Who should I call for water damage?

A general contractor or handyman can repair a finished space, but water damage is a drying problem first and a repair problem second. Restoration companies carry submersible pumps, truck-mounted extractors, air movers, commercial dehumidifiers, moisture meters, and thermal imaging cameras, and they know how to dry wall cavities, subfloors, and framing to a verified dry standard.

The restoration crew also documents the job as it happens: water category, affected areas, moisture readings, drying logs, and removal of unsalvageable materials. That documentation is exactly what insurance carriers ask for when a claim is reviewed.

You can call the restoration company and your carrier at the same time. Many policies require prompt mitigation, so starting emergency water removal protects both the property and the claim. Report the loss early, keep receipts and drying records, and let the restoration crew know you have an open claim so they can document accordingly.

Do not wait for an adjuster before starting extraction. Water damage compounds by the hour, and carriers expect policyholders to take reasonable steps to prevent further damage.

Describe what happened: a burst pipe, an appliance leak, a flooded basement, or storm water. Give your address and the best callback number, and say whether power or water is still on in the affected area. Mention if the water could be contaminated, such as a sewage backup, so the crew arrives prepared.

A good dispatcher will also tell you what to do while the crew is on the way, starting with safety steps and what not to touch.