
Frequently Asked Questions
Straight answers about water damage emergencies, insurance, the restoration process and service in Littleton.
Is the phone line answered 24 hours a day?
Yes. Calls are answered 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including nights, weekends and holidays.
What counts as a water damage emergency?
Standing water, water near electrical outlets or the panel, a sagging or dripping ceiling, sewage or toilet water, water spreading into a finished basement, or water that has been sitting for more than a day. If you’re not sure, call and describe what you’re seeing.
What should I do before the crew arrives?
Shut off the water if you can, turn off power to wet rooms if it’s safe, move valuables, photograph the damage and stay out from under sagging ceilings. See the full guide: what to do while you wait.
How long until a crew arrives?
It depends on the time of day, weather, demand and your location within Littleton’s ZIP codes. You’ll get an estimated arrival time when you call.
Should I call a plumber or a water damage restoration company first?
If water is still flowing and you can’t shut it off, a plumber stops the leak. For water that’s already in the house, call a restoration company right away. The two usually work in parallel, and extraction shouldn’t wait for the plumbing repair.
Does homeowners insurance cover water damage?
Most policies cover sudden and accidental water damage such as burst pipes, failed supply lines and appliance leaks. Flood, surface water and sewer backup are often excluded unless you have separate flood coverage or a water backup endorsement. Your insurer makes the final coverage decision.
Should I call my insurance company or a restoration company first?
Stop the damage first. Emergency extraction and drying shouldn’t wait, and policies generally expect you to prevent further damage. Report the claim to your insurer as soon as you can, ideally the same day.
What documentation will I get?
Restoration crews typically provide photos, moisture readings, daily drying logs and a scope of work. Ask for copies for your records and to share with your adjuster.
Can I choose my own restoration company?
In general, yes. Your insurer may suggest companies from a preferred network, but the choice of who works on your home is usually yours.
Who pays for water damage from an upstairs neighbor or another unit?
It depends on the cause and your HOA or lease documents. Often each owner’s policy covers their own unit’s interior, while the HOA master policy covers common elements and structure. Document the source and report it to your insurer and HOA right away.
Does homeowners insurance cover mold?
Usually only when the mold results from a sudden, covered water loss, and often with a dollar limit. Mold from long-term leaks, humidity or maintenance problems is typically excluded.
How long does drying take?
Most residential water losses take about three to five days of drying. Hardwood, plaster, concrete and large basement losses can take longer. Drying is finished when moisture readings match unaffected areas.
Will my drywall and carpet have to be torn out?
Not always. With clean water and fast extraction, carpet can often be dried in place (pad is usually replaced), and drywall can sometimes be dried in place or cut only above the wet line. Contaminated water means more porous materials must be removed.
Can I stay in my home during restoration?
Usually, yes. Drying equipment is noisy and some areas may be closed off, but most families stay home. Sewage backups and large losses may make a short stay elsewhere the better option.
Do restoration crews handle repairs too?
Many restoration providers handle the full job, from extraction and drying through drywall, flooring, paint and trim, so you don’t have to coordinate separate contractors. Ask about rebuild services when you call.
How can I tell if water damage is new or old?
New damage is usually wet or soft with a defined edge. Older damage shows rings from repeated wetting, dark staining, rot or mold, and dry, crumbly drywall. A moisture meter shows whether the area is still wet now.
Can I dry water damage myself with fans and a shop vac?
For a small spill of clean water, yes. If water reached carpet pad, walls, subfloor or a finished basement, household fans won’t dry the hidden moisture, and you won’t know when it’s actually dry without moisture readings.
How quickly can mold grow after a leak?
Mold can begin growing on damp organic materials within roughly 24 to 48 hours. Fast, measured drying is the best prevention.
Is sewage backup dangerous?
Yes. Sewage is Category 3 water and can carry bacteria and viruses. Avoid contact, keep children and pets away, and let trained crews with protective equipment handle cleanup.
Does Colorado’s dry climate prevent mold?
No. Mold grows on wet materials, not humid air. Leaks, basement moisture and poor bathroom ventilation can cause mold here just like anywhere else.
Which ZIP codes do you serve?
80120, 80121, 80122, 80123, 80125, 80126, 80127, 80128, 80129, 80130, 80160, 80165, 80166. These cover Littleton-addressed homes and businesses in Arapahoe, Jefferson and Douglas counties.
My address says Littleton, but I live in Centennial, Highlands Ranch or Columbine. Am I covered?
Yes. If your mailing address uses one of the Littleton ZIP codes listed above, you’re in the service area.
Do you serve commercial properties?
Yes. Offices, retail, restaurants, multifamily buildings, HOAs and other commercial properties across the service area are covered. See commercial water damage restoration.
Do you serve Highlands Ranch, Ken Caryl, Columbine and Roxborough Park?
Yes. All of them use Littleton ZIP codes and are in the service area: Highlands Ranch (80126, 80129, 80130), Ken Caryl (80127), Columbine (80128) and Roxborough Park and Sterling Ranch (80125).
Water where it shouldn’t be? Get help on the way now.
One call connects you with a Littleton restoration specialist who can talk you through the next steps and schedule a crew, day or night.