Frequently Asked Questions

Everything homeowners ask us about water damage, mold, insurance, and how the hotline works — in one place. Can't find your answer? Call (888) 245-6962 — free, 24/7.

About the Hotline

Is the National Water Damage Hotline free?: Yes. The call, the contractor match, and the connection cost nothing — ever. You only pay for restoration work you choose to hire from the contractor you're connected with, and there's no obligation to hire anyone.
Are you a restoration contractor?: No. We're a nationwide referral hotline. We connect you with independent, IICRC-certified restoration contractors serving your area. The contractor performs the work, provides the estimate, and bills you (or your insurance) directly.
How do you vet the contractors in your network?: Every network contractor is checked for IICRC certification, applicable state and local licensing, and liability insurance before joining. We prioritize companies with established emergency-response capability and insurance claims experience.
What areas do you cover?: All 50 states, from major metros to small towns. Find your state here.
What types of damage can you help with?: Water damage, flooding, mold, fire and smoke, storm damage, sewage backups, and commercial losses.
Do I have to use the contractor you connect me with?: No. There's never an obligation. Get their assessment and estimate, and decide for yourself.

The Restoration Process

How fast can someone get to my home?: Network contractors offer 24/7 emergency dispatch. In most service areas, a certified pro can be on site within hours — same-day response is standard for active water emergencies.
What happens when the contractor arrives?: They'll assess the damage (including hidden moisture, with meters), stop further spread, extract standing water, and set up structural drying. You'll get a scope of work and, if you're filing a claim, documentation your insurer needs.
How long does water damage restoration take?: Drying typically takes 3–5 days. Full restoration — including repairs — ranges from a few days for minor damage to several weeks for major losses. Full process here.
Can't I just dry it out myself with fans?: For a small clean-water spill on hard surfaces, maybe. But water that reached drywall, subfloor, or insulation needs professional drying equipment and moisture verification — surface-dry materials routinely hide trapped moisture that becomes mold and rot.
What's the difference between mitigation and restoration?: Mitigation stops the damage from getting worse (extraction, drying, stabilization). Restoration repairs what was damaged (drywall, flooring, paint). Most projects include both.
Do I need to leave my home during restoration?: Usually not. Exceptions: widespread sewage contamination, major fire damage, or when containment can't isolate the work area — your contractor will advise.

Mold Questions

How fast does mold grow after water damage?: Mold can begin colonizing wet materials within 24–48 hours — faster in warm, humid conditions. That's why immediate drying matters more than any other factor.
Is black mold dangerous?: Any significant indoor mold growth should be removed — mold exposure can trigger allergies, asthma, and respiratory irritation, and sensitivity varies by person. The extent of growth and the moisture behind it matter more than the color. More here.
Can I clean mold myself?: Small patches (under ~10 sq ft) on accessible, non-porous surfaces — generally yes, with precautions. Larger growth, hidden growth, HVAC mold, or mold following sewage/flooding needs professional remediation.
Does bleach kill mold?: On tile and glass, yes. On drywall, wood, and grout, no — it kills surface growth while roots survive, and the water in bleach can feed regrowth. Full explanation.
Will mold come back after remediation?: Not if the moisture source is fixed — that's the core of proper remediation. Mold cannot grow without moisture.

Insurance & Cost

How much does water damage restoration cost?: Most homeowners pay $1,300–$5,600, depending on water type, area affected, and response speed. Full cost breakdown by damage type and room.
Does homeowners insurance cover water damage?: Sudden and accidental damage (burst pipes, appliance failures) — usually yes. Gradual leaks, outside flooding, and sewer backups without an endorsement — usually no. Complete guide.
Does insurance cover mold?: Typically only when the mold results from a covered, sudden water event — and often with coverage caps of $1,000–$10,000. Mold from humidity or long-term leaks is usually excluded.
Do I need flood insurance if I'm not in a flood zone?: Consider it — roughly 1 in 4 flood claims comes from outside high-risk zones, and homeowners policies never cover rising water. NFIP policies have a 30-day waiting period.
Will the contractor work with my insurance company?: Yes — network contractors document losses to insurance standards (moisture readings, photos, itemized scopes) and communicate with adjusters routinely.
Can the insurance company make me use their preferred contractor?: No. You have the right to choose your own restoration contractor in every state.
Should I file a claim for small damage?: If the repair cost is near your deductible, it may not be worth a claim history entry. For significant losses, that's what the policy is for. Your adjuster or agent can walk you through the math.

Emergency Response

What should I do first when I find water damage?: Stop the water if you safely can (main shutoff valve), cut power to affected areas, photograph everything, and call (888) 245-6962. Full first-24-hours guide.
Is standing water in my house dangerous?: Potentially, two ways: electricity (never enter water that may contact outlets or appliances) and contamination (sewage or outside floodwater carries pathogens — stay out without protective gear).
My basement is flooding right now. Can you help?: Yes — call (888) 245-6962 now. We'll connect you with a local certified pro for emergency dispatch while you work through the safety steps.
The water stopped on its own. Do I still need help?: If it soaked drywall, flooring, or anything porous — yes. Water you can't see is what causes mold and structural damage, and the 24–48 hour mold clock is running whether the water is visible or not.
Someone's knocking on doors offering storm repairs. Should I sign?: Be careful. After storms, out-of-town "storm chasers" solicit aggressively — pressure to sign immediately, big cash deposits, and assignment-of-benefits forms are red flags. One free call to (888) 245-6962 gets you a pre-vetted, certified local pro instead.

Still have questions? Call (888) 245-6962 — free, 24/7 — and talk to a real person.