Rancho Santa Fe Water Damage Serviceswhat each one involves

Most jobs start with water damage cleanup: stopping the source, extracting water and removing materials that cannot be saved. Mitigation and drying follow, using dehumidifiers, air movers and moisture readings until the structure is dry. Repairs come last.

Two situations change the approach. Flood cleanup applies when water came from outside, such as storm runoff or rising water, and sewage cleanup applies when wastewater from a septic or sewer backup is involved. Both are Category 3 water, so contamination is removed and surfaces disinfected before drying.

Commercial water damage restoration covers shops, offices, clubhouses, barns and association buildings, where several parties may be involved and work is phased around operations.

Each page below explains the warning signs, the process, how local homes and finishes affect the job, and what to ask on your call.

If you are not sure which applies, start with the first-hour guide, then call. The contractor you speak with can tell from a short description whether the job is a clean-water leak, a storm-water entry or a sewage problem, and what should happen first.