What is water removal?
Water removal, also called water extraction, is pulling standing and soaked-in water out of a home with pumps and extractors. It is the first step of a water damage job. It does not dry the walls, subfloor or framing, which is what mitigation does next.
What should I do before the crew arrives?
Stop the water if you can, keep away from wet areas that have electrical outlets or cords in them, and take photos of everything before anything is moved or thrown out. Then move furniture and valuables off wet floors.
- Shut off the main water valve if a pipe or appliance line is leaking.
- If water is near outlets, cords or the electrical panel, stay out of it and leave the power to the utility or an electrician.
- Photograph and video each room, including the water line on walls.
- Lift furniture onto blocks or foil so legs do not stain wet carpet.
- Call your insurer to open a claim.
How do crews extract water?
Crews use submersible pumps for deep standing water, then truck-mounted or portable extractors to pull water out of carpet and pad. Wet carpet pad is often removed because it holds water and is hard to dry in place.
Does it matter where the water came from?
Restoration crews sort water into three categories based on how contaminated it is. Category 1 is clean water, Category 2 carries significant contamination, and Category 3 is grossly contaminated, such as sewage or rising water from a creek. The category decides what can be dried and what has to come out.
- Category 1: clean water from a sanitary source, such as a burst supply line, a water heater or rain through the roof (Massachusetts DPH quick reference).
- Category 2: often called gray water, such as a dishwasher or washing machine overflow, or a sump pump failure (Massachusetts DPH).
- Category 3: grossly contaminated water, including sewage, waste line backflow from beyond a trap and rising water from rivers or streams (IICRC).
Time and temperature can change the category, so clean water that sits can get worse (IICRC).
When is water removal not enough?
Water removal is not enough when water has wicked into drywall, soaked under flooring or reached a crawl space. Those areas need drying and monitoring. The EPA says to dry water-damaged areas within 24 to 48 hours to prevent mold growth (EPA).
What should I ask the water removal company?
- Will you give me daily moisture readings in writing?
- What are you removing, and why can it not be dried in place?
- Do you bill my insurer directly, or do I pay and get reimbursed?
- Is the rebuild included, or is that a separate estimate?
- Can I see your Georgia contractor license and certificate of insurance?
Common questions
Can I use a shop vac?
For a small amount of clean water on a hard floor, a wet/dry vacuum can help. It will not pull water out of carpet pad, walls or subfloors.
Is a flooded basement handled differently?
Often, yes. Rising water from a creek or groundwater counts as Category 3 in the IICRC's definitions, which means contamination controls and more material removal (IICRC).
Related guides
Sources
- EPA: A Brief Guide to Mold, Moisture and Your Home
- IICRC: Category of water damage position statement
- Massachusetts DPH: water damage quick reference
Last reviewed November 13, 2026. This guide is general information, not legal, insurance or medical advice.