Water Damage Restoration Guide

Expert guidance on water damage restoration for Denver homes. Learn emergency response steps, cleanup procedures, and prevention strategies.

Water Damage Emergency?

Time is critical. Mold can begin growing within 24-48 hours. The faster you act, the more you can save and the lower the restoration costs.

For Category 3 (sewage/flooding) or extensive damage, contact a professional restoration company immediately.

Emergency Response Steps

1

Stop the Water Source

Shut off main water valve if leak is from plumbing. If flooding, wait for waters to recede safely.

2

Ensure Safety

Turn off electricity in affected areas. Don't enter if water may be in contact with electrical outlets.

3

Document Everything

Take photos and videos of all damage before cleanup for insurance purposes.

4

Contact Insurance

Report the damage to your insurance company within 24 hours.

5

Begin Water Removal

Use pumps, wet vacuums, or buckets to remove standing water as quickly as possible.

6

Increase Air Circulation

Open windows, use fans and dehumidifiers to begin drying process.

Water Damage Categories

Category 1 - Clean Water

Source

Broken water supply lines, faucets, toilet tanks (not bowl)

Health Risk

Low health risk if addressed quickly

Must be addressed within 24-48 hours before becoming Category 2

Category 2 - Gray Water

Source

Dishwasher/washing machine overflow, toilet overflow with urine, sump pump failure

Health Risk

Contains contaminants that can cause illness

Must be addressed within 24-48 hours before becoming Category 3

Category 3 - Black Water

Source

Sewage backup, flooding from rivers/streams, standing water with microbial growth

Health Risk

Highly contaminated - serious health hazard

Requires professional remediation immediately

Professional Restoration Process

Phase 1
1-4 hours

Assessment & Inspection

Identify water source and category
Assess extent of damage
Create restoration plan
Document for insurance
Phase 2
Several hours to 1 day

Water Extraction

Remove standing water with pumps
Extract water from carpets and padding
Remove unsalvageable materials
Begin demolition if needed
Phase 3
3-5 days typical

Drying & Dehumidification

Set up industrial air movers
Deploy commercial dehumidifiers
Monitor moisture levels daily
Adjust equipment as needed
Phase 4
1-2 days

Cleaning & Sanitizing

Clean salvageable items
Apply antimicrobial treatments
Remove odors
HEPA vacuum all surfaces
Phase 5
Days to weeks depending on damage

Restoration & Repairs

Replace drywall and insulation
Repair or replace flooring
Paint and finish work
Final inspection

Denver-Specific Water Damage Risks

Spring Snowmelt Flooding

Rapid snowmelt in spring can overwhelm drainage systems and cause basement flooding.

Summer Thunderstorm Flooding

Denver's intense afternoon storms can cause flash flooding and roof leaks.

Frozen Pipe Bursts

Pipes can freeze and burst during Denver's cold winters, especially in unheated spaces.

Ice Dam Leaks

Ice dams on roofs cause water to back up under shingles and leak into homes.

Foundation Seepage

Poor drainage around foundation can lead to basement water intrusion.

Prevention is the Best Strategy

Learn about other restoration services and how to protect your Denver home.

All Restoration ServicesPlumbing Guide