Menu
The Basics of Water Damage Restoration
The Basics of Water Damage Restoration
4.9 RATING

The Basics of Water Damage Restoration

Water damage is a major concern for homeowners and businesses alike. It can happen for various reasons, including natural disasters like hurricanes, floods, broken pipes,…

Call Now - 404-900-3852

CALL US BEFORE CALLING YOUR INSURANCE COMPANY - Let us work directly with your insurance company to get your loss covered.

June 03, 2026
The Basics of Water Damage Restoration

Water damage is a major concern for homeowners and businesses alike. It can happen for various reasons, including natural disasters like hurricanes, floods, broken pipes, etc. When water damage occurs, it is important to act quickly to prevent further damage to the property and its contents. This is where Tidal Wave Response, a professional water damage restoration service, comes in. This article will discuss the basics of water damage restoration service and how Tidal Wave Response can help you get your property back to its pre-damage condition.

Types of Water Damage

Many things can cause water damage: broken pipes, flooding from severe storms, or even a burst water heater tank. Act quickly when you notice signs of a water leak or flood is essential so that you don’t lose more than just your belongings.

Uncontaminated Water Damage

This type of water is usually caused by an unattended leak or appliance malfunctioning. Uncontaminated water typically has little to no harmful bacteria and is easy to remove without causing further damage. The biggest concern with uncontaminated water is that it may leave behind stains if not cleaned promptly and thoroughly.

Leaks With Minor Contaminants

Leaks with minor contaminants usually involve small amounts of sewage or other contaminants mixed in with clean water sources such as sinks, toilets, and showers. These leaks require a more careful approach than uncontaminated leaks because they could contain dangerous pathogens that can make you sick if not cleaned up quickly and professionally.

Water With Dangerous Contaminants

If you have any reason to believe that your water damage is contaminated with dangerous substances such as sewage or chemicals, don’t try to clean it up yourself – even if it looks like an uncontaminated leak from an appliance or plumbing system! Call emergency services immediately so they can determine whether there’s any risk of infection for anyone who might come in contact with the substances.

Reviews

Cassandra Abdus-Salaam

Alpharetta, GA

Hi. I don’t know where to start. John and Tidal wave his company were and still are a blessing from my Lord. One morning in January of this year I went down stairs and stepped in a puddle of water it was flooded. I also passed out. This was the second one in less than a year. I stood there for a minute and just cried. All I could think of was my insurance company may not take care of it a second time even if it was for a different leak. The last claim they paid out $23,000 for…

John Ayer

Atlanta, GA

John Mayer, Principal of Tidal Wave Response, and his project management team, lead by Colin Galubinski, has completed the restoration of my home in record time. The work included, but was not limited to the following: 1) Professional water leak detection 2) Professional plumbing that removed the concrete slab and backfill material, found and repaired the PEX cold water pipe 3) Backfilled and placed concrete to finish grade 4) Packed the furniture to storage. Restored the furniture without incident nor damage. 5) Dehumidified and removed the damaged carpet and hardwoods. 6) Cleaned the concrete surface and installed the new hardwoods.…

Spenser Hewett

Brookhaven, GA

I have worked in sales and also have experience in launching my own business. It is rare that you find a company that genuinely has your best interest in mind. Not only was John helpful outside of his business’ expertise, but he sent Chris to do a *free* evaluation of our water damage. John and Chris were both genuine and personable. They cared about what our situation was and they weren’t looking to get any sort of “fee” for their time. These are the kind of people you trust to handle big, catastrophic water damage to. I have previously had…

James B

Chamblee, GA

While others might categorize John as a fast talker, but on the other hand. I saw a man that's passionate about his business and willing to help others elevate their present situation. In early December 2022, our laundry room floor and wall got water damaged due to leakage from the hotline pipe, and other rooms got impacted due to water spreading. So, I reached out to John and he assured me they'll do everything within their power to get our house done before Christmas day. Boy was he right! John and the tidalwave response team were professional, helpful and got…

Anne Berman

Cumming, GA

We did not plan to renovate our terrace level but when the hot water heater leaked and flooded the entire area, Tidal Wave was recommended to us by the plumber who installed the new hot water heater. John, the owner was at our house the same evening and mitigation started early the next morning. The crew professionally removed wet drywall, flooring, and baseboard. Fans and dehumidifiers ran for several days and then the fun began. With Colin's help we were able to choose updated flooring, repaint a color of our choice, and new trim was installed. Everything was completed professionally.…

Hunter smith

Decatur, GA

Wow incredible company! I had a water damage that destroyed my entire main level. John and his team are very quick and efficient. When I was looking on google, tidal wave response was the only water restoration company with a 5 star review. Highly recommended using tidal wave response!!

Meme Dupree

Doraville, GA

I had a flood in my downstairs living room. It was devastating. John with Tidal wave was very professional. He had his team show up immediately to get the job done. Great work Tidal Wave. I'm definitely going to refer you to others.

pam kunc

Duluth, GA

Thank Goodness !!! Johnny on the spot! We had a pipe ruptured in the ceiling and we were looking for a 5 Star Rated Water Restoration company . Johnny came out with a Thermal Camera and found the pipe spraying behind the wall. I wish I would have called him sooner . My wood floors were so damaged by the water, they all will need to be replaced. We highly recommended Johnny with Tidal Wave. Very knowledgeable and even helped us start a claim with our insurance ..

Randy Fann

Dunwoody, GA

Had a shaky start with this particular project but I must say the owner took charge and corrected all the remaining issues. I will say that this particular job was the absolute worst I have taken on in 45 yrs. My hat is off to Mike and his crew and Allan was superb in making sure everything was done correctly. Thank you for your follow-up on this project guys. And Allan thank you especially for your thoroughness in making sure it was completed correctly.

Kadeja Edwards

Johns Creek, GA

Unfortunately, my water heater was old, cracked, and leaking water onto the supported area in my garage. I needed to replace the water heater with a new one, but the plumber told me that in order to meet the city code, I would have to handle the water damage first. I called out tidal wave (who I’ve worked with before), and they came out the very next day to cut out the affected area and treat for mold. This is my second issue with water in my house and tidal wave has taken care of both issues. They are fast,…

Water Damage Restoration Steps

Water damage restoration is the cleaning and drying of a property that has been flooded by water. The damage caused by water can be extensive and may require a professional to restore your home or business to its previous condition.

A flood can cause significant damage, including structural damage, loss of personal belongings, and health problems. To prevent further damage from occurring during the cleanup process, it is important to hire a professional water damage restoration company as soon as possible after the flood.

  • Inspection

The first step in repairing water damage is an inspection by a restoration specialist. They will look at all areas affected by water damage to determine what needs to be done. They may also take pictures or videos of all affected areas so they can document everything before repairs begin.

  • Water Damage Removal

After determining what needs to be repaired, the next step is removing all water from the area. Depending on the damage, this may involve draining pipes and removing damaged drywall or flooring materials to allow for drying.

Reasons to Choose Tidal Wave

We Bill Your Insurance Directly

We Bill Your Insurance Directly

We Accept All Insurance Claims

We Accept All Insurance Claims

Licensed & Certified Technicians

Licensed & Certified Technicians

30 Minutes Response Time

30 Minutes Response Time

Locally & Family Owned

Locally & Family Owned

24/7 Emergency Service

24/7 Emergency Service

Never an Overtime Charge

Never an Overtime Charge

Dry the Area

Once all water has been removed from an area, it needs to be dried out, so mold growth does not occur during repairs. This step may take several days, depending on how much moisture was present at the time of discovery and how quickly it can be removed from walls, ceilings, and other surfaces.

  • Clean the Area

This step involves removing any standing water and cleaning up any mud or dirt brought into the structure by the flood waters. If standing water is left in your home or business after cleaning up, we will use industrial fans to dry out the area before beginning repairs.

  • Repair and Restoration

In this phase of the recovery process, we will repair any structural damage caused by flooding before restoring personal items damaged. This includes repairing walls and floors, replacing drywall where necessary, and repairing electrical systems if they were damaged during the flooding event.

Tidal Wave Response

In conclusion, water damage is a serious issue that requires prompt attention and professional restoration services. Tidal Wave Response is a trusted and experienced water damage restoration service that can help restore your property to its pre-damage condition. Our expertise and state-of-the-art equipment allow Tidal Wave Response to effectively remove water, dry the affected areas, and prevent mold growth. If you ever experience water damage, remember to act quickly and contact Tidal Wave Response for fast and efficient restoration services.

Our Services

From emergency water extraction to full property recovery, Tidal Wave Response provides the fast, expert care you need. Browse our complete suite of 24/7 restoration services below to see how we can help today.

Explore all services

Recent Posts

Jun 01, 2026

Why Standing Water Creates Health and Safety Risks

Why Standing Water Creates Health and Safety Risks Stagnant water is a result of many causes, often indicating an underlying problem that needs immediate attention. While a small puddle in the yard or the bathroom may not raise concerns at first, delaying water removal can exacerbate the problem. Research shows that nearly 5 million people globally die every year due to water-related diseases and safety risks. If you don’t want to be a statistic, Tidal Wave Response can help. We…