Where does water damage restoration fit your project?
Pick the closest match. Each one shows how we handle that kind of job, then you can go deeper or book a visit.
For homeowners: Water Damage Restoration
Work planned around the house you live in, with the rest of the home kept livable where possible.
- Scope agreed in writing before any work starts
- One lead on site from start to handover
- Clear records at handover
For an insurance claim: Water Damage Restoration
We document the work so your insurer can see what was found and what was done.
- Scope agreed in writing before any work starts
- One lead on site from start to handover
- Clear records at handover
For commercial buildings: Water Damage Restoration
Scheduled around an occupied business and built to the commercial code and the building use.
- Scope agreed in writing before any work starts
- One lead on site from start to handover
- Clear records at handover
For condos and multi-unit buildings: Water Damage Restoration
Coordinated with the building, the board and the access rules.
- Scope agreed in writing before any work starts
- One lead on site from start to handover
- Clear records at handover
For rental properties: Water Damage Restoration
Planned for durability, tenant turnover and a schedule that keeps the unit available.
- Scope agreed in writing before any work starts
- One lead on site from start to handover
- Clear records at handover
The Plug · Restore
Water Damage Restoration
Stop the water, find the source, dry it properly, and document it for your insurer. Across Toronto and the GTA.
Water damage: the first 48 hours decide the outcome
Wet materials start to fail within a day or two. Work through these decisions in order. Each one shows what to do and the pick we make when you call us.
Decision 1
Stop the water and call
If it is safe, stop the source (shut off the water supply, switch off power to wet areas, move valuables). Then photograph everything before you clean anything.
| Step | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Shut off the source | Stops more water getting into walls and floors |
| Switch off power to wet areas | Electrical safety first |
| Photograph and video | Insurers need the damage before cleanup |
| Call us early | Drying starts sooner, and fewer materials are lost |
Decision 2
Find the source
The source decides the repair and the insurance route. Common sources are a burst or leaking supply pipe, a drain or sewer backup, a failed sump pump, a roof or window leak, or flooding.
| Source | What it means | What it changes |
|---|---|---|
| Supply pipe or appliance | Clean water, usually fast-acting | Plumbing repair and drying |
| Drain or sewer backup | Contaminated water; sanitation needed | Stronger cleanup and disinfection |
| Sump or groundwater | Water rising through the floor or walls | Drainage and waterproofing review |
| Roof or window | Water through the building envelope | Roof or window repair plus drying |
| Flood or overland water | Mixed water, often with debris | Full assessment and structural check |
Decision 3
Drying and moisture mapping
Drying is measured, not guessed. We map moisture across walls, floors and subfloors, set up air movers and dehumidifiers, and check readings daily until the materials are back to normal.
| Stage | What happens | What we track |
|---|---|---|
| Moisture mapping | Readings across walls, floors and framing | Where the water went |
| Extraction | Standing water removed first | Time from loss to extraction |
| Drying equipment | Air movers and dehumidifiers placed for airflow | Daily readings until dry |
| Drying log | Every reading recorded | Proof for your insurer |
Decision 4
What can be dried and what must come out
Some materials can be saved by drying. Others can not, and keeping them only hides mould and rot. The decision is made material by material, with readings.
| Material | Usually | When it must go |
|---|---|---|
| Hardwood and laminate | Sometimes dried, often replaced | Cupping, delamination or long soaking |
| Drywall | Cut out above the water line when wicked | Soft, crumbling or long-soaked board |
| Insulation | Usually removed | Any soaking, because it holds water |
| Subfloor and framing | Dried when sound | Soft wood or staining that will not dry |
| Carpet and underlay | Usually removed | Any contaminated or long-wet carpet |
Decision 5
Insurance and documentation
Most water claims are won or lost on documentation. Keep the photos, the drying logs, the invoices and the list of damaged items, and talk to your insurer before cleanup starts.
| Document | Why | Who it helps |
|---|---|---|
| Photos and video before cleanup | Shows the damage as it was | Your claim |
| Daily moisture logs | Shows the drying process | Insurer and adjuster |
| Itemised list of damaged contents | Speeds up the claim | You and the adjuster |
| Invoices and scope of work | Shows what was done and why | Your claim |
Decision 6
Preventing mould after water
Mould can start within a day or two on wet materials. Drying fast and keeping the area ventilated is the best prevention. If mould appears after drying, treat it as a separate job.
| Action | Why |
|---|---|
| Dry within 24 to 48 hours | Mould starts on damp materials quickly |
| Keep airflow and dehumidification running | Stops moisture returning to the surface |
| Check after drying | Confirms the structure is dry |
| Treat any mould properly | Covering it only hides the problem |
Decision 7
Repair and rebuild
Once the structure is dry, repairs go in order: framing and sheathing, insulation, drywall, flooring, paint, then trim and fixtures. Each step waits for the one before it to be dry and inspected.
| Order | What goes in | Why this order |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Structure | Framing, sheathing, subfloor | Must be sound and dry |
| 2. Insulation and barrier | Insulation, vapour barrier | Covered only when dry |
| 3. Drywall | Board, tape and finish | After insulation and inspection |
| 4. Flooring and paint | Finish floors, prime and paint | After walls are dry |
| 5. Trim and fixtures | Baseboards, doors, fixtures | Last, once everything is set |
Water damage in your city
Local water damage help
We work across the GTA. Choose your city for local detail on permits, housing stock and common causes.
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Water in the house right now?
Call us now. We will tell you what to do in the next hour and what to document for your insurer.
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How this works, decision by decision
Decision 8: Warning signs and timing
Water damage shows as stains, soft materials, odour and rising moisture. The sooner the water is removed and dried, the less is lost.
| Sign | Act by |
|---|---|
| Fresh water stain | Drying started the same day |
| Soft or swollen materials | Removed and dried |
| Musty smell | Moisture and mould checked |
Our pick: Start drying within the day. Water in a structure is the clock.
Decision 9: Permits and approvals
Water restoration is usually no permit. Structural repair and the rebuild after a major loss need a permit and inspection.
| Scope | Approval |
|---|---|
| Extraction and drying | Usually no permit |
| Structural repair | Engineering and permit |
| Rebuild of walls and floors | Permit depending on scope |
Our pick: Confirm the permit for any structural repair before the rebuild starts.