When water floods your home, it’s scary. You might not know where to start or who to call. That’s exactly where a water damage restoration company comes in. These professionals do a lot more than just dry things out. From the moment they arrive to the day your home is fully repaired, they handle every step of the recovery process. If you’ve ever wondered what they actually do, this guide breaks it all down clearly.
What Is a Water Damage Restoration Company?
A water damage restoration company is a team of trained professionals who respond to water-related emergencies. They help homes and businesses recover after floods, pipe bursts, roof leaks, appliance failures, and more. A good water damage restoration company doesn’t just clean up the visible mess. They look deeper to find hidden moisture, prevent mold, and restore your property to its original condition. At American Response Team, we’ve handled thousands of jobs across San Diego County — and no two are the same.
1. Emergency Response and Assessment
The first thing a water damage restoration company does is respond fast. Water damage gets worse the longer it sits. Within the first 24 to 48 hours, materials absorb water and mold can begin to grow. That’s why most restoration companies offer 24/7 emergency service. When our team arrives, we don’t just walk in and start pulling carpet. We assess the full scope of the damage first.
This includes checking where the water came from, how far it has spread, and what materials have been affected. We use moisture meters and thermal imaging cameras to detect water that’s hiding inside walls, under floors, and above ceilings. You can’t fix what you can’t find. According to the EPA, mold can start growing within 24 to 48 hours after water exposure — which is exactly why fast assessment matters so much.
2. Water Extraction
Once the team knows the full picture, the next step is removing standing water. A professional water extraction service uses powerful truck-mounted or portable pumps to pull water out quickly. This is not something a regular wet-dry vacuum can handle effectively — especially when large areas are flooded.
Speed matters here. The faster the water is removed, the less damage occurs to flooring, drywall, and furniture. A water damage restoration company has the right equipment to extract hundreds or even thousands of gallons in a matter of hours. We’ve responded to flooded basements, broken pipe situations, and even full first-floor floods — and in every case, getting the water out fast made a huge difference in how much needed to be replaced versus saved.
3. Drying and Dehumidification
Extracting water is just the beginning. Even after all the standing water is gone, materials like wood, drywall, and insulation stay wet for days. A water damage restoration company sets up industrial-grade air movers and dehumidifiers to dry everything out properly. This step usually takes several days, and the equipment runs around the clock.
Technicians monitor moisture levels daily and adjust the drying equipment as needed. This isn’t guesswork — it’s a science. The IICRC S500 Standard, which guides our industry, sets specific moisture targets that must be met before a structure is considered dry. Skipping this step or rushing it leads to hidden moisture — and hidden moisture leads to mold. If you’ve dealt with water damage that was left untreated, you already know how bad it can get.
4. Mold Prevention and Remediation
Mold is one of the biggest risks after any water damage event. A water damage restoration company treats this seriously. As part of the cleanup process, technicians apply antimicrobial treatments to surfaces that were exposed to water. This kills bacteria and reduces the chance of mold growing later. If mold is already present, a separate mold remediation process is required.
At American Response Team, we often find mold starting behind walls or under subfloors during water damage jobs — even on calls where the homeowner thought the problem was minor. It’s one of the reasons we don’t cut corners on drying. Mold that gets established early can spread quickly and create serious health problems, especially for kids, elderly people, and anyone with allergies or asthma. Learn more about how mold grows after water damage and what the timeline looks like.
5. Cleaning and Sanitizing
Not all water is clean. There are three categories of water in the restoration industry: clean water (Category 1), gray water (Category 2), and black water (Category 3). Gray water comes from sources like washing machines or dishwashers. Black water contains sewage or serious contaminants.
When a water damage restoration company handles Category 2 or Category 3 water, cleaning and sanitizing are critical. This includes disinfecting surfaces, removing contaminated materials that can’t be saved, and deodorizing the space. If you’ve experienced a sewage backup, you understand why this step is so important. Contaminated water isn’t just gross — it can carry harmful bacteria and viruses that affect your family’s health.
6. Structural Repairs and Reconstruction
After drying and cleaning, many water damage jobs require repairs. This can range from replacing sections of drywall and flooring to full reconstruction of rooms that were severely damaged. A full-service water damage restoration company handles both the mitigation (stopping the damage) and the rebuild.
This is actually a huge advantage for homeowners. Instead of hiring a separate contractor to do repairs after the restoration company leaves, you work with one team from start to finish. It saves time, reduces miscommunication, and keeps your project moving. Check out our ceiling water damage repair service as one example of the kind of specific structural work we handle regularly.
7. Insurance Documentation and Claims Support
One of the most overlooked things a water damage restoration company does is help you with your insurance claim. Filing a water damage claim can be stressful — especially when you’re already dealing with a flooded home. Restoration companies document the damage thoroughly, including photos, moisture readings, and scope of work reports that your insurance adjuster needs.
At American Response Team, we are an approved vendor through Contractor Connection and have expertise in Xactimate billing — the software most insurance companies use. We work directly with adjusters to make sure our documentation matches what’s needed for a successful claim. If you’re curious about how these claims work in California, read our guide on average insurance payouts for water damage in CA. And if you want to be prepared, here’s how to document property damage for insurance properly.
Why You Shouldn’t Try to Handle Water Damage Alone
It might be tempting to rent a fan and call it done. But water damage restoration is more complex than it looks. Hidden moisture causes structural rot. Incomplete drying causes mold. Improper cleaning after contaminated water leaves health hazards behind. A professional water damage restoration company has the training, equipment, and systems to do this right — the first time.
The IICRC (Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification) sets the professional standards that guide restoration companies. Our team at American Response Team holds IICRC certifications in Water Damage Restoration (WRT), Applied Microbial Remediation (AMRT), and Fire and Smoke Restoration (FSRT). That means you’re not getting a handyman with a mop — you’re getting a certified team that follows industry best practices every time.
Avoid the top 5 mistakes homeowners make after water damage by calling professionals early. The sooner you act, the more of your home can be saved — and the lower your overall costs will be.
Ready to Talk to a Water Damage Restoration Company in San Diego?
If you’re dealing with water damage right now — or you want to be prepared before it happens — American Response Team is here to help. We serve all of San Diego County, including Vista, La Jolla, and surrounding communities. We respond fast, work with your insurance, and restore your home from start to finish. Contact us today to speak with our team.
