Water extraction is the first and most urgent part of water damage restoration: pumping and vacuuming standing water out of the home, then pulling water from carpet and pad, before drying begins. The faster it starts, the more flooring, drywall and belongings can be saved.
Restoration crews use truck mounted or portable extractors, submersible pumps for deep water and weighted extraction tools that squeeze water from carpet pad. Removing water mechanically is far faster than evaporating it, so good extraction can cut days off drying.
When you need water extraction
- Standing water from a burst pipe, water heater or appliance
- A flooded basement after heavy rain or a sump pump failure
- Soaked carpet and pad after a leak
- Water from a roof leak or storm
- Sewage or floodwater, which needs extraction plus disinfection
What the job involves
- Stop the water source and make the area electrically safe.
- Pump out deep water with submersible pumps.
- Extract water from carpet, pad and hard floors with powerful vacuums.
- Remove pad and materials that cannot be saved, especially after dirty water.
- Set up air movers and dehumidifiers, and measure moisture each day until dry.
What affects the cost
Sifixit does not quote prices, because every job is different. These are the things that move the price up or down, so you can compare quotes fairly:
- How much water there is and how deep it is
- Whether the water is clean, gray or contaminated
- How many rooms and floors are affected
- Whether carpet, pad or flooring must be removed
- Access, such as basements and tight crawl spaces
- Night, weekend and storm demand
Insurance
Sudden water damage from inside the home, such as a burst pipe, is often covered by homeowners insurance, and extraction is usually part of the claim. Outside flooding needs separate flood insurance, and sewer backup usually needs a special endorsement. Most policies also expect you to act quickly to limit damage, so call promptly and keep photos and receipts.
Licensing by state
Rules differ a lot between states. Here is who licenses this work in the states Sifixit covers most. Always ask for the license number and check it with the state.
- Most states do not license water damage or fire restoration companies. Ask about IICRC certification, insurance and references instead.
- Texas, Florida, Louisiana and New York license mold assessors and remediators, which matters if mold is found during drying.
- California requires a contractor license for repair work over a set amount, but not for extraction alone.
Local help for water extraction
- Water damage restoration in Dallas, TX
- Water damage restoration in Houston, TX
- Water damage restoration in Miami, FL
- Water damage restoration in Phoenix, AZ
- Water damage restoration in Arlington, TX
- Water damage restoration in Atlanta, GA
Quick answers: water extraction
How fast should water extraction start?
As soon as possible. Mold can begin within 24 to 48 hours on wet materials, so extraction and drying should start the same day if you can.
Is water extraction available 24 hours?
Calls to the number on this page are answered 24 hours a day. Arrival time depends on your ZIP code and on demand after storms.
Can I do water extraction myself?
A wet vacuum helps with small clean spills. Large amounts of water, soaked carpet pad and dirty water need professional equipment.
Does insurance pay for water extraction?
Often, when the water came from a sudden covered event such as a burst pipe. Check your policy.
What is the difference between extraction and drying?
Extraction removes liquid water. Drying then removes moisture left in materials, which takes days with dehumidifiers and air movers.
Looking for water extraction? Call the number on this page to be connected with an independent local provider. For more background, see FEMA’s flood insurance pages.
This site is a free service to assist homeowners in connecting with local service contractors. All contractors are independent and this site does not warrant or guarantee any work performed. It is the responsibility of the homeowner to verify that the hired contractor furnishes the necessary license and insurance required for the work being performed. All persons depicted in a photo or video are actors or models and not contractors listed on this site.
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