Emergency? If you have active water intrusion, structural damage, or electrical hazards — stop reading and call (214) 865-6548 now. AJS Elite responds to emergency restoration calls across Dallas, Plano, Frisco, McKinney, and surrounding DFW.
Step 1 — Safety before anything else
Before re-entering a water-damaged area, confirm that electrical power to affected zones is off at the breaker. Water and live electricity are a life-threatening combination. If water is near any outlet, panel, or wiring and you cannot safely verify power is off, stay out and call a licensed electrician or your utility company before entering.
If the water came from a storm or roof failure and structural elements appear compromised — sagging ceilings, shifted walls, or visible foundation movement — have a contractor or structural engineer assess before occupying the space.
Step 2 — Stop the source
If the damage is from a plumbing failure (burst pipe, failed supply line, or appliance overflow), shut off the main water supply to the structure. This valve is typically located near the water meter at the street or in a utility closet.
If the source is a roof failure, storm damage, or exterior water intrusion, the priority is limiting ongoing exposure. Emergency tarping can be deployed to protect the roof opening until permanent repairs are assessed.
Note: Do not run HVAC systems over water-damaged areas. Circulating air through a structure with wet materials can spread mold spores to unaffected areas before remediation begins.
Step 3 — Document before you touch anything
This step is critical for your insurance claim and is often skipped in the rush to clean up. Before removing any water, moving any belongings, or beginning any cleanup:
- Take photos and video of all affected areas — ceilings, walls, floors, and any visible structural damage
- Photograph all damaged personal property in place before moving it
- Note the date, time, and approximate source of the water intrusion
- Save any documentation of the event (weather reports, plumber assessments, appliance receipts)
Insurance adjusters use this documentation to evaluate your claim. Missing or incomplete documentation can delay approval or reduce your settlement.
Step 4 — Contact your insurance company
Call your homeowners or commercial property insurance carrier as soon as documentation is captured. Request your claim number and ask the following questions:
- Is this loss likely covered under my policy?
- Do I have contents coverage for damaged belongings?
- Do I need to use a preferred vendor, or can I select my own contractor?
- What is my deductible?
- Is temporary lodging covered if the property is uninhabitable?
You are not required to use the contractor your insurance company recommends. You have the right to select a licensed, qualified restoration contractor in Texas. AJS Elite works directly with insurance carriers and can assist with documentation, scope, and adjuster communication.
Step 5 — Begin extraction within 24–48 hours
Standing water and saturated materials must be addressed quickly. Mold can begin growing in as little as 24 to 48 hours under the right conditions — and North Texas summers provide exactly those conditions: warm temperatures and high humidity.
What professional restoration includes
- Water extraction — industrial extractors remove standing water from flooring, subfloor, and cavities
- Moisture mapping — thermal imaging and moisture meters identify hidden saturation behind walls and under flooring
- Drying equipment — commercial-grade air movers and dehumidifiers run for several days to dry structural materials
- Monitoring — moisture readings are tracked until materials reach acceptable dry standards
- Antimicrobial treatment — applied to affected areas to inhibit mold growth during the drying process
Category of water matters. Category 1 (clean water from supply lines) carries lower health risk. Category 2 (grey water from appliances or overflow) and Category 3 (black water from sewage or flooding) carry contaminants that require PPE, containment, and specific disposal protocols. Don't handle Category 2 or 3 water without professional equipment.
Step 6 — Don't make permanent repairs before the adjuster visits
Your insurance carrier typically needs to send an adjuster to assess the damage before you begin permanent reconstruction. Starting permanent repairs — replacing drywall, flooring, or structural elements — before the adjuster visits can complicate your claim.
Emergency stabilization (stopping active water intrusion, preventing further structural damage, securing the property) is appropriate and expected. Permanent reconstruction should wait for adjuster sign-off or explicit authorization from your carrier.
Step 7 — Scope the restoration correctly
Once extraction, drying, and adjuster assessment are complete, the restoration scope can be developed. A complete scope should address:
- Structural repair — framing, subfloor, roof sheathing
- Interior finishes — drywall, insulation, flooring, cabinetry
- MEP restoration — electrical, plumbing, HVAC that were affected
- Mold remediation if growth was present during drying
- Code upgrades required by current permit conditions
AJS Elite coordinates all phases of water damage restoration — from emergency response through final reconstruction — under one scope and one point of accountability.
Call (214) 865-6548 for emergency response →Common mistakes that complicate water damage claims
- Throwing away damaged items before documenting them — adjusters need to assess value before disposal
- Delaying extraction — every hour increases mold risk and material damage extent
- Using consumer fans on wet drywall — this can spread moisture into cavities rather than extracting it
- Starting permanent repairs immediately — wait for adjuster authorization
- Not reviewing your policy before calling the carrier — know your deductible and coverage limits before the first conversation