Last updated · Written by the Elite Restoration Services of Iowa team
Who provides water damage restoration in West Des Moines?
Elite Restoration Services of Iowa, a locally owned, independent restoration company based in Des Moines, provides water damage restoration in West Des Moines, along with fire and smoke, mold, storm and sewage cleanup. Elite is an IICRC Certified Firm, BBB A+ accredited, and the on-site inspection is free. Call 515-216-4293, answered 24/7.
What makes West Des Moines water damage different?
West Des Moines began as Valley Junction, a railroad town founded in 1893, and officially became West Des Moines on January 1, 1938. The city now spans four counties: Polk, Dallas, Warren and Madison. That range shows up in the work: older commercial buildings in Valley Junction need care with original materials, while much of the growth since the 1990s, around Jordan Creek in the Dallas County portion, brought newer homes with finished basements, apartments and multi-story offices where a single supply-line failure can travel between floors. The Raccoon River runs along the city, and the summer of 1993 brought flooding into Valley Junction. River or surface flooding is handled as Category 3 water, a different job from a clean-water pipe leak.
Common causes of water damage in West Des Moines
These are common kinds of losses based on local housing, weather and waterways. They are general, not a statement about any one property.
Finished basements in newer neighborhoods
Sump pump failures and heavy-rain seepage soak carpet, pad and the bottom of the drywall. See sump pump failure.
Leaks between floors
In apartments, condos and offices, water from one unit or floor often shows up in the ceiling below. See multi-family and property managers.
Older buildings in Valley Junction
Older plaster, wood floors and trim need careful drying and documentation.
Frozen pipes in exterior walls
Iowa cold snaps split pipes in exterior walls, garages and crawlspaces. See frozen pipe damage.
Storm, hail and roof leaks
Wind-driven rain and hail can open roofs and windows. See storm damage restoration.
Mold after hidden leaks
Slow leaks behind walls and under cabinets can lead to mold. See mold remediation.
How we handle a water loss in West Des Moines
We follow the IICRC S500 approach to water damage, and we have an IICRC Triple Master on staff. Here is what the job usually looks like.
Free inspection and moisture mapping
Moisture meters show where the water actually traveled, which is often farther than the visible stain. We identify the water type first: clean, gray or sewage.
Stop the damage
The source is stopped or isolated, and belongings are moved out of harm's way.
Extract standing water
Water is pulled out of carpet, pad and hard floors. Extraction removes far more water than fans or evaporation can.
Remove what can't be dried
Soaked pad, or drywall and insulation that have wicked water, are often removed. You get the reason for each item before it comes out.
Dry and monitor
Air movers and dehumidifiers run while readings are taken until materials reach a dry standard. Drying is judged by the readings, not the calendar.
Hand over the file
Photos, moisture logs and a written scope go to you, your adjuster and whichever repair contractor you choose.