. If your water bill suddenly rises you may have a leaky pipe. Check walls (especially in the basement) for greenish or black spots on the drywall possibly indicating a mold problem. If you notice them, Call Restore Pros immediately.
If you are smelling musty odors, that is a good indication that there may be mold somewhere in the home. Do a visual inspection of your home or the area the smell is coming from. You also may see mold growth in places that have high humidity such as the basement, bathrooms, laundry rooms, attic, and crawlspace. If you’ve had flooding or water damages that were not cleaned up properly, chances are you have mold growth in your home.
Move out your personal belongings, remove furniture from the wet carpets, flooring, etc. Take inventory of any contents or furnishings that have been damaged. Take pictures showing the affected rooms and damages. Call a professional that specializes in water damage and insurance claims. We see all too often where homeowners try to dry things with towels and box fans, resulting in additional damages. A trained professional using a moisture meter, special drying equipment and procedures canl prevent additional damages.
No. You are not required to obtain multiple estimates for an insurance loss. The cost of repair will vary depending on the type of damage that you have, when the damage occurred, and the severity of the damage. When it comes to water damage, it is important to get the clean up and drying process started as soon as possible to avoid potential mold growth which can lead to more cost. Restore Pros works with all insurance companies and uses software and pricing that most all insurance carriers use.
The answer to this question is based on the source of the water damages. Generally flooding and groundwater intrusion will not be covered by insurance unless you have a flood policy. Leaks that come from pipes, appliances, roof, and storm damage are generally covered if they were “Sudden and Accidental”. All insurance carriers have different coverages and exclusions, so you should hire a contractor that has years of experience dealing with insurance claims.
Depreciation is a reduction in the value of an asset with the passage of time, due in particular to wear and tear. Recoverable depreciation is when the insurance company refunds you the depreciation cost, or difference between replacement cost value and actual cash value, once restoration repairs are completed. Insurance claims can be complex and we can help make it simple.
The IICRC (Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification) sets the standards for the water damage restoration training and cleaning industry and three levels of liquid destruction. When it comes to the gross and unsanitary, Category 3 water damage is the worst classification, and by far, the costliest. Sewage backups from septic tanks, plumbing system mishaps, and water intrusion from flash flooding, among many other things, are usually categorized as Category 3 water damage. Besides having to discard personal property that can’t be salvaged and get your insurance provider involved in the chaos, choosing the wrong restoration company could really turn your stomach if they refuse or are not equipped to rebuild or restore your property. On top of everything else, Category 3 water damage issues cannot wait to be mitigated.