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Finding water in your basement can be stressful. It’s a problem that needs quick action to avoid bigger issues like mold or structural damage. We understand how overwhelming it feels because we live right here in the same Des Moines neighborhoods we serve. As a locally owned and operated water mitigation and restoration company, we want to guide you through what to do next calmly and clearly. Why Acting Fast Matters: The Golden Hours When water enters your basement, time is

With severe thunderstorms forecasted for Des Moines through Monday, sump pump failure is the leading cause of basement flooding in Polk County. Ensure your backup battery is charged and discharge lines are clear of debris to handle the projected 1-2 inches of rainfall. Storms are coming to Des Moines, and the National Weather Service has issued a 72-hour alert from May 14th to 18th. This means heavy rain and strong winds could hit our neighborhoods, including Ankeny and West

If a fire strikes your home or business, act fast. Call 911, ensure everyone is safe, and contact a professional fire restoration service immediately. The first 48 hours are critical to prevent permanent damage from acidic soot and corrosion. The 48-Hour Corrosion Window When fire damage occurs in Des Moines, the clock starts ticking. Our local spring humidity mixes with soot particles to create an acidic compound. This acid can cause acid etching, a chemical reaction that da

Spring in Des Moines brings fresh starts and new challenges. For property managers, it means preparing for the annual cleanup season while navigating the complexities of trash removal and water damage safety. In 2026, this task is more manageable thanks to local city programs and updated industry standards. Let’s walk through what you need to know to handle spring cleanup effectively, protect your properties, and keep tenants safe. What You Need to Know for Spring Cleanup in

When disaster strikes, whether it’s a burst pipe flooding your basement or a fire damaging your commercial property, knowing the right steps to take can make all the difference. We’ve all heard stories of homes and businesses suffering long-term damage because the initial response wasn’t handled properly. That’s why understanding emergency restoration protocols is so important. Together, we can walk through the essential steps to protect your property and get things back to n

When disaster strikes your home or business, whether it’s water damage, fire damage, or mold growth, the last thing you want is uncertainty about the quality of restoration work. That’s why working with a company certified by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) is a smart choice. But what does it really mean when a firm is IICRC certified? And how does having someone on the team who holds the prestigious IICRC Triple Master certificatio

Using outdoor spigots is a common part of home maintenance. We often connect hoses to water the lawn, wash the car, or fill a pool. But what many homeowners don’t realize is that these spigots can sometimes be the source of serious water damage inside the home. Water leaks or bursts from outdoor faucets can lead to hidden problems like mold growth and structural damage. In this post, I want to share what we’ve learned about preventing water damage related to outdoor spigots.

Dealing with a flooded basement or a failed sump pump? Read Elite Restoration's emergency guide to surviving Central Iowa storms. Learn exactly what to do to protect your home while our 24/7 rapid-response team is en route to your Des Moines or Waukee property.

💡 DIRECTOR’S PRO TIP: "If you’re in Ankeny or Waukee, the soil saturation levels right now are hitting critical mass. Most basement floods we see this week aren't caused by bad luck—they are caused by a lack of mechanical redundancy. If your sump pump is older than 5 years, it’s not a matter of if it will fail, but when. We always recommend a dual-pump system with a battery backup to protect your finished basement from a 2:00 AM spring downpour." As the ground thaws and the

DIRECTOR’S PRO TIP: "If you smell mold but can’t see it, do not start cutting holes in your drywall blindly. This can aerosolize mold spores and contaminate your entire HVAC system. Always start with a non-invasive thermal imaging scan to locate the moisture source first." In the humid Iowa summers or after a heavy snow melt in Waukee and Ankeny , many homeowners report a lingering "earthy" or musty odor. In the restoration industry, we know that odor is a secondary gas rel

When property damage strikes, response time and technical precision are everything. Whether you are facing a flooded basement in Ankeny, storm damage in Altoona, or a complex commercial loss in Downtown Des Moines, Elite Restoration Services of Iowa is ready to respond. TIP: "If you experience a leak, do not just turn on a fan. Improper drying can trap moisture behind baseboards, leading to secondary mold growth in as little as 48 hours. Always call for a professional mois

Ice Dams in Des Moines: The Silent Roof Killer (and How to Stop It) For homeowners in Des Moines, the sight of massive icicles hanging from the gutters is often seen as a "winter aesthetic." But at [Your Company Name] , with our team’s 70 years of combined restoration experience , we know those icicles are a warning sign of a much more expensive problem: The Ice Dam. Following the record-breaking snowfall and bitter temperature swings we’ve seen this February 2026, ice dams h