Water damage guides you can act on.
First-response guides every San Diego homeowner should have. What to do in the first 24 hours, how to file an insurance claim, when to save carpet vs. replace it, and the line between DIY and call-a-pro.
Water damage guides for homeowners
How to prevent mold after a water leak
EPA guidance is to fix plumbing leaks and other water problems as soon as possible and dry items completely. Restore Pro SD does not set a mold clock.
How to file a water damage insurance claim
Restore Pro SD does not file the claim, quote deductibles, or bill your carrier. You photograph what you can, ask your carrier about your own policy, and contract with the independent professional.
When to replace water-damaged drywall (vs. dry it in place)
Restore Pro SD does not assign IICRC categories or a flood-cut height as brand protocol. Ask the independent professional which drywall they will dry versus remove.
What to do when a pipe bursts
Stop the water at a shutoff you can reach without standing in it. Restore Pro SD does not publish a gallons-per-hour figure and does not send a brand plumber.
When should you stop and call a professional?
Six signs that the problem is past DIY. Turn the system off and pick up the phone, running a system with these issues turns cheap repairs into expensive replacements.
- Active leak you cannot shut off
If the house valve is seized or you cannot find the source, leave a message. We match you with a licensed independent professional. We do not shut the meter ourselves.
- Sewage backup of any size
EPA guidance for sewage or other contaminated water is to call a professional experienced with that work. Restore Pro SD does not assign category numbers as brand protocol.
- Standing water near electrical outlets, panels, or appliances
Electrocution risk. CDC guidance is not to switch power on or off while standing in water. Call an electrician if the panel is not reachable on dry ground.
- Sagging drywall ceiling after a leak
A water-laden ceiling can collapse without warning. Move out from underneath and call.
- Visible mold on more than 10 square feet
EPA guidance for larger mold jobs is to consider professional help. Containment and filtration are questions for the independent professional. Restore Pro SD does not set a square-foot rule as brand protocol.
- Flood water from outside the home
Outdoor flood water can carry contamination. EPA guidance for sewage or other contaminated water is to call a professional experienced with that work.
External resources and standards
IICRC industry standards library
Industry standards some restoration professionals reference. Restore Pro SD does not claim those standards as brand protocol.
EPAEPA Mold Cleanup Guide
When to clean yourself, when to call a pro, and what protective equipment is needed.
FEMANFIP National Flood Insurance Program
Standard homeowners does not cover flood from outside. NFIP and private flood policies are separate.
CDCCDC Flood Safety and Cleanup Guidance
Health and safety guidance for returning to a property after major flooding.
Still stuck? Call and leave a message.
If the guide didn't solve it, we'll connect you with a licensed independent professional. Call any time across San Diego County.