Water removal (extraction) takes out the standing water so the drying can start. EPA advises drying water-damaged areas and items within 24 to 48 hours to prevent mold growth, so the first call matters. Call us and we will connect you with a local restoration crew that serves your address. (US EPA)

Water removal and extraction is one part of our water damage restoration in Miami: one call connects you with a local restoration crew that serves your address. Not sure where to start? Read what to do in the first hours after water damage.

What happens when you call about standing water

The industry standard for this work, ANSI/IICRC S500, has the restorer inspect the property and determine the category of water before setting the scope of work. (IICRC)

What to check first

Electrical safety: wet outlets, cords and appliances, and whether the power to the wet rooms is off.
Where the water came from, and whether the source has been stopped.
How far the water spread: under flooring, behind baseboards, into wall cavities or the unit below.

The work, in order

Inspection: ask the crew what category of water it found and what the scope of work covers before work starts.
Removal: the standing water comes out. EPA’s flood guidance is to throw away materials that soak up a lot of water and cannot be cleaned and dried, so ask the crew which materials it plans to remove. (US EPA)
Drying takes over for the water left in drywall, cabinets and floors.

Separate jobs to plan for

Repairing what leaked: a plumber for a burst pipe, supply line or water heater.
Drying the walls, cabinets and floors, the longer stage after extraction. Ask whether the same crew and contract cover it.
Repairs and rebuilding: replacing drywall, flooring or cabinets that had to come out. Ask whether that is a separate contract.

Before the crew arrives

If water has reached outlets, cords or appliances, do not walk through it to reach the electrical panel. CDC advises turning power off at the main breaker only from a dry spot, and calling an electrician if the panel can only be reached through water. (CDC)

Stop the source if you can do it safely, and photograph every wet room before anything is moved. Florida’s Homeowner Claims Bill of Rights tells policyholders to make and document emergency repairs that prevent further damage, keep receipts, and take photos or video before and after repairs. (US EPA; Fla. Stat. 627.7142)

What water removal takes out, and what it leaves for drying

Water removal takes out standing water. Water that has soaked into drywall, cabinets, flooring and framing stays behind and is removed by structural drying. EPA says materials that do not soak up water can usually be cleaned and dried, while materials that soak up a lot of water and cannot be cleaned and dried should be thrown away. (US EPA)

Once an electrician has confirmed the power is safe, CDC lists a wet-dry shop vacuum, a water transfer pump or a sump pump for removing standing water. A large or contaminated loss is a job for a restoration crew. (CDC)

How long water removal takes compared with drying

Removing the standing water is the short part of the job. Drying is the long part: EPA says drying can take a long time, usually several days to weeks, and that wet wall cavities should not be sealed or painted until the materials are completely dry inside. (US EPA)

Pumps and generators: two safety rules

Gasoline pumps and generators are a carbon monoxide risk during cleanup. CDC says never to run a gasoline-powered pump, generator, pressure washer or other gasoline tool inside a home, basement, garage, carport, porch or other enclosed or partly enclosed space, or less than 20 feet from any door, window or vent, even with the windows and doors open. (CDC)

A generator also must not be connected to the home’s wiring without an approved automatic-interrupt device. CDC warns that a generator still on line when power is restored can become a major fire hazard. (CDC)

What to do right now
Situation	Do this first	Source
Water near outlets, cords or the panel	Stay out of the water; power off from a dry spot or call an electrician	CDC
Sewage or flood water inside	Keep people out and call a professional for contaminated water	EPA
Clean water from a pipe or appliance	Stop the leak, photograph everything, start drying	EPA; Fla. Stat. 627.7142
Using a gasoline pump or generator	Run it outdoors, at least 20 feet from doors, windows and vents	CDC

Call us about your water removal and extraction

Tell us what happened and where. We will connect you with a local restoration crew that serves your address.

Call (305) 555-0123

Questions

How fast does the water need to come out?

EPA says that if wet or damp materials are dried 24 to 48 hours after a leak or spill, in most cases mold will not grow. Water removal is the first step toward that.

Can I use a shop vac myself?

For a small, clean leak, CDC lists a wet-dry shop vacuum once an electrician has confirmed it is safe to use power. Sewage, flood water or water near electrical equipment is a job for professionals.

Is it safe to run a generator in the garage with the door open?

No. CDC says never to run gasoline engines in a garage, carport or other enclosed or partly enclosed space, or within 20 feet of a door, window or vent, even with doors open.

Will insurance pay for water removal?

That depends on your policy. Florida’s Homeowner Claims Bill of Rights tells you to document emergency repairs and keep all receipts, and you can ask your insurer for a copy of its adjuster’s detailed estimate.

Water removal and extraction in Miami