Why the First 24 Hours Are Critical
- Within 1–4 hours: Water spreads, saturating floors, walls, and furniture.
- Within 24 hours: Drywall swells and breaks down. Metal surfaces begin to tarnish.
- Within 48 hours: Mold can begin growing. Structural materials weaken.
- After 1 week: Mold spreads aggressively. Restoration costs can be 3–4x higher.
What Professional Extraction Accomplishes in the First 4 Hours
- Removes up to 1,500 gallons of water per hour using truck-mounted extraction equipment
- Saves up to 90% of affected materials including carpet, padding, drywall, and hardwood floors
- Prevents water migration to unaffected areas
- Applies antimicrobial treatments to prevent mold germination
Our Response Times in Northern New Jersey
- Bergen, Essex, Hudson Counties: 45-minute target response time
- Morris, Passaic, Sussex Counties: typically under 60 minutes
What to Do While Waiting for Our Team
- Shut off the water source if possible
- Turn off electricity to affected areas at the circuit breaker
- Remove valuables, electronics, and important documents
- Take photos and video of all damage for insurance documentation
- Do not use fans or HVAC: this can spread contamination