Water damage FAQ for Katy, TX

Get safe first. Stay away from wet outlets, appliances and the breaker panel. If you smell gas, leave and call 911. If you can do it safely, turn off the main water valve. Take photos and video, then call your insurer and a pro. See the first 24 to 48 hours guide.

Often at the water meter near the street, or where the main line enters the house. Many Katy homes also have a valve at the garage wall or near the water heater. Find it before you need it and test it once a year.

As soon as it is safe. Wet drywall, insulation and flooring can start to grow mold in a day or two. The EPA advises drying water-damaged materials within 24 to 48 hours to limit mold growth.

Fans help only for small, clean water spills on hard surfaces. Water inside walls, under floors or in insulation needs professional drying equipment and moisture meters. If it was sewage or flood water, do not do it yourself.

It depends on your policy and the cause. Policies often cover sudden and accidental water discharge, such as a burst pipe. Flood from rising water usually needs separate flood insurance. Check your policy and call your insurer. Read our Texas insurance guide.

It varies a lot with the amount of water, the type of water, the materials and the square footage. Public cost guides give ranges, which we explain as labeled estimates in our cost guide. A pro gives you their own written estimate.

Clean water comes from a supply line or rain. Gray water has some contamination, such as washing machine overflow. Black water, such as sewage or flood water, can carry germs. Black water needs trained, protected pros. See sewage backup cleanup.

No. We are a free referral service. We work to connect you with independent local companies, and we may be compensated by them. The pro does the work and sets their own price.

The referral is free to you. The pro gives you an estimate before work starts.

That is set by the pro's schedule, the weather and demand, so we cannot name a time. Request help and ask the pro for an arrival estimate when they contact you.

Ask for proof of insurance and IICRC certification, a written estimate, how they will document moisture readings, and whether they will work with your insurer. You can also get a second estimate.

Often yes. A restoration company dries and repairs the damage. A licensed plumber finds and fixes the source, such as a slab leak or failed supply line. Texas plumbers are licensed by the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners.

It can if materials stay wet. Fast drying lowers the risk. If you see or smell mold, see mold after water damage. Texas licenses mold assessors and remediators for larger projects, so ask your pro about that.

We help in Katy and nearby communities, including Cinco Ranch, Fulshear and Richmond. Availability depends on the pros.