How To Choose The Best Emergency Water Removal Company To Protect Your Home or Business From Hidden Water Damage
 
Don’t Hire Any Emergency Water Removal Company Until You’ve Asked These 10 Revealing Questions

RESPONSE TIME
1. Can you guarantee that you will be here in one-hour or less?
To lessen damage, cleanup should begin as quickly as possible.  The company you choose should offer more than just the vague claim of “immediate response”.  Make sure they can guarantee they will be on-site, removing water, within one-hour of your call. 

DRYING METHODS
2. How quickly can you remove the water?
The small, “one man with a van” rug cleaning company does not have the same drying power as a full service, emergency water removal company.  Accutech uses advanced technology with diesel truck-mounted equipment and the Hydro-X Extreme Extractor™.  This drying method is five to six times faster than conventional methods and Accutech is one of only two companies in our area that have it.    

3. Will you have to rip up my carpets?
Most companies routinely rip your carpet away from the wall and place fans underneath the carpet for days, until it is dry.  This means more wear and tear on the carpet, more dirt blowing around the room and little or no access to the flooded area.  There is a better way.  The Hydro-X Extreme Extractor™ compresses carpet and pad to remove all the water without having to rip the carpet away from the wall. 

MONITORING PROCESS
4. How many moisture meters do you use?
Three separate meters are required to measure moisture levels in water-damaged areas and guard against future mold growth.  The first meter measures moisture levels of carpets and floors, the second meter measures baseboards, cabinets, walls and ceilings to determine if water has penetrated these secondary areas and the final meter measures the humidity in the air.  All three meters are important and yet most companies use only the first meter to measure moisture levels in the carpet.  Make sure the company you choose uses all three meters to insure your structure is completely dry and mold-free.

5. Do you offer daily monitoring of the drying process?
Some companies only return to check on the drying process days later, when they think the area will be dry.  Choose a company that offers daily monitoring of the drying process.

6. Do you provide written proof that both my carpet and my building are dry?
Proper drying will prevent mold.  Insist on written proof that both your carpet and your building structure are completely dry.

CERTIFIED TECHNICIANS
7. Will my water removal be handled by an IICRC certified technician?
In some companies, only the owner has certification from the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration (IICRC) which regulates our industry.  That means some technicians will lack the experience and formal training necessary to insure that the entire structure is completely dry.

INSURANCE & BUSINESS STANDING
8. Will you direct bill my insurance company?
All say they will work with your insurance company, but some will try to overcharge for the job, creating unnecessary friction.  Look for an emergency water removal company that will work WITH your insurance company, to offer “hassle-free” claims.

 9. Are you a member of the Better Business Bureau?
As of 6/1/04, only three water removal companies in our area were listed with the Better Business Bureau.  Call the BBB and request a report of their standing.

 10. Are you restoration experts or do you just remove the water?
The company you choose should be able to repair and renovate the entire structure.