Get your home dried out and repaired

The EPA says water-damaged areas and items should be dried within 24 to 48 hours to prevent mold growth. That is why we start removing water and setting drying equipment as soon as the crew is on site. Materials that stay wet longer than that may need to be removed instead of dried.

Water damage is sorted into three categories. Category 1 is clean water from a sanitary source, like a supply line. Category 2, called gray water, carries chemical or biological contamination, and Category 3, called black water, is highly contaminated, as with sewage. Contaminated water calls for extra precautions, so the category shapes the whole cleanup plan.

A small, clean spill caught right away can often be dried with fans and a dehumidifier, since public health guidance calls for drying porous materials within 24 to 48 hours. Water can hide under flooring, inside wall cavities and in insulation, where fans do not reach. If the water came from sewage or another contaminated source, the EPA advises calling a professional.

Sometimes. Massachusetts public health guidance says wallboard that is not dried within 48 hours, and wet insulation inside the wall, should be discarded. We use moisture readings to find exactly where the water went and remove only what cannot be dried.

Take photos and video, make temporary repairs that prevent more damage, and keep receipts for what you spend. Triple-I advises against extensive permanent repairs until the adjuster has assessed the damage, and against throwing out damaged items before the adjuster visits. We document the damage with photos and moisture readings so your adjuster can see what we found.

Report it to building management and your own insurer right away. In many condo buildings, the association's master policy covers the structure and common areas, while your unit policy covers your belongings and, depending on the building, items inside your unit like cabinets and fixtures. We document what happened in your unit and work with the adjuster assigned to your claim.