01 / Emergency
Water Extraction and Removal
Pumps and truck-mounted extractors pull standing water out of floors, carpet and pad fast.
Free to call or request
Independent local pros
Emergency help available
Water damage help across the United States Water Damage Restoration Near You
Burst pipe, flooded basement, roof leak or sewage backup? Call or request a free estimate. We connect you with an independent restoration company that can extract the water, dry your home and help with the insurance claim.
Water damage restoration
Fast help when water gets where it should not
Quick answer
Water damage restoration means stopping the water, pulling it out, drying the building to a measured dry standard and then repairing what was lost. The first 24 to 48 hours matter most, because the EPA says wet materials dried in that window are much less likely to grow mold. Call or request an estimate and we connect you with an independent local restoration company.
Blue Star Water Damage is a free referral service for homeowners, renters, landlords and businesses across the United States. One call or one estimate request connects you with an independent water damage restoration company that serves your ZIP code. That company inspects the property, explains the scope and gives you a written estimate before work starts.
Restoration covers more than mopping up. Crews find hidden moisture inside walls and under floors, remove what cannot be saved, dry the structure with commercial equipment and then repair drywall, flooring and finishes. The steps below show what each part of the job looks like, so you know what to expect when the crew arrives.
24 to 48Hours to dry materials before mold risk climbs (EPA)
3 to 5Days of drying for a typical water damaged room
3Water categories under the IICRC S500 standard
$0Cost to call or request a free estimate
Water still running? Shut off the main water valve first. It is usually where the supply line enters the house, often near the water heater, in the basement or garage, or by the front hose bib. Do not touch outlets, panels or appliances while standing in water.
Water in your home right now?
Need help right now?
Call or send the form. Your request goes to an independent local restoration company that serves your area, and they contact you to set up an inspection and a written estimate.
Call now(940) 274-9880- Free to call or request an estimate
- Independent local restoration companies
- Water removal, drying, mold and repairs
- Photos and drying logs you can share with your insurer
Request a free estimate
Takes about a minute. No cost to request.
Blue Star Water Damage is a free information and referral service, not a restoration contractor. Calls and estimate requests are connected to independent restoration companies that serve your area. Those companies set their own prices and do the work.
What we help with
Every service, one free call
Every water problem is different. A burst supply line is clean water, a sewage backup is not, and a slow leak inside a wall needs detective work before anyone cuts drywall. Pick the service that fits your situation, or just call and describe what you see.
02 / Drying
Structural Drying
Air movers and dehumidifiers dry walls, subfloors and cabinets to a measured dry standard.
03 / Storms and floods
Flood Damage Cleanup
Cleanup after storms, river flooding and surface water, which is treated as contaminated water.
04 / Plumbing
Burst Pipe Water Damage
Fast extraction and drying after a burst or leaking supply line, frozen pipe or failed fitting.
05 / Below grade
Basement Flood Cleanup
Pumping, drying and sanitizing flooded basements, crawl spaces and lower levels.
06 / Mold
Mold Remediation
Containment, removal and cleaning of mold that grows after materials stay wet too long.
07 / Category 3
Sewage Backup Cleanup
Safe removal of black water, disposal of porous materials and full sanitizing.
08 / Ceilings
Ceiling and Roof Leak Water Damage
Drying and repair of stained, sagging or wet ceilings from roof, attic and upstairs leaks.
09 / Appliances
Water Heater and Appliance Leak Damage
Cleanup after water heaters, washers, dishwashers, ice makers and AC drain lines leak.
10 / Business
Commercial Water Damage Restoration
Drying plans for offices, retail, restaurants and multi-unit buildings that limit downtime.
Common causes
Where water damage usually starts
Most water damage calls trace back to a short list of sources. Knowing the source tells the crew what kind of water they are dealing with.
- Burst and frozen pipesSupply lines split in hard freezes or fail at old fittings and release water at full pressure. See burst pipe water damage.
- Water heater failuresTanks rust through at the bottom and leak slowly, or fail all at once. See water heater leaks.
- Washer, dishwasher and ice maker linesRubber hoses and plastic lines crack with age and leak behind appliances where nobody sees it.
- Roof and attic leaksStorm damage, worn flashing and blocked gutters let rain into attics and ceilings. See ceiling and roof leaks.
- Basement seepage and sump pump failureGroundwater pushes through foundation cracks, and a failed sump pump lets the basement fill. See basement flood cleanup.
- Sewer and drain backupsRoots, grease and heavy rain push sewage up through floor drains and toilets. See sewage backup cleanup.
- Storms and outside floodingHeavy rain and rising water enter at doors, windows and low points. See flood damage cleanup.
- Toilet and tub overflowsClogs and failed fill valves overflow onto floors and soak into the ceiling below.
- AC condensate leaksClogged drain lines and rusted pans leak from air handlers in attics and closets.
What changes the job
Six things that change how a job is done
Two leaks that look the same can need very different work. A good crew checks these before the first fan is placed.
Water category
Clean water from a supply line is handled very differently from sewage or floodwater, which need removal of porous materials.
Building materials
Drywall, carpet pad and particle board soak up water fast. Hardwood, plaster and concrete hold it longer and dry slower.
Time since the leak
Water that sat for days has wicked higher, swollen materials and may have started mold growth.
Climate and season
Humid summers slow drying and speed mold, while winter freezes cause burst pipes and ice dams.
Age of the home
Older homes can have galvanized pipes, plaster walls and materials that need testing before demolition.
Insurance documentation
Photos, moisture logs and drying records help an adjuster approve the claim without delays.
Why speed matters
The first 24 to 48 hours decide the outcome
The EPA advises drying wet building materials within 24 to 48 hours to prevent mold growth. After that window, drywall, carpet pad and wood framing hold more water, swell and start to grow mold, so jobs that start late need more demolition and cost more.
How it works
From first call to finished repairs
The restoration industry follows the IICRC S500 standard for water damage. Here is what that looks like in plain words.
- 01
Call
Tell us what happened and where. We connect you with an available local restoration company that serves your ZIP code.
- 02
Inspect
The crew stops the source, checks for electrical hazards, classifies the water and maps how far moisture has spread with meters and thermal imaging.
- 03
Mitigate
Standing water is extracted, ruined materials are removed and drying equipment is set up. Moisture readings are logged every day.
- 04
Restore
Once materials hit their dry goal, repairs begin: drywall, flooring, paint and anything else the water took out.
- 1First hours
Stop and protect
Water shut off, power checked, valuables moved, photos taken.
- 2Hour 2 to 8
Extract
Pumps and extractors remove standing water from floors and carpet.
- 3Day 1 to 4
Dry and monitor
Air movers and dehumidifiers run while moisture is checked daily.
- 4Day 4 and on
Rebuild
Drywall, floors and finishes are repaired after the dry goal is met.
Water categories
Not all water is the same water
The IICRC S500 standard sorts water by how dirty it is (category) and by how much drying the job needs (class). Both change the equipment, the materials that must go and the price.
Category 1
Clean water
From a supply line, faucet or ice maker. Lowest risk if it is dried fast, but it turns into Category 2 if it sits.
Category 2
Grey water
From a washer, dishwasher or toilet overflow without waste. It carries contaminants, so carpet pad usually has to go.
Category 3
Black water
Sewage, floodwater and long-standing water. Porous materials are removed and everything is sanitized.
| Class | What it means | Typical example |
|---|---|---|
| Class 1 | Small area, little water absorbed | A dishwasher leak caught early on a tile floor |
| Class 2 | A whole room, water wicked up walls under 24 inches | A burst supply line under a kitchen sink |
| Class 3 | Water came from above and soaked ceilings, walls and floors | An upstairs bathroom or roof leak |
| Class 4 | Dense materials that hold water and dry slowly | Hardwood floors, concrete, plaster or brick |
Insurance
Will insurance cover it?
Most homeowners policies cover water damage that is sudden and accidental. They usually exclude damage from slow leaks, poor upkeep and outside flooding, which needs a separate flood policy.
General information only, not insurance or legal advice. Your policy wording decides coverage, so check it or ask your agent. Read the water damage insurance claims guide.
| Situation | Usually covered? |
|---|---|
| Burst or frozen pipe | Often yes, if sudden and the home was kept heated |
| Water heater or appliance failure | Often yes for the water damage, not the appliance itself |
| Slow leak over weeks or months | Usually no |
| Storm damage to the roof letting rain in | Often yes |
| Outside flooding or rising water | No, needs flood insurance |
| Sewer or drain backup | Only with a backup endorsement |
First hour checklist
What to do right now
Tick each step as you go. These protect your safety, your belongings and your insurance claim.
All six done. Now get drying started. Call (940) 274-9880
Who we help
Help for every kind of property
Homeowners
From a leaking dishwasher to a flooded basement, get a crew to extract, dry and repair.
Renters
Protect your belongings, tell your landlord in writing and check your renters policy for contents coverage.
Landlords and HOAs
Fast response for units, shared walls and common areas, with moisture logs for owners and insurers.
Businesses
Offices, retail and restaurants get drying plans built around opening hours to limit downtime.
Service areas
Find help in your city
Pick your city for local information, or call and we route you to a company that serves your ZIP code.
FAQ
Questions homeowners ask most
How long does water damage restoration take?
Drying usually takes about 3 to 5 days with commercial air movers and dehumidifiers. Hardwood, concrete and plaster take longer. Repairs to drywall, flooring and cabinets add days to weeks after drying ends.
Can I clean up water damage myself?
Small clean water spills on hard floors can be handled with towels, a wet vacuum and fans. Water inside walls, under floors or under cabinets needs moisture meters and commercial drying equipment to find and remove. Sewage and floodwater need professional cleanup because they carry bacteria.
How fast does mold grow after water damage?
The EPA advises drying wet materials within 24 to 48 hours to prevent mold growth. Warm, humid conditions speed growth inside wall cavities that stay wet.
Does homeowners insurance cover water damage?
Most policies cover sudden and accidental water damage, such as a burst pipe or a failed appliance. Slow leaks, poor upkeep and outside flooding are usually excluded. Flood damage needs a separate flood policy.
What should I do first when I find water damage?
Stop the water at the main shut-off valve and turn off power to wet rooms if the panel is dry. Take photos and video before moving anything. Then call to reach a local restoration company and notify your insurer.
Is Blue Star a restoration company?
No. Blue Star is a free referral service. Your call or form request goes to an independent local restoration company, and that company does the inspection, sets the price and performs the work.
Water in your home right now?