Water Damage FAQ

Stop the water at the main valve or the fixture's shut-off, then make the area safe by keeping away from wet outlets and appliances. Take photos before cleanup starts.

Usually where the water line enters the house, near the water meter, often in the basement. Find it before you need it and make sure it turns.

Not long. The EPA's guidance is to respond within 24 to 48 hours to prevent mold, and materials like drywall, carpet pad and hardwood are easier to save the sooner drying starts.

Mitigation stops further damage: extraction, removing what can't be saved and drying. Restoration usually also includes the repairs that put the home back together.

The IICRC S500 standard sorts water into three categories: clean water from a sanitary source like a supply line, significantly contaminated water such as washing machine discharge, and grossly contaminated water such as sewage or floodwater.

Sometimes. The EPA's guidance says drywall may be dried in place if there's no obvious swelling and the seams are intact. Otherwise it's removed and replaced.

Usually. The EPA's water damage guidance says wet fiberglass and cellulose insulation should be discarded and replaced.

Often several days. It's done when moisture readings show materials are back to normal, not after a set number of days.

Usually, if the water was clean and the home is safe. Drying equipment is noisy and runs around the clock. Sewage or floodwater cleanup may make parts of the home off-limits.

If materials stayed wet more than a day or two, if you smell mustiness or see spots. The EPA says areas under about 10 square feet can generally be cleaned by the homeowner once the moisture is fixed.

It can carry sewage, chemicals and debris, and it can hide electrical hazards. Treat it as contaminated and avoid walking or driving through it.

Sudden, accidental damage such as a burst pipe is often covered. Flood usually needs a separate policy, and sewer backup often needs an endorsement.

Westfield lies in the Westfield River floodplain and is considered flood-prone despite its pumps, dikes and upstream dams. The 1955 flood destroyed about 100 buildings in the city.

The average January low at Westfield-Barnes Regional Airport is 12.9 degrees Fahrenheit (1981 to 2010 normals), cold enough to freeze pipes in unheated spaces.

For residential contracting on an existing owner-occupied home with one to four units, the contractor who signs the contract must be a registered Home Improvement Contractor.

Generally no more than one-third of the contract price, or the cost of special-order materials if that's higher.

A roofer or ice dam removal service for the roof, and a water damage restoration company for wet ceilings, insulation and walls inside.

Tell your landlord or property manager right away. The building owner usually handles the structure, and your renters insurance covers your own belongings.

Westfield, Holyoke, West Springfield, Agawam, Feeding Hills, Southwick and Southampton, plus the hill towns of Huntington, Russell and Woronoco, Granville, Blandford and Montgomery.

No. Calling is free, and there's no obligation to hire the company you speak with.