a water restoration Project Manager will be dispatched within minutes to assess your water damages
our specialized equipment and technicians will begin water remediation
your Project Manager will continue to work with you to ensure proper sanitization and that all expectations are met or exceeded.
When water enters your home, whether from a burst pipe, AC leak, nor’easter flooding, or a sump pump failure, every minute matters. Most homeowners don’t realize just how quickly water damage escalates behind walls, inside flooring, and underneath carpets. What starts as a “small puddle” can turn into a structural, electrical, or mold disaster in less than a day.
At New Method Restoration, we’ve seen hundreds of NJ homes where waiting even a few hours increased repair costs dramatically. This guide breaks down what really happens inside your home between 0 and 24 hours, and why fast, professional extraction is the difference between a simple fix and a multi-room reconstruction.
Water moves faster than you think — under baseboards, behind drywall, into insulation, and through flooring.
What happens:
Drywall begins absorbing water like a sponge
Wood framing starts swelling
Flooring (carpet, laminate, hardwood) becomes saturated
Water travels into unseen areas
Once moisture settles into porous materials, the real trouble starts.
What happens:
Wood floors begin to warp
Cabinets, vanities, and furniture absorb moisture
Wiring may be exposed to water
Odors begin developing
Even if surface water is wiped up, hidden moisture is still soaking silently into your home.
Many homeowners are shocked to learn that mold can begin forming in as little as 24 hours in moist environments.
What happens:
Mold spores activate behind walls
Insulation becomes damp and must be removed
Metal surfaces begin rusting
Electrical components become unsafe
This is when a simple water incident turns into a health hazard.
Water and electricity don’t mix, and waiting increases the risk of severe damage.
Common issues include:
Water entering outlets
Ceiling fixtures are filling with water
Light switches shorting
Breakers tripping from moisture
Even a tiny leak dripping through a ceiling can cause wiring to corrode or short.
This is where homeowners are often blindsided.
Most insurance policies have a clause requiring “reasonable and timely action” to mitigate water damage.
If you wait too long and the damage worsens, insurers may label it:
We’ve helped many homeowners navigate this, but acting fast gives you the best chance at full coverage.
Delaying cleanup turns a small problem into a costly, hazardous one.
But the good news?
Fast action can save your home.
New Method Restoration responds in 60–90 minutes, day or night.
Call Anytime: 888-898-1768
Visit: newmethodrestoration.com
Services: Emergency water removal, drying, mold prevention, and insurance assistance.
Your home. You're right. Your choice.
Choose the team that treats your property like it’s our own.
