Turn off the water source if possible and call a professional restoration company like FloodAssist right away. Avoid using electrical appliances in affected areas and try to move valuables to a dry location.
Q1. What should I do immediately after discovering water damage?
Q2. How long does water damage restoration take?
The timeline depends on the extent of the damage. Minor cases may take 2–3 days, while severe flooding could require 1–2 weeks or more for full drying, repairs, and cleanup.
Q3. Is water damage covered by insurance?
Most home insurance policies cover sudden water damage (e.g. burst pipes or appliance leaks), but not gradual damage or flooding caused by poor maintenance. We work directly with your insurance provider and assist with claims documentation.
Q4. Can I stay in my home during water damage restoration?
In many cases, yes—but it depends on the severity and location of the damage. If there’s risk of mold, electrical issues, or contaminated water, temporary relocation may be recommended.
Q5. What causes basement flooding in Toronto homes?
Common causes include heavy rain, foundation cracks, sump pump failure, sewer backups, and poor drainage. We identify the source and act fast to stop the damage.
Q6. How quickly should a flooded basement be cleaned up?
Immediately. Mold can start growing within 24–48 hours. Delayed cleanup increases health risks and structural damage.
Q7. Do you handle sewer backups and contaminated water?
Yes. We are certified to handle black water (Category 3) emergencies, following strict safety and sanitization protocols.
Q8. How can I prevent basement flooding in the future?
nstall a sump pump with a battery backup, seal foundation cracks, maintain gutters and downspouts, and consider a backwater valve to prevent sewer backups.
Q9. Does water damage always lead to mold?
Not always—but mold can start forming in as little as 24 hours. That’s why we include dehumidification and mold prevention in our restoration process.
Q10. Is water damage dangerous to my health?
Yes, especially when it involves contaminated water or leads to mold growth. Fast response helps minimize these risks.
Q11. Can you remove mold during water restoration?
Yes. We offer mold remediation as part of our services when needed, using industry-standard HEPA filtration, containment, and sanitization procedures.
Q12. How do I know if the water damage is affecting hidden areas like behind walls or under floors?
Water often travels beyond what’s visible to the eye. Signs of hidden water damage include musty odours, peeling paint, warped flooring, or damp spots on walls and ceilings.
At FloodAssist, we use advanced moisture detection tools—including thermal imaging and hygrometers—to identify and address hidden damage before it leads to mold or structural issues.