First steps in the first hour
- Stay safe. If water has reached outlets, cords or the electrical panel, keep out of the wet area and don't touch switches. If the ceiling is sagging, stay out from under it.
- Stop the water. Turn off the main water shut-off valve or the valve at the leaking fixture. For a water heater, also turn off its power (electric) or set the gas valve to "pilot/off".
- Take photos and video of every wet room, the source of the leak and damaged items before anything is moved. Your insurer will ask for them.
- Move what you can out of the water: electronics, rugs, papers, furniture. Put foil or blocks under furniture legs that can't be moved.
- Call your insurance company to open a claim and ask what they need from you and from the contractor.
- Get professional drying started. Hidden moisture inside walls, under flooring and in crawl spaces is what usually leads to mold and bigger repair bills.
Is the water clean or contaminated?
Restoration contractors usually classify water by how contaminated it is, because that decides what can be dried and what has to be removed. The industry standard used by many crews (IICRC S500) groups water into three categories:
| Category | Typical sources | What it usually means |
|---|---|---|
| 1 – Clean water | Broken supply line, leaking water heater, overflowing sink | Often dried in place if handled quickly |
| 2 – Gray water | Washing machine or dishwasher overflow, toilet overflow without feces | Some materials may need cleaning or removal |
| 3 – Black water | Sewage backup, toilet overflow with feces, outside flood water | Porous materials like carpet pad and drywall are usually removed; avoid contact |
Clean water can become contaminated if it sits. That is one reason why speed matters.
What a restoration crew should do
- Inspection and moisture mapping with moisture meters (and sometimes thermal cameras) to find where water has spread.
- Water extraction with pumps and extraction vacuums.
- Removal of materials that can't be saved, such as soaked carpet pad, baseboards or the lower part of drywall.
- Drying with air movers and dehumidifiers, checked with daily moisture readings until materials reach a dry standard.
- Cleaning and antimicrobial treatment where needed.
- Repairs such as drywall, paint and flooring. Some companies do this themselves; others hand it to a separate contractor.
Ask for the moisture readings and photos in writing. They help with your insurance claim and show when drying is really finished.
Common causes of water damage in Raleigh homes
- Plumbing failures: burst or leaking supply lines, failed water heaters, washing machine hoses, toilet supply lines and leaks under sinks.
- Storm and roof leaks: heavy rain and wind-driven water from summer thunderstorms and tropical systems that move through central North Carolina.
- Frozen pipes: less common than in colder states, but pipes in crawl spaces, garages and exterior walls can freeze during cold snaps.
- Crawl space and foundation water: many homes in the area are built over crawl spaces, where standing water and humidity can go unnoticed.
- Appliance and HVAC leaks: clogged AC condensate lines, dishwashers and refrigerator water lines.
Insurance: what to know before you call
Every policy is different, so read yours or ask your agent. In general, many homeowners policies cover sudden and accidental water damage (such as a pipe that bursts) but not damage from long-term leaks, poor maintenance or outside flooding. Flood damage from rising surface water is usually covered only by a separate flood policy.
- Report the loss promptly and keep your claim number.
- You are usually expected to take reasonable steps to prevent more damage, such as stopping the leak and starting drying.
- Keep receipts for anything you pay for, including emergency services and hotel stays.
- You can choose your own contractor. Ask whether they work directly with insurance companies and how they document the job.
Questions to ask any restoration contractor
- Are you licensed for the repair work you'll do, and can you show proof of insurance?
- Are your technicians trained or certified in water damage restoration?
- How will you document moisture readings and drying progress?
- Will you give me a written estimate or scope of work before starting repairs?
- Do you do the rebuild yourselves, or will another company handle it?
- How do you bill: to me, to my insurer, or both?
Areas served
This site covers water damage help for Raleigh, North Carolina and the surrounding Wake County area. Contractor availability depends on your ZIP code and the time of your call.
Frequently asked questions
How fast should water damage be dried?
As soon as possible. Mold can begin to grow on damp materials within roughly 24 to 48 hours, so extraction and drying should start quickly.
Can I dry it myself with fans?
Small spills on hard surfaces, yes. But water often wicks into drywall, under flooring and into crawl spaces where fans can't reach. A contractor with moisture meters can tell you whether hidden areas are still wet.
How long does professional drying take?
It depends on how much water there is, the materials and the weather. Many jobs take several days. Ask the contractor for daily moisture readings.
How much does water damage restoration cost?
Cost depends on the size of the area, the water category, how much material must be removed and whether repairs are included. Get a written estimate or scope from the contractor before work beyond emergency mitigation begins.
Is a sewage backup handled differently?
Yes. Sewage is Category 3 water. Avoid contact, keep children and pets away, and expect contaminated porous materials to be removed rather than dried.
Are you a restoration company?
No. We are a free referral service that connects homeowners with independent contractors. We do not perform work or guarantee any contractor's work.