Water Damage Restoration in Des Moines, IA

Why Des Moines homes get water damage

Central Iowa weather and housing create a few repeat problems. These are common sources of the calls we get, not a statement about any one property.

• Frozen and burst pipes

  Iowa winters can freeze and split pipes in exterior walls, crawlspaces and garages, and the leak often shows up when it thaws. See burst pipe cleanup, frozen pipe damage and our guide to preventing frozen pipes in Iowa.

• Spring thaw and heavy rain

  Snowmelt and spring and summer thunderstorms push water into basements through window wells, foundation cracks and floor drains. See flooded basement cleanup.

• Sump pump failures

  A pump that fails during a storm or a power outage can flood a finished basement fast. See sump pump failure and the sump pump checklist.

• Water heaters and appliances

  Slow leaks under water heaters, washers, dishwashers and refrigerator lines often reach subfloor and cabinets before anyone sees them. See water heater leak cleanup.

• Storm, hail and roof leaks

  Wind and hail open roofs and windows, and wet insulation and ceiling drywall can sag or grow mold if left wet. See storm damage restoration.

• Sewer and floor-drain backups

  Sewage is Category 3 water, a different job with different rules. See sewage backup cleanup.

What gets wet, and what can be saved

Water moves sideways and down. These are the materials we check and measure on almost every water job.

• Carpet and pad, and the tack strip under them
• Drywall and baseboards, where water wicks up from the floor
• Hardwood, laminate, vinyl plank and subfloor
• Insulation in walls and ceilings
• Cabinets and vanities
• Ceilings under upstairs bathrooms and laundry rooms
• Belongings, which can be cleaned on site or packed out: see contents recovery and pack-out

How the insurance side works

Many policies cover sudden, accidental water damage like a burst pipe, and many exclude or limit flooding and slow leaks. Only your policy and your adjuster can answer that. Here is how a water claim usually goes when Elite is on the job.

1. 1

   Make the area safe and stop the source

   Shut off the water or wait for the fire department to release the building. Call 911 first for any fire, gas smell or electrical danger.

2. 2

   Call your insurance company

   Opening the claim early lets you ask what your carrier needs from you. Only your policy and adjuster can say what is covered.

3. 3

   Call Elite for a free inspection

   Our phone is answered 24/7. We look at what got wet or smoke-damaged and explain what it needs before any work is authorized.

4. 4

   Document as we go

   Photos, moisture readings and a written scope are kept for the job, which is the record your adjuster reviews.

5. 5

   Pick your repair contractor

   Once mitigation is done, the file goes to the contractor you choose.

More detail: insurance claims, claim documentation and does insurance cover a burst pipe?

You choose who does your repairs

Elite handles the emergency side: stopping further damage, drying and cleaning, and documenting the job. When it is time to rebuild, the choice of contractor is yours. Our photos, moisture logs and scope go to whichever contractor you pick, so nobody has to start from scratch.

• You are never required to use any particular repair contractor
• Your documentation goes with you: photos, moisture logs and a written scope
• Work is billed only if you approve it in a signed work authorization
• We're not a public adjuster, so we don't negotiate or settle claims

Water damage restoration across the Des Moines metro

Our office is at 751 NE 46th Ave in Des Moines, and we serve homes and businesses across the metro and Central Iowa. Commercial buildings can also request a free pre-loss walkthrough.

• Des Moines
• West Des Moines
• Ankeny
• Urbandale
• Johnston
• Waukee
• Clive
• Grimes
• Altoona
• Pleasant Hill
• Norwalk
• Carlisle
• Indianola
• Winterset
• All areas

For businesses, schools and churches, see commercial, K-12 schools and multi-family and property managers.