Water Damage & Flooded Basement Restoration Services

Education Center

RestorationSOS^® is widely recognized as the leading source for free and reliable information for all fire and water damages. Use this comprehensive web resource to learn all about potential hazards in your home or business. Important Disclaimer!

Water Damage

• Water Damage Education Center
  • The Hazards of Water Damage
  • Visible Causes of Water Damage
  • Invisible Causes of Water Damage
  • Identifying Water Damage
  • Preventing Water Damage
  • 10 Most Nasty Flooded Basement Disasters In 2020
    • Prevent Water Damage in the Kitchen - part 1
    • Prevent Water Damage in the Kitchen - part 2
    • Preventing Dishwasher Leaks
    • Prevent Water Damage in the Laundry Room
    • Preventing Clothes Washer Leaks
    • Prevent Water Damage in the Bathroom
    • Prevent Water Damage in the Attic
    • Prevent Water Damage to Your Chimney
    • Prevent Water Damage in the Basement - part 1
    • Prevent Water Damage in the Basement - part 2
    • Prevent Water Damage in the Water Heater
    • Preventing Water Damage Outdoors
    • Preventing Patio Water Damage
    • Preventing Hardwood Deck Water Damage
    • Prevent Water Damage in the Garage
    • Prevent Water Damage in Pole Barns
    • Preventing Water Damage Through Proper Landscaping
    • Reducing the Effects of Hidden Water Damage
    • Preventing Water Damage from Burst Pipes with Proper Winter Care
    • Preventing Water Damage by Improving Sewage and Sewer Systems
    • Water Damage Risk Reduction
  • Dealing with Water Damage
    • Step 1: Safety First!
    • Step 2: Secure Your Property
    • Step 3: Damage Assessment
    • Step 4: Structural Stabilization Procedures
    • Step 5 - Dry Out
      • Dry Out Techniques - part 1
      • Dry Out Techniques - part 2
      • Drying Building Materials
    • Drying a Flooded Finished Basement
    • When Water Damage Occurs Upstairs
    • Different Water Removal Methods
  • Recovering from Water Damage
    • What to Keep and What to Discard? Outdoors.
    • What to Keep and What to Discard? Indoors.
    • Cleaning, Repairing, and Disinfecting
      • Clean, Dry, Repair and Disinfect Paper
        • Books
        • Photos
        • Framed Items
        • Paintings
      • Clean, Dry, Repair and Disinfect Textiles
        • Mattresses
        • Pillows
        • Beddings
      • Clean, Dry, Repair and Disinfect Furniture
        • Wood Furniture
        • Veneer Furniture
        • Cloth Furniture
      • Clean, Dry, Repair and Disinfect Electronic Media
      • Repairing a Water Damaged Laptop
      • Water Damaged iPhone: Facts, Quick Fixes, and Your Last Resort
      • Repairing a Water Damaged Android Phone
      • How to Fix Water Damage on iPod
      • Repairing a Water Damaged MP3 Player
      • Repairing a Water Damaged Kindle
      • Repairing a Water Damaged Nook
      • Repairing a Water Damaged Tablet
      • Repairing a Water Damaged Playstation 3
      • Repairing a Water Damaged Xbox 360
      • Repairing a Water Damaged Nintendo Wii
      • Repairing a Water Damaged Nintendo DSi
      • Repairing a Water Damaged PSP
      • Repairing a Water Damaged PS Vita
      • Clean, Dry, Repair and Disinfect Flooring Materials
        • Tile, Linoleum and Vinyl Floor
        • Wood Floor
        • Rugs and Carpets
        • How to Dry a Wet Carpet
        • How to Handle Water Damage in Floors
      • Repairing Water Damage in the Ceiling
  • Preparing Your Home for Winter
    • Winterizing Your Home
    • Preparing Your Roofs and Gutters for Winter
    • Waterproofing Solutions
    • Basement and Crawlspace
    • Plumbing and Pipes
    • Burst Pipes and Water Damage - Common Winter Woes
  • Education Enrichment
    • Water Damage Categories and Classes
    • Ice Dams
    • Sump Pumps: A Basement's First Line of Defense
    • Move Outs
    • Knowing What to Do When a Pipe Bursts
    • Plumbing 101: Know Your Plumbing Pipes
    • Maintaining Proper Humidity Levels within Your Home
    • When and How to Inspect Your Roof
    • The Purpose of the Clean Trust
    • Improving an Existing Structure against Water Damage and other Disasters
    • Water Damage Restoration – DIY or Professional?
    • Protecting Residential Electrical Wiring from Water Damage
    • Water Damage and Your Home Electrical System
  • Consumer Guide
    • Immediate Response Action in Water Damage
    • Asset Protection after Water Damage
    • Warning Signs during Damage Inspection
    • Choosing Contractors for Water Damage Restoration
    • How to Find Good Water Restoration Contractors
    • Why Your Water Restoration Company Should be Certified
    • Water Damage Restoration – How Much Does It Cost and What Affects the Pricing?
    • Red Flags – Warning Signs of a Bad Water Restoration Company
    • A Guide to Fixing Water Damage
    • Choosing a Dehumidifier for Your Home
    • Is Basement Waterproofing Possible?
    • Buying a Flood or Water Damaged Property
    • Has Your New or Prospective Home Had Water Damage?
    • Water Damage to Trailer Homes
    • Comparing Estimates for Water Damage Cleanup
    • How to Tell if a Hurricane Damaged Your Vehicle
    • How to File an Insurance Claim on a Flooded Car
    • How to Tell if Hurricane Sandy Totaled Your Vehicle
  • Commercial Services
    • Commercial Water Damage - Why Quick Recovery is Important
    • Preventing Wind Driven Rain in Commercial Buildings

Flood

• Flood Education Center
  • An Introduction to Floods
  • The Causes of Floods
  • Flood Readiness
  • Flood Insurance 101: An Introduction
  • Important Concepts in the Management of Floods
    • Begin with Flood Assessment
    • Basement Flooding
    • An Overview of Flood Management
    • Practical Steps in Securing the Property, part 1
    • Practical Steps in Securing the Property, part 2
  • Determining Your Flooding Risk
  • Assessing Flood Risk and Reducing Water Damage
  • Flood Risk Management for Homes and Buildings
  • Flood Damage Cleanup: DIY vs. Professional
  • Solutions to Basement Flooding
    • How To Choose The Right Sump Pump For Your Home
  • Practical Ways to Lessen Property Damage from Floods
  • Education Enrichment
    • Educating Children about Flood Dangers
  • Consumer Guide
    • Comparing Estimates for Flood Cleanup

Mold

• Mold Education Center
  • The Hazards of Mold
  • What is Mold?
  • Preventing Mold
    • Prevent Mold in the Kitchen
    • Prevent Mold in the Bathroom
    • Prevent Mold in the Basement
    • Prevent Mold in the Laundry Room
  • Dealing with Mold
    • Step 1: Safety First!
    • Step 2: Damage Assessment
  • Recovering from Mold
    • What to Keep and What to Discard?
    • Cleaning, Repairing, and Disinfecting
      • Clean, Dry, Repair and Disinfect Textiles
      • Clean, Dry, Repair and Disinfect Furniture
      • Clean, Dry, Repair and Disinfect Paper
      • Clean, Dry, Repair and Disinfect Walls and Ceilings
      • Clean, Dry, Repair and Disinfect Basements
      • Clean, Dry, Repair and Disinfect Basement Walls
  • Education Enrichment
    • Types of Mold and Their Effects
    • Sick Building Syndrome
    • Asthma, Allergies, and Mold
    • Mold and Your Property Value
    • Where to Look for Mold in Your Home
    • Is Using Bleach to Kill Mold a Good Idea?
    • Mold Removal: DIY vs. Professional
    • How to Remove Mildew Odor
  • Consumer Guide
    • Mold and Its Effect on Home Sales
    • Does Your New Home Have a Mold Problem?
    • Basement Dehumidifier & Ventilation Systems
    • Comparing Estimates for Mold Remediation
    • Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Mold Removal Provider

Fire Damage

• Fire Damage Education Center
  • The Hazards of Fire Damage
  • Causes of Fire Damage
  • Preventing Fire Damage
    • Prevent Fire Damage in the Bedroom
    • Prevent Fire Damage in the Bathroom
    • Prevent Fire Damage in the Kitchen
    • Prevent Fire Damage in the Basement
    • Prevent Fire Damage in the Living Room - part 1
    • Prevent Fire Damage in the Living Room - part 2
    • Prevent Fire Damage to Your Chimney
    • Prevent Fire Damage in the Attic
    • Prevent Fire Damage in the Outdoors
    • Prevent Fire Damage in the Garage
    • Prevent Fire Damage in Pole Barns
    • Prevent Fire Damage in the Office
    • Prevent Fire Damage in the Laundry Room
    • Preventing Dryer Fires
    • Fire Resistant Plants
  • Dealing with Fire Damage
    • Step 1: Safety First!
    • Step 2: Secure Your Property
    • Step 3: Damage Assessment
  • Recovering from Fire Damage
    • What to Keep and What to Discard?
    • Cleaning, Repairing, and Disinfecting
      • Clean, Repair and Disinfect Textiles and Clothes
      • Clean, Repair and Disinfect Furniture
      • Clean, Repair and Disinfect Floors
      • Clean, Repair and Disinfect Electronic Media
  • Consumer Guide
    • Comparing Estimates for Fire Damage Restoration
  • Education Enrichment
    • Installing Smoke Detectors Properly
    • Educating Children about Fire Dangers
    • The Causes and Dangers of Electrical Fires
    • Electrical Safety in the Workplace
    • Holidays Season Fire Hazards
    • Holidays Fire Safety - part 1
    • Holidays Fire Safety - part 2
    • 4th of July Fireworks Safety Tips for Kids
    • Fire Safety Precautions for 4th of July
    • Fire Damage Restoration: DIY vs Professional

Smoke Damage

• Smoke Damage Education Center
  • Cigarette Odor Removal

Sewage Backup

• Sewage Backup Education Center
  • The Hazards of Sewage Backup
  • The Causes of Sewage Backup
  • Preventing Sewage Backups
  • Dealing with Sewage Backup
    • Step 1: Safety First!
    • Step 2: Damage Assessment
  • Recovering from Sewage Backup
    • What to Keep and What to Discard after a Sewage Backup? Building Materials.
    • What to Keep and What to Discard after a Sewage Backup? Personal Belongings.
  • Education Enrichment
    • Sewage Cleanup: DIY vs Professional
  • Consumer Guide
    • Comparing Estimates for Sewage Cleanup

Insurance

• Insurance Education Center
  • Flood Insurance
  • Renter's Insurance
  • Home Owner's Insurance
  • Water Damage, Mold and Homeowners' Insurance
  • Business Disaster Insurance
  • Education Enrichment
    • Facts about the National Flood Insurance Program

Commercial

• Commercial Education Center
  • Water Damage in Banks and Financial Institutes - part 1
  • Water Damage in Banks and Financial Institutes - part 2
  • Water Damage in Office Buildings
    • Consequences of Water Damage in Office Buildings
    • Office Building Water Damage Preparedness and Education
    • Office Building Water Damage Recovery
  • Fire Damage in Office Buildings
    • Consequences of Fire Damage in Office Buildings
    • Office Building Fire Damage Preparedness and Education
    • Office Building Fire Damage Recovery
  • Water Damage in Schools
    • Consequences of Water Damage in Schools
    • School Water Damage Preparedness and Education
    • School Water Damage Recovery
  • Fire Damage in Schools
    • Consequences of Fire Damage in Schools
    • School Fire Damage Preparedness and Education
    • School Fire Damage Recovery
  • Water Damage in Colleges
    • Consequences of Water Damage in Colleges
    • College Water Damage Preparedness and Education
    • College Water Damage Recovery
  • Fire Damage in Colleges
    • Consequences of Fire Damage in Colleges
    • College Fire Damage Preparedness and Education
    • College Fire Damage Recovery
  • Water Damage in Universities
    • Consequences of Water Damage in Universities
    • University Water Damage Preparedness and Education, part 1
    • University Water Damage Preparedness and Education, part 2
    • University Water Damage Recovery
  • Fire Damage in Universities
  • Consequences of Fire Damage in Universities
  • University Fire Damage Preparedness and Education
  • University Fire Damage Recovery
  • Water Damage in Hospitals
    • Consequences of Water Damage in Hospitals
    • Hospital Water Damage Preparedness and Education
    • Hospital Water Damage Recovery
  • Fire Damage in Hospitals
    • Consequences of Fire Damage in Hospitals
    • Hospital Fire Damage Preparedness and Education
    • Hospital Fire Damage Recovery
  • Water Damage in Medical Facilities
    • Consequences of Water Damage in Medical Facilities
    • Medical Facility Water Damage Preparedness and Education
    • Medical Facility Water Damage Recovery
  • Fire Damage in Medical Facilities
  • Water Damage in Hotels and Motels
    • Consequences of Water Damage in Hotels and Motels
    • Hotel and Motel Water Damage Preparedness and Education
    • Regular Hotel Maintenance
    • Hotel and Motel Water Damage Recovery
  • Fire Damage in Hotels and Motels
    • Consequences of Fire Damage in Hotels and Motels
    • Hotel and Motel Fire Damage Preparedness and Education
    • Hotel and Motel Fire Damage Recovery
  • Water Damage in Retail Stores
    • Consequences of Water Damage in Retail Stores
    • Retail Stores Water Damage Preparedness and Education
    • Retail Stores Water Damage Recovery
  • Fire Damage in Retail Stores
    • Consequences of Fire Damage in Retail Stores
    • Retail Stores Fire Damage Preparedness and Education
    • Retail Stores Fire Damage Recovery
  • Water Damage in Shopping Malls
    • Consequences of Water Damage in Shopping Malls
    • Shopping Mall Water Damage Preparedness and Education
    • Shopping Mall Water Damage Recovery
  • Fire Damage in Shopping Malls
    • Consequences of Fire Damage in Shopping Malls
    • Shopping Mall Fire Damage Preparedness and Education
    • Shopping Mall Fire Damage Recovery
  • Water Damage in Restaurants
    • Restaurant Water Damage Preparedness and Education
    • Restaurant Water Damage Recovery
    • Reopening a Restaurant after Water Damage
  • Fire Damage in Restaurants
    • Consequences of Fire Damage in Restaurants
    • Restaurant Fire Damage Preparedness and Education
    • Restaurant Fire Damage Recovery
  • Water Damage in Warehouses
    • Consequences of Water Damage in Warehouses
    • Warehouse Water Damage Preparedness and Education
    • Warehouse Water Damage Recovery
  • Fire Damage in Warehouses
    • Consequences of Fire Damage in Warehouses
    • Warehouse Fire Damage Preparedness and Education
    • Warehouse Fire Damage Recovery
  • Water Damage in Churches
    • Consequences of Water Damage in Churches
    • Church Water Damage Preparedness and Education
    • Church Water Damage Recovery
  • Fire Damage in Churches
    • Consequences of Fire Damage in Churches
    • Church Fire Damage Preparedness and Education
    • Church Fire Damage Recovery

Emergency Preparedness

• Emergency Preparedness
  • Step 1: Collecting Information
  • Step 2: Preparing Personal Emergency Cards
  • Step 3: Preparing the Family Emergency Plan
  • Step 4: Emergency Action Checklist
  • Step 5: Assembling an Emergency Kit
  • Step 6: Maintain Your Plan and Emergency Kit
• When a Disaster Strikes
• Disaster Recovery and Business Continuity

Natural Disasters

• Natural Disaster Education Center
  • Hurricanes
    • Preparing for Hurricane Season
    • Be Ready For Hurricanes
    • Staying Safe during a Hurricane
    • Ensuring Health and Safety after a Hurricane
    • How Hurricanes Form
    • Hurricane Categories and the Damage Potential
    • What to do During a Category 1 Hurricane
    • What to do During a Category 2 Hurricane
    • What to do During a Category 3 Hurricane
    • What to do During a Category 4 Hurricane
    • What to do During a Category 5 Hurricane
    • Hurricane Damage and Your Insurance Coverage
    • How Hurricanes Affect Businesses
      • The Importance of a Business Continuity Plan Before a Hurricane
      • Interruption of Business during a Hurricane
  • Tornadoes
    • Preparing for Tornado Season
    • How Tornadoes Occur
    • Staying Safe during a Tornado
    • Ensuring Health and Safety after a Tornado
    • How Tornadoes Affect Businesses
  • Tropical Storms
    • Be Ready For Tropical Storms
    • Preparing For Tropical Storms
  • Floods
    • A Flood Guide
    • How Flooding Occurs
    • Preparing for a Flood
    • Staying Safe during Flooding
    • Ensuring Health & Safety after a Flood
    • Repairing a Flooded Lawn After a Natural Disaster
    • Repairing a Flooded Garden After a Natural Disaster
    • How Flooding Affects Businesses
  • Storm Damage
    • Identifying Hail Damage to Your Home
    • Storm Damage to Marinas
    • Storm Damage to Boat Docks
  • Wind Damage
    • What Causes Wind Damage
    • How Wind Damages a Property
    • How Wind Damages Roofs
    • Wind Damage to Roofs: Exposure to Water
    • Wind Damage to Roofs: Different Types of Roofs
    • Wind Damage Affecting Power Lines
    • How To Prepare For High Winds
    • Wind Damage: Fallen Trees and Structural Damage
    • Wind Damage and Insurance
  • Blizzards
    • Preparing for a Blizzard
    • Staying Safe during a Blizzard
  • Earthquakes
    • Preparing for Earthquakes
    • Staying Safe during Earthquakes
    • Ensuring Health & Safety after Earthquakes
    • How Earthquakes Happen
    • How Earthquakes Affect Businesses
  • Education Enrichment
    • How to Avoid Contractor Scams after a Natural Disaster
    • Natural Disasters and Tax Benefits
    • Springtime Severe Weather Preparedness
    • Summertime Severe Weather Preparedness
  • Coping with the Emotional Effects of a Disaster
  • Helping Kids Cope with the Emotional Effects of a Disaster
  • Recovery Steps after a Disaster

Biohazard & Trauma Scene Cleanup

• Biohazard & Trauma Scene Cleanup Education Center
  • Biohazard Cleanup
  • Trauma Scene Cleanup

House Cleaning Guide

• House Cleaning Guide
  • Easy Ways to Clean Your Indoor Air
  • How to Choose a Vacuum Cleaner
  • Skunk Odor Treatment and Removal
  • How to Remove Fuel Odors from Clothing
  • How to Remove Price Tag Stickers
  • How to Remove Sticky Residue
  • How to Remove Wax from Carpeting
  • How to Clean Vinyl Blinds
  • How to Wash Dirty Windows
  • How to Eliminate Static Cling
  • How to Utilize Space Saver Bags
  • Using Homemade Stain Removers
  • Recipe for Homemade Detergent
  • How to Keep Clothes from Shrinking in the Laundry
  • How to Wash Reusable Plastic Water Bottles
  • How to Clean the Bathtub
  • How to Remove Soap Scum from Showers
  • How to Remove Soap Scum from Tile
  • Tips for Cleaning Gold
  • Tips for Cleaning Silver

Stain Removal Guide

• Stain Removal Guide
  • Stain Removal Guide - A
  • Stain Removal Guide - B
  • Stain Removal Guide - C
  • Stain Removal Guide - D
  • Stain Removal Guide - E
  • Stain Removal Guide - F
  • Stain Removal Guide - G
  • Stain Removal Guide - H
  • Stain Removal Guide - I
  • Stain Removal Guide - J
  • Stain Removal Guide - K
  • Stain Removal Guide - L
  • Stain Removal Guide - M
  • Stain Removal Guide - N
  • Stain Removal Guide - O
  • Stain Removal Guide - P
  • Stain Removal Guide - Q
  • Stain Removal Guide - R
  • Stain Removal Guide - S
  • Stain Removal Guide - T
  • Stain Removal Guide - U
  • Stain Removal Guide - V
  • Stain Removal Guide - W
  • Stain Removal Guide - Y
  • Stain Removal Guide - Z

Glossary of Common Terms

• Glossary of Common Restoration Terms
  • Glossary of Common Restoration Terms - A
  • Glossary of Common Restoration Terms - B
  • Glossary of Common Restoration Terms - G
  • Glossary of Common Restoration Terms - I
  • Glossary of Common Restoration Terms - J
  • Glossary of Common Restoration Terms - K
  • Glossary of Common Restoration Terms - L
  • Glossary of Common Restoration Terms - M
  • Glossary of Common Restoration Terms - N
  • Glossary of Common Restoration Terms - O
  • Glossary of Common Restoration Terms - P
  • Glossary of Common Restoration Terms - Q
  • Glossary of Common Restoration Terms - R
  • Glossary of Common Restoration Terms - S
  • Glossary of Common Restoration Terms - T
  • Glossary of Common Restoration Terms - U
  • Glossary of Common Restoration Terms - V
  • Glossary of Common Restoration Terms - W
  • Glossary of Common Restoration Terms - X
  • Glossary of Common Restoration Terms - Y
  • Glossary of Common Restoration Terms - Z