Water damage questions from Augusta homeowners and businesses
Most questions fall into four groups: what to do in the first minutes, how storm and ground water differ from a pipe leak, what the insurance file needs and where permit questions go. Calls are answered at any hour and a technician is sent as soon as one is free.
- Phones answered 24/7
- Burst pipes, water heaters and roof leaks
- We explain the work before we start
Get a fast quote
Fastest: call (833) 490-5225. Or send this and we call you back.
The first few minutes
Where is the main water shut-off?
Usually where the water line enters the house, in a basement, a crawl space or a utility closet. Find it before you need it, and note which valves serve which fixtures.
Should I touch the wet wiring?
No. Switch off power from a dry spot if you can do it safely, and stay out of the water near any outlet, panel or appliance.
Should I mop up the water myself?
A small spill can be wiped up if no power is involved. Anything larger should wait for the technician, after the damage has been photographed.
Storm and ground water
Why did water appear in my house after the storm?
Storm water can enter through a roof opening, a window, a door or from the ground. The technician reads the house to find which route the water took.
Is river or creek water different?
Yes. Water from outside carries mud and debris, and it has to be cleared before drying. Treat it as contaminated until a technician has checked it.
Records and insurance
What should I keep for the insurer?
Photographs, moisture readings, a removal list with reasons, invoices and the written scope. Those records are what an insurer will ask for first.
Who handles a complaint about a claim?
The Georgia Office of Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner takes homeowner insurance complaints through its online complaint portal. Start with the insurer for a written reason.
Permits and repairs
Who issues a permit for a repair?
The office that covers the address. The consolidated Augusta-Richmond County government covers its area, and Hephzibah and Blythe have their own city governments.
Will the crew rebuild the wall?
No. The water work ends with the structure dry and recorded. Rebuilding is a separate trade, and the record is handed to it.
Question not answered here?
Call and ask. A technician will give you a straight answer, even if the answer is that you do not need us.