Guides
Guides for homeowners
Short guides for the questions people ask during a loss, with sources.
All guides
GuideCan Wet Carpet Be Saved?
Wet carpet can sometimes be saved if the water was clean and it dries quickly. Pad usually goes. When sewage or floodwat
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GuideThe First 24 Hours After a House Fire
After a house fire: wait for clearance, find safe shelter, call your insurer, secure the property and document everythin
Read the guide
GuideHow Long Drying Takes
Drying often takes several days, but materials, humidity and flood depth change that. What slows the job down, and how y
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GuideHow to Find Hidden Moisture
Hidden moisture shows up as odor, soft baseboards and bubbling paint. How to check walls and floors, and when a meter or
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GuidePlumber or Restoration Contractor?
A plumber stops and fixes the leak. A restoration contractor deals with wet materials. Here is how to decide who to call
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GuideWater Damage Categories Explained
Category 1 is clean, Category 2 significantly contaminated and Category 3 grossly unsanitary. What each means for your h
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Wet Drywall: Save or Replace
Whether wet drywall can stay depends on the water source, how long it sat wet and whether the wall cavity can dry. How t
Read the guide 
GuideWhat to Do After Water Damage
The first hours after water damage, in order: safety, stopping the source, photos, moving belongings, calling your insur
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GuideWhy Smoke Smell Lingers
Smoke smell lingers because residue sits in porous materials and cavities. What removes it, what only hides it, and why
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GuideWhy Sump Pumps Fail
Sump pumps fail from power loss, stuck floats, clogs and age. How to test yours, which backups help and what to do when
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GuideWorking With Your Insurance Adjuster
How to prepare for an adjuster after water or fire damage: photos, inventories, receipts, questions to ask, and why floo
Read the guide
All guides
- Guide
Can Wet Carpet Be Saved?
Wet carpet can sometimes be saved if the water was clean and it dries quickly. Pad usually goes. When sewage or floodwat
Read the guide - Guide
The First 24 Hours After a House Fire
After a house fire: wait for clearance, find safe shelter, call your insurer, secure the property and document everythin
Read the guide - Guide
How Long Drying Takes
Drying often takes several days, but materials, humidity and flood depth change that. What slows the job down, and how y
Read the guide - Guide
How to Find Hidden Moisture
Hidden moisture shows up as odor, soft baseboards and bubbling paint. How to check walls and floors, and when a meter or
Read the guide - Guide
Plumber or Restoration Contractor?
A plumber stops and fixes the leak. A restoration contractor deals with wet materials. Here is how to decide who to call
Read the guide - Guide
Water Damage Categories Explained
Category 1 is clean, Category 2 significantly contaminated and Category 3 grossly unsanitary. What each means for your h
Read the guide - Guide
Wet Drywall: Save or Replace
Whether wet drywall can stay depends on the water source, how long it sat wet and whether the wall cavity can dry. How t
Read the guide - Guide
What to Do After Water Damage
The first hours after water damage, in order: safety, stopping the source, photos, moving belongings, calling your insur
Read the guide - Guide
Why Smoke Smell Lingers
Smoke smell lingers because residue sits in porous materials and cavities. What removes it, what only hides it, and why
Read the guide - Guide
Why Sump Pumps Fail
Sump pumps fail from power loss, stuck floats, clogs and age. How to test yours, which backups help and what to do when
Read the guide - Guide
Working With Your Insurance Adjuster
How to prepare for an adjuster after water or fire damage: photos, inventories, receipts, questions to ask, and why floo
Read the guide
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Begin with what to do after water damage.