Water Damage Frequently Asked Questions

Having your home damaged by water, whether by an act of nature or a manufactured accident, can be a traumatic experience. If it happens in the middle of the night, it’s especially problematic, and you might not know what to do. KIWI provides expert Water Damage Restoration Services and is available around the clock. You can call KIWI at any time of the day or night for 24/7 emergency dispatch and nearly 38 years of restoration experience. Our local water damage repair crew is IICRC certified, licensed, and fully bonded. Our technicians will immediately survey the damage and address your concerns. With our many years in the business of helping people recover from water emergencies, we know what to do to help minimize any long-term damage. Call our emergency hotline at 888-496-1585 at any time, free of charge.

KIWI’s expert restoration service technicians can handle weather-related equipment failure or water damage, like flood damage. This includes an influx of water into your home due to heavy rainfall or a natural disaster; an overflowing bathtub, sink, or toilet; broken and frozen pipes, and water heater leaks. Water may come up through the ground due to a broken water pipe, drainage pipe, or sewer pipe. A flooded septic system can cause sewage to be pushed back into your home. KIWI can help you deal with the aftermath of any of these situations.

Excessive rain may have seeped through your ceiling, walls, or floors, or a burst pipe may have led to localized flooding in a particular room of your house. Standing water can damage carpeting, wood floors, and any other type of floor covering. Water can also damage drywall, insulation, wood beams, and furnishings. However, it isn’t just the water that causes problems. Along with the water, whether it was from flood damage, a leaking pipe, or a cracked toilet, there’s the possibility of soot and debris.

Standing water outside your home is a fertile breeding ground for flies, mosquitoes, and other insects. Mosquitoes and flies are hosts to many diseases that can be extremely unhealthy for humans and animals. Standing water inside your home is very dangerous as well, as it promotes the growth of mildew and mold, which can cause serious respiratory problems. Even for those without allergies, mold spores can get into the environment, and this compromised air can be damaging to your health. For those with weakened immune systems, asthma, or allergies, this can potentially cause serious health problems. The longer you leave standing water in your home, the more difficult it is to clean up, and the health risk becomes more severe. This is why KIWI Water Damage Restoration Service will come to your home within minutes to assess the damage and begin to remediate the situation.

First, KIWI’s expert technicians will remove standing water as part of our water extraction service. This will reduce any long-term damage so we can begin the cleaning process. We will then clean and dry carpets, removing any debris that came in along with the water. In addition to our 1-year guarantee on all water damage repair work, you’ll get our One-Year Carpet Cleaning Warranty on all the carpets that KIWI cleans. Next, in addition to floor coverings, KIWI’s team will clean and restore wood floors. This prevents any chance of warping and bringing back a clean shine. Our restoration service includes mold removal and mold remediation to restore a healthy breathing environment. Finally, KIWI has professional drying tools to remove all moisture from your floors, walls, and your house’s frame. Dealing with this moisture will prevent rotting and warping. KIWI fully restores your home!

To get the job done quickly and thoroughly, we use the most advanced water damage restoration and drying equipment available in the industry. This includes commercial-grade water pumps, dehumidifiers, air blowers, air scrubbers, moisture detection readers, water extractors, and Injectidry high-pressure drying systems. KIWI also uses an antimicrobial product that prevents bacteria, mold, and mildew. As a result, we’ll rid your walls, floors, and furnishings of dirt and bacteria and the accompanying odors.

KIWI’s emergency water damage restoration service is guaranteed for a year, which ensures that your home will be completely restored to its original pre-emergency condition. If any mold, mildew, or unpleasant odors return to your home within a year of our professional restoration services, we will put things right.

We can. KIWI specializes in rug cleaning and repairs, and we are well equipped to handle flooded rugs. Our rug services team will work hard and diligently to restore your rug. In addition, KIWI offers free pickup and delivery, and our customer service representatives will keep you informed during the process.
If you’ve had a water emergency, call KIWI’s professional water damage experts at 888-496-1585, day or night. We’ll help you reclaim your home to keep your family safe and comfortable!

Common causes of water damage include plumbing leaks, burst pipes, appliance malfunctions, roof leaks, floods and storms, and sewer backups.

Signs of water damage include visible water stains, peeling or bubbling paint, warped or buckling floors, a musty smell, mold growth, and an increase in humidity levels.

After discovering water damage, take the following steps:

• Shut off the water source, if possible.
• Turn off electricity in the affected area to prevent electrocution.
• Contact a professional water damage restoration service.

• Document the damage by taking photos and notes for insurance purposes.
• Remove personal belongings from the affected area, if it’s safe to do so.

Homeowners’ insurance policies typically cover water damage resulting from sudden and accidental incidents, such as burst pipes or appliance malfunctions. However, coverage may not apply to damage caused by negligence, lack of maintenance, or gradual leaks. Flood damage usually requires a separate flood insurance policy. Reviewing your specific policy and consulting with your insurance agent for accurate information is essential. 
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While minor water damage incidents may be manageable with DIY cleanup, it’s generally recommended to hire a professional water damage restoration service for more extensive damage. Professionals have the necessary expertise, equipment, and training to handle water damage safely and effectively, ensuring the complete removal of water, proper drying of the affected area, and prevention of mold growth.

Water damage can pose several health risks if not addressed promptly and properly. These risks include:

• Mold growth, which can cause respiratory issues, allergic reactions, and other health problems
• Exposure to harmful bacteria or contaminants in the water, especially in cases of sewage backups or floodwater
• Structural damage to the property, increasing the risk of accidents or collapses
• Electrical hazards, such as electrocution or fires caused by water coming into contact with electrical components

By hiring a professional water damage restoration service, you can minimize these risks and ensure the safety and well-being of your family.
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To prevent water damage in your home, consider the following tips:

• Regularly inspect and maintain plumbing systems, appliances, and fixtures.
• Clean and maintain gutters and downspouts to ensure proper water drainage.
• Install a sump pump in your basement to prevent flooding.
• Use water leak detectors to detect leaks early and prevent extensive damage.
• Inspect your roof for damage or leaks and repair any issues promptly.
• Ensure proper grading around your home to direct water away from the foundation.

A professional water damage restoration company uses specialized equipment, such as air movers, dehumidifiers, and moisture meters, to thoroughly dry the affected area. They monitor the drying process closely and adjust their methods to achieve the best results and prevent mold growth and secondary damage.

Not all affected materials need to be replaced after water damage. Some items can be restored, while others must be replaced. However, in severe damage or contamination, removing and replacing affected materials may be necessary to ensure the property’s safety and integrity.