Water Damage Restoration FAQ
by Rapid Dry Moisture Recovery Services

Got questions about water damage?

You’re not alone. Rapid Dry Moisture Recovery Services answers the most common questions Central Texas homeowners have about leaks, flooding, and restoration—so you know exactly what to expect before, during, and after the job.

What is water damage restoration?

Water damage restoration is the process of extracting water, drying building materials, sanitizing contaminated areas, and documenting the loss for insurance. Rapid Dry follows IICRC S500 standards and provides 24/7 emergency water removal in Belton, Temple, Killeen, and surrounding Central Texas areas.

Learn More About Water Damage Restoration

What types of water damage are there?

The IICRC defines three categories of water:

Category 1 – Clean Water: From sanitary sources like burst pipes or supply lines.
Category 2 – Gray Water: Moderately contaminated water from dishwashers, washing machines, or toilet tank overflows.
Category 3 – Black Water: Heavily contaminated water such as sewage backups, floodwater, or storm runoff.

Correct category determines safety protocols, material removal, and sanitation requirements.

How fast should I respond to water damage?

Immediately. Materials begin absorbing water within minutes, and mold can begin forming in 24–48 hours. Fast action prevents structural damage, swelling, cupping, and category upgrades.

Call 254-218-3757 for rapid response.

Is water damage restoration covered by insurance?

Most policies cover sudden and accidental water damage such as pipe bursts, water-heater failures, or slab leaks. Long-term leaks, slow drips, and neglected damage are typically not covered.

Rapid Dry handles photos, moisture logs, Xactimate estimates, and direct adjuster communication so you don’t have to.

Learn More About Understanding Your Insurance Policy

How much does water damage restoration cost?

Costs depend on the size of the affected area, water category, and materials involved.

Typical ranges:
• Extraction only: $300–$1,200
• Full dry-outs: $1,500–$6,000+
• Major flood losses: $10,000+ depending on severity

We bill insurance directly when possible to reduce out-of-pocket costs.

How long does drying take?

Most homes dry in 3–5 days, depending on the building materials, time water has been present, and indoor humidity. We use moisture meters, thermal imaging, and psychrometric readings to confirm your structure meets IICRC standards before removing equipment.

Can you detect hidden moisture?

Yes. Rapid Dry uses thermal imaging, pin and pinless meters, hammer probes for wood flooring, and crawlspace inspections to locate moisture behind walls, under flooring, inside cabinets, and in subfloors.

Can wet carpet be saved?

Often yes—if it’s Category 1 and extracted quickly. Carpet is usually salvageable. Padding may need to be replaced unless dried immediately.

Category 2 or 3 water requires removing carpet and pad for safety.

Do I need to be home during restoration?

No. You only need to be present for the initial inspection and final walkthrough. We provide daily updates with photos so you can monitor progress from anywhere.

What should I do before restoration begins?

• Stay away from contaminated water
• Shut off the water source if possible
• Turn off electricity near wet areas
• Take photos for insurance
• Move valuables to a dry area
• Do not use household fans on contaminated water
• Do not lift wet carpet (it can cause permanent damage)

Will you need to remove walls, floors, or cabinets?

We restore and save materials first whenever possible. Removal is required when:
• Drywall or insulation is saturated
• Wood flooring has absorbed too much moisture
• Category 2 or 3 contamination is present
• Mold risk or structural issues exist

We show you exactly what needs removal—with photos and moisture readings to support the decision.

A thermal imaging camera detects hidden moisture in a wall.

Can I turn off the drying equipment?

Please do not turn off equipment. Shutting off air movers or dehumidifiers early can slow drying, cause secondary damage, and increase mold risk. It can also delay or jeopardize insurance coverage.
If placement or noise is an issue, we can adjust it safely.

Do you handle storm or flood damage?

Yes. Floodwater is Category 3 and requires containment, sanitation, removal of porous materials, and specialized drying. We also help with emergency board-up, temporary tarping, and documenting storm losses for insurance or FEMA claims.

What areas do you service?

Rapid Dry provides 24/7 water removal and cleaning across Central Texas including:
Belton, Temple, Killeen, Harker Heights, Salado, Nolanville, Morgan’s Point Resort, Waco, Troy, Jarrell, Copperas Cove, Kempner, and surrounding communities throughout Bell, McLennan, Coryell, and Williamson counties.

Do you work with FEMA for flood claims?

Yes. We provide the documentation, moisture readings, photos, and itemized estimates needed for FEMA and disaster-relief programs.

What happens after everything is dry?

We remove equipment, recheck moisture levels, document drying goals, and provide a final moisture report. If repairs are needed, we coordinate with trusted local contractors.

Do you offer mold remediation?

We prevent mold through rapid response and proper drying. If mold is already present, we refer to a Texas-licensed remediation company that follows IICRC S520 standards.

Can you help prevent future water damage?

Yes. Rapid Dry offers preventive moisture checks, leak detection, crawlspace inspections, humidity control recommendations, and maintenance cleaning packages for past customers.

Do you handle commercial properties?

Yes. We service offices, retail stores, warehouses, and multi-unit buildings with fast extraction, containment, and insurance documentation tailored for business claims.

What if my insurance claim is denied?

We explain the denial, provide transparent self-pay pricing, and offer documentation to help you file an appeal when appropriate.

Looking for carpet cleaning after water damage? Visit our Cleaning Services page.