Frequently Asked Questions for Water Damage Restoration

Explore our frequently asked questions to learn all about Mr. Remodel

Water Damage Restoration FAQ

Mr. Remodel connects homeowners with licensed, insured water damage restoration contractors. We don’t do the work ourselves—we match you with vetted professionals who specialize in emergency response, water extraction, structural drying, and damage repair.

According to the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) and HomeAdvisor:
  • Minor water damage: $1,200–$2,500 (localized cleanup)
  • Moderate restoration: $3,000–$8,000 (drywall, flooring, and structure)
  • Severe/flooding: $10,000–$30,000+ (full rebuilds, mold mitigation) Cost depends on water type (clean, gray, or black), contamination level, area affected, and timeline.

High-risk zones include:
  • Gulf Coast (Texas, Louisiana, Florida) – Hurricane and storm surge activity
  • Pacific Northwest (Oregon, Washington) – Prolonged seasonal rainfall
  • Midwest (Illinois, Missouri, Ohio) – Flood-prone river basins
  • Northeast (New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania) – Ice damming and basement flooding from nor’easters
  • California – Sudden downpours, flash floods, and wildfire runoff risks (Source: FEMA flood zone data; NOAA severe weather patterns)

  • Burst pipes or water heater failures
  • Roof leaks and clogged gutters
  • Sewer backups
  • Foundation cracks or sump pump failures
  • Appliance failures (dishwasher, washing machine)
  • Flooding from severe weather or ground saturation

Mr. Remodel typically matches homeowners with licensed water damage professionals within 5 minutes. Emergency contractors may contact you the same day or even within hours in urgent situations.

  • Shut off the main water supply (if applicable)
  • Turn off electrical breakers in the affected area
  • Remove valuables and electronics from standing water
  • Document damage for insurance (photos/videos)
  • Contact a restoration professional ASAP (Source: IICRC Emergency Water Damage Protocol)

Yes. Many contractors in our network offer 24/7 emergency response, including water extraction, dehumidification, and rapid structural drying.

Yes. Water damage professionals in our network must carry:
  • Valid contractor license (state/local)
  • General liability insurance
  • IICRC Certification (Water Damage Restoration Technician – WRT)

Contractors may use:
  • Industrial water extractors and pumps
  • HEPA air scrubbers and dehumidifiers
  • Moisture meters and thermal imaging
  • Antimicrobial treatments to prevent mold

  • Basic water cleanup: 1–3 days
  • Moderate damage restoration: 3–7 days
  • Severe damage & reconstruction: 1–4 weeks Time varies by material saturation, drywall removal needs, and insurance approvals.

Yes—if the damage is sudden and accidental, such as burst pipes or appliance leaks. Most homeowners insurance does NOT cover:
  • Gradual leaks
  • Neglected maintenance
  • Flooding (requires separate flood insurance policy) (Source: Insurance Information Institute – III.org)

  • Category 1: Clean water (supply line)
  • Category 2: Gray water (appliances, sump overflows)
  • Category 3: Black water (sewage, floodwater) Category 3 requires full decontamination and PPE-certified cleanup.

Within 24–48 hours, untreated water can lead to:
  • Mold growth and health hazards
  • Rotted wood, warped flooring
  • Structural weakening and electrical risk
  • Loss of insurability if damage worsens over time

Yes. Many of our water damage professionals are licensed for both mold testing and remediation using industry-standard protocols (IICRC S520, EPA guidelines).

  • Immediate access to licensed, available restoration experts in your area
  • We verify IICRC certification, licensing, and insurance before matching
  • Quotes are fast, secure, and private—we never sell your information
  • Especially helpful in high-risk regions after heavy storms or pipe bursts

Yes. In flood-prone regions or homes with finished basements, installing smart water sensors or a battery backup sump pump can prevent catastrophic loss. These upgrades may also reduce your insurance premiums. (Source: U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development; FEMA)