Frequently Asked Questions

How fast can you respond to a Houston water emergency?

We answer 24/7 with a live dispatcher (not a call service). Inside Loop 610 and West Houston: 30-60 minute response. Suburban areas (Katy, Sugar Land, Kingwood, Pearland): 60-90 minutes. During major events (hurricanes, multi-property flooding) we operate a triage system to reach critical situations first.

Do you charge for after-hours, weekend, or holiday calls?

No. Houston water emergencies don't follow business hours. We charge the same rate for a Christmas Eve burst pipe as a Tuesday afternoon dishwasher leak. Emergency mobilization costs are bundled into the standard scope your insurance covers.

What should I do before your crew arrives?

Stop the water source if safe (main shutoff). Cut electrical at the breaker if water is near outlets. Move valuables to a dry floor. Take photos and video of damage for insurance. Do not enter Cat 3 (sewage/floodwater) areas without PPE. Call us — we'll guide you through the rest.

Can you board up or tarp my property after fire or storm damage?

Yes. Same-day emergency board-up, roof tarping, and structural drying. We document everything photographically for insurance before, during, and after temporary mitigation.

Do you bill insurance directly?

Yes. We bill State Farm, Allstate, USAA, Farmers, Liberty Mutual, Travelers, Nationwide, Progressive, and most other major Texas carriers directly. You pay only your deductible. We handle the Xactimate scope, supplements, and adjuster coordination.

What if my claim is denied or underpaid?

We provide detailed Xactimate documentation, photo evidence, IICRC-standard drying logs, and moisture readings to support claim reopens. Texas Insurance Code 542A (Prompt Payment of Claims Act) gives policyholders strong leverage on delayed or denied claims.

Does insurance cover all water damage in Houston?

Standard homeowners policies cover sudden and accidental water damage (burst pipes, water heater failure, appliance leaks). Flood damage from rising water (hurricanes, bayou overflow) requires separate NFIP or private flood insurance. We help you understand which coverage applies to your situation.

What if I don't have flood insurance and Beryl flooded my house?

FEMA Individual Assistance grants are available after federal disaster declarations. We help document FEMA inspections. Texas Windstorm Insurance Association (TWIA) may apply for wind-driven rain. Some homeowners policies cover above-ground water intrusion if the building envelope was breached by storm.

How much does Houston water damage restoration cost?

Cat 1 clean water (broken supply line, dishwasher): typical $2,500-$8,000 for residential. Cat 2 grey water (washing machine, dishwasher backflow): $5,000-$15,000. Cat 3 black water (sewage, floodwater): $8,000-$30,000+. Whole-home flood (Cat 3, sheetrock removal, sub-floor drying, mold prevention): $20,000-$80,000. Your deductible is typically all you pay if insurance approves the scope.

How long does drying take?

IICRC S500 standard drying time is 3-5 days for typical structures. Houston humidity extends this. Slab construction with engineered hardwood floors can require 7-10 days. We monitor with thermal imaging and moisture meters daily until structure reaches dry standard (typically <15% MC for wood, <1% for concrete).

Will you have to remove walls and flooring?

Cat 1 water with quick response: often we can dry walls in place using injection-drying and desiccant dehumidifiers. Cat 2 or extended saturation: typically requires removing baseboards, drilling weep holes, removing 12-24 inches of drywall. Cat 3 always requires removal of porous materials (drywall, carpet, pad, insulation) per S500.

How quickly does mold grow after water damage?

Visible mold growth typically begins 24-72 hours after Houston water intrusion at 70°F+ ambient temperatures. Aspergillus, Penicillium, and Cladosporium are the most common Houston indoor molds. Stachybotrys (toxic black mold) requires sustained saturation 7-10+ days.

Are you Texas Mold Licensed?

Yes. Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) licensed for both Mold Assessment Consultant (MAC) and Mold Remediation Contractor (MRC) work. Texas law requires separate licensing for assessment vs. remediation on projects over 25 contiguous square feet.

Do you do post-remediation verification (PRV) testing?

Yes. AIHA-accredited lab analysis of air and surface samples per TDLR requirements. We provide written clearance reports for real estate transactions, insurance closeout, and tenant move-back documentation.

Are you Houston-local or a franchise?

Houston-local since 2007. Family operated. Our trucks are stored in Houston, our crews live in Houston, our dispatcher answers calls from Houston. We are not a franchise of a national chain.

What certifications do you carry?

IICRC Member firm covering WRT (Water Damage Restoration Technician), ASD (Applied Structural Drying), AMRT (Applied Microbial Remediation Technician), FSRT (Fire & Smoke Restoration Technician), CDS (Commercial Drying Specialist). TDLR MAC + MRC. Texas General Contractor. Fully insured (general liability, workers comp, pollution).

Do you serve commercial properties?

Yes. Hospitals, hotels, retail, office buildings, multifamily, schools, restaurants, industrial. We hold CDS (Commercial Drying Specialist) certification specifically for large-loss commercial scenarios.