Short answer: Flood damage cleanup is the first job. It removes standing water, mud, and ruined materials. Water damage restoration is the full process. It includes cleanup, drying the building, preventing mold, and repairing walls, floors, and trim. Most flooded homes need both, and one company handling both keeps the job moving.
What Flood Damage Cleanup Includes
Cleanup is about getting the water and the mess out fast. A typical flood damage cleanup covers:
- Pumping out standing water and extracting water from carpet and pad
- Removing soaked materials that cannot be saved, like carpet pad, insulation, and drywall below the waterline
- Cleaning and disinfecting surfaces that floodwater or sewage touched
- Photos and notes for your insurance claim
What Water Damage Restoration Includes
Water damage restoration picks up where cleanup ends. Its goal is to return your home to the way it was before the water came in.
- Moisture readings to find water hiding inside walls, floors, and framing
- Air movers and dehumidifiers, checked until materials reach dry goals
- Steps to prevent mold growth while the building dries
- Rebuilding: drywall, paint, flooring, cabinets, and trim
Why the Type of Water Matters
Restoration crews sort water into three categories. Clean water comes from a supply line or a burst pipe. Gray water comes from sources like a washing machine or dishwasher. Black water comes from sewer backups and outside floodwater, and it can carry bacteria. The dirtier the water, the more material has to be removed instead of dried.
How Long Does It Take?
With professional equipment, drying usually takes 3 to 5 days. Repairs can take a few days to a few weeks, depending on how much was damaged and how fast insurance approves the work.
Signs You Need More Than a Shop Vac
- Standing water in a finished basement
- Wet drywall above the baseboard
- Water under laminate, vinyl, or hardwood floors
- A sewer backup of any size
- A musty smell a day or two later
How Aaron Builders Handles Both Steps
Aaron Builders has handled flood cleanup and full water damage restoration across Southeast Michigan since 1979. Our emergency line is answered 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and our crews are on site within one hour. We remove the water, dry the structure, and rebuild what was lost, so you deal with one team from the first call to the final walkthrough. Start with emergency water removal.
Our Xactimate-certified estimators work directly with your adjuster. We work with carriers including State Farm, Allstate, AAA, Travelers, and Liberty Mutual, and every repair carries our 5-year workmanship warranty.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does insurance cover flood cleanup?
It depends on what caused the water and on your policy. A burst pipe and outside flooding are often handled differently, so call your agent to confirm. We document the damage with photos and estimates your adjuster can use.
Can I clean up a flooded basement myself?
Small clean-water spills, yes. Sewer backups, water inside walls, or water that has sat for more than a day need professional drying and moisture testing to prevent mold.
Do you handle sewer backups?
Yes. Sewer backup cleanup is part of our flood and water damage services.
Water in your basement right now? Call (248) 957-9660. We answer 24/7 and are on site within one hour.