Frequently Asked Questions
Expert answers to common questions about water damage, fire restoration, mold remediation, and emergency services
Emergency Response
How quickly can you respond to an emergency?
Rush Dry guarantees a 90-minute or less response time for all emergency calls in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. We operate 24/7/365, meaning our certified technicians are always ready to respond to your emergency. Every minute counts when dealing with water or fire damage, and our rapid response helps prevent secondary damage and reduces overall restoration costs.
What should I do immediately after discovering water damage?
First, ensure safety by turning off electricity in affected areas if it's safe to do so. Stop the water source if possible. Remove valuable items from the affected area. Do not use regular household vacuums to remove water as this can cause electrical hazards. Call Rush Dry immediately at (214) 556-8540. While waiting for our team, you can begin removing excess water with mops or towels, but do not enter rooms with standing water if electrical outlets or appliances are submerged.
What should I do immediately after a fire or flood?
For fires: Do not enter the property until fire officials declare it safe. Avoid contact with soot and ash, which can be harmful. Do not attempt to clean smoke damage yourself. For floods: Turn off electricity at the main breaker if safe to do so. Avoid contact with floodwater which may be contaminated. Take photos for insurance documentation. Call Rush Dry immediately for professional assessment and emergency services. Our team will secure the property and begin mitigation to prevent further damage.
Mold Remediation
Is mold dangerous to live with?
Yes, mold can pose serious health risks, especially for individuals with respiratory conditions, allergies, or compromised immune systems. Common symptoms of mold exposure include coughing, sneezing, throat irritation, skin rashes, and headaches. Prolonged exposure can lead to more severe respiratory issues. Certain types of mold, such as black mold (Stachybotrys chartarum), produce mycotoxins that can cause serious health problems. If you suspect mold in your home, it's critical to have it professionally inspected and remediated immediately.
How fast does mold grow after water damage?
Mold can begin growing within 24-48 hours after water damage occurs. This is why immediate response is critical. Mold spores are always present in the air, but they need moisture to germinate and grow. Once conditions are favorable (moisture, organic material, and appropriate temperature), mold colonies can develop rapidly. Within 1-2 weeks, a small mold problem can become a major infestation. This is why Rush Dry's 90-minute response time is so important—we can begin drying and dehumidification immediately to prevent mold growth before it starts.
What is mold remediation and why is it necessary?
Mold remediation is the professional process of identifying, containing, removing, and preventing mold growth in your property. It's necessary because mold poses health risks and can cause structural damage to buildings. Professional remediation involves several steps: inspection and assessment, containment to prevent spore spread, air filtration, removal of mold-contaminated materials, cleaning and sanitization, and restoration. DIY mold removal is not recommended for areas larger than 10 square feet, as improper handling can spread spores and worsen the problem. IICRC-certified technicians like those at Rush Dry follow industry protocols to safely and effectively eliminate mold.
Insurance & Costs
Does insurance cover mold remediation?
Insurance coverage for mold remediation depends on the cause of the mold growth and your specific policy. Generally, if mold results from a covered peril (such as a sudden pipe burst or storm damage), it is typically covered. However, mold resulting from long-term neglect, lack of maintenance, or gradual leaks is usually not covered. Most standard homeowners policies have mold coverage limits, typically between $1,000-$10,000. Rush Dry works with all major insurance companies and can help you navigate the claims process. We provide detailed documentation and work directly with insurance adjusters to ensure you receive the coverage you're entitled to.
Does insurance cover water damage restoration?
Most homeowners insurance policies cover sudden and accidental water damage, such as burst pipes, appliance malfunctions, or storm damage. However, gradual damage from slow leaks, lack of maintenance, or flooding from natural disasters typically requires separate flood insurance. Coverage specifics vary by policy. Rush Dry works as a preferred vendor with many insurance companies and can help you understand your coverage. We provide detailed estimates, document all damage thoroughly, and work directly with insurance adjusters to streamline your claim. Our goal is to make the insurance process as smooth as possible while ensuring you receive the restoration services you need.
How much does restoration cost?
Restoration costs vary significantly based on the extent of damage, size of affected area, and services required. Water damage restoration typically ranges from $1,500-$5,000 for minor incidents to $10,000+ for major flooding. Fire damage restoration varies from $3,000-$30,000+ depending on severity. Mold remediation costs typically range from $500-$6,000. Rush Dry provides free assessments and detailed estimates before beginning work. We work with your insurance company to maximize coverage and offer transparent pricing with no hidden fees. Emergency services may begin immediately to prevent further damage, with full restoration estimates provided within 24-48 hours.
Restoration Process
How long does water damage restoration take?
The water damage restoration timeline depends on the extent of damage and size of the affected area. Emergency water extraction typically begins within 90 minutes of your call. Initial drying and dehumidification takes 3-5 days for most residential properties. Complete restoration, including repairs and reconstruction, can take 1-2 weeks for minor damage or several weeks for extensive damage. Rush Dry uses advanced moisture detection equipment and industrial-grade drying equipment to accelerate the process safely. We provide daily updates and work efficiently to minimize disruption to your home or business.
What happens if water damage is left untreated?
Untreated water damage leads to progressively worse problems. Within 24 hours, mold and mildew begin growing, and drywall begins to swell and break down. Within one week, structural damage intensifies, metal surfaces rust, and wood warps or swells. After several weeks, serious structural and health hazards develop including toxic mold growth, biohazard contamination, severe structural damage, and compromised electrical systems. Costs escalate dramatically the longer damage is left unaddressed. What might cost $3,000 to fix immediately could cost $20,000+ if left untreated for weeks. This is why Rush Dry emphasizes rapid response—immediate action prevents minor issues from becoming major catastrophes.
Why choose professional restoration over DIY?
Professional restoration is critical for several reasons. IICRC-certified technicians have specialized training in proper water extraction, structural drying, mold remediation, and fire damage restoration. We use commercial-grade equipment including industrial dehumidifiers, air movers, moisture meters, and thermal imaging cameras that detect hidden moisture. Professionals understand building science and can identify damage that isn't visible to untrained eyes. Insurance companies often require professional restoration for claims processing. DIY attempts frequently miss hidden moisture, leading to mold growth and structural damage that becomes apparent months later. Professional restoration ensures the job is done correctly, completely, and safely the first time.
What is the difference between water damage restoration and flood damage restoration?
Water damage restoration addresses clean water from internal sources (pipes, appliances, HVAC systems) and typically doesn't involve contamination. Flood damage restoration deals with water from external sources (storms, rivers, groundwater) that is almost always contaminated with bacteria, chemicals, and sewage. Flood water is classified as Category 3 (black water) and requires extensive sanitization and disposal of contaminated materials. Flood restoration involves additional steps including contamination assessment, antimicrobial treatment, safe disposal of porous materials, and thorough disinfection. Rush Dry is equipped and certified to handle both types of damage with appropriate safety protocols for each situation.
Company & Service
Are you available 24/7?
Yes, Rush Dry operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Emergencies don't wait for business hours, and neither do we. Our in-house dispatch center is always staffed, and our certified technicians are ready to respond at any time. Whether it's 3 AM on a Sunday or a major holiday, you can reach us at (214) 556-8540 and we'll have a team at your property within 90 minutes or less.
Do you work with insurance companies?
Yes, Rush Dry works with all major insurance companies and is a preferred vendor for many local and national insurers. We handle the entire insurance process on your behalf, including documentation, direct communication with adjusters, detailed estimates, and progress reporting. Our team understands insurance requirements and procedures, which speeds up the claims process and maximizes your coverage. We can also work directly with your insurance company for billing, reducing your out-of-pocket expenses.
What areas do you serve?
Rush Dry serves the entire Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex including Richardson, Plano, Frisco, McKinney, Allen, Dallas, Fort Worth, Arlington, Garland, Irving, Carrollton, Lewisville, and surrounding cities. We maintain our 90-minute or less response guarantee throughout the entire service area. For specific locations or questions about service availability, call us at (214) 556-8540.
Are your technicians certified?
Yes, all Rush Dry technicians are IICRC (Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification) certified. This is the gold standard in the restoration industry. Our technicians undergo continuous training in water damage restoration, fire and smoke restoration, mold remediation, and applied structural drying. We also hold relevant state licenses including TDLR (Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation) certifications. You can trust that our team follows industry best practices and has the expertise to handle any restoration challenge.
What types of properties do you service?
Rush Dry services both residential and commercial properties. For residential clients, we handle single-family homes, townhomes, condos, and apartment complexes. For commercial clients, we serve office buildings, retail spaces, restaurants, warehouses, medical facilities, schools, and industrial properties. Our team has the equipment and expertise to handle projects of any size, from a small bathroom leak to large-scale commercial flooding or fire damage. We understand that commercial properties require minimal business disruption, and we work efficiently to get your business back to full operation as quickly as possible.
Still Have Questions?
Our team is available 24/7 to answer your questions and provide immediate assistance.