What extraction is and is not
Extraction removes liquid water. It does not dry the building. Evaporation and dehumidification handle the moisture left in materials, which is why extraction is followed by structural drying. Extraction done well removes most of the water in the first hours and shortens the drying time.
The numbers are bigger than people expect. One inch of water over 1,000 square feet of floor is about 620 gallons, and a house with an inch of water through most rooms holds thousands. A wet vac from the garage will not keep up.
Equipment you should expect
| Tool | Used for |
|---|---|
| Submersible pump | Deep standing water in basements, garages and flooded first floors |
| Truck-mounted extractor | High-volume suction from carpet and large areas, with the machine running outside |
| Portable extractor | Rooms and stairs where a truck hose cannot reach |
| Weighted and wand tools | Pulling water out of carpet and pad, and from hard floors |
| Floor mats and drying tools | Pulling water out of hardwood and subfloor after surface water is gone |
Sequence of an extraction job
- Safety firstPower is shut off to the area and electrical hazards are checked before anyone enters standing water.
- Bulk water outPumps lower the water, then extractors take over from the surface.
- Soaked materialsCarpet is lifted and pad is extracted or removed. See carpet water extraction.
- VerifyA moisture meter confirms where water remains so drying equipment can be placed correctly.
If water is moving now, the safety steps are on the emergency water removal page. For the full process from pump to repair, see water damage restoration in Garland, TX.
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Describe what happened and your ZIP code. You will be connected with an independent provider.
Frequently asked questions
How long does water extraction take?
Standing water in a single room often comes out in a few hours. Multi-room jobs, deep water and Category 3 losses take longer. The provider should tell you how much water remains after each pass.
Can I rent a pump and do it myself?
You can pump clean water from a basement, but pumping is only the first step. Moisture left in walls and floors needs measured drying, and contaminated water needs protective equipment and proper disposal.
Does extraction remove all the moisture?
No. It removes liquid water. Moisture absorbed in drywall, framing and subfloors needs air movers and dehumidifiers to finish the job.
What if the water is dirty?
Treat it as Category 3 until proven otherwise. Stay out, keep children and pets away and call before touching anything, because sewage and floodwater need containment and disinfecting.