In May 2025, a family in Glendale Estates woke up to a flooded basement from a broken HVAC line. The homeowners decided not to call for help because it was just "a little water." Before they called, mold was starting to cover visible drywall and spread behind finished walls.
Rainbow Restoration of Des Moines came to their home within hours, did a complete inspection with thermal imaging and moisture meter processes, removed over 500 gallons of water, set powerful air movers and dehumidifiers, completed structural dry-out and mold remediation, and made sure to document everything for insurance purposes.
Their prompt and certified response avoided further water damage and ultimately allowed the family to move back in one week, while also avoiding complications with insurance. That day, the family learned what it means to call a water damage restoration company in Des Moines.
What Are Common Water Damage Myths Homeowners Often Believe
It's easy for homeowners to miscalculate the effects of water damage. We fall for myths and misconceptions, which can lead to costly mistakes. From thinking that bleach kills mold to believing that insurance covers everything, here are some top myths:
1. Myth: “Water damage is not an emergency; just open the windows and let it dry over time.”
Reality: Mold can start growing in 24–48 hours from standing water and trapped moisture, and you will see damage to structural components such as wood framing and drywall begin to occur. Attempting to air-dry with common household fans does little to remediate moisture trapped in wall cavities and subfloors.
2. Myth: “If it's a small leak, I don't need pros.”
Reality: All leaks, small or large, redistribute moisture via vapor transfer through all building materials, including studs and insulation, often creating layers of saturation that may mask deeper moisture and delay mold, rot, and possibly structural damage. Professionals have moisture meters and thermal imaging to trace wet paths and resolve these issues before they become major repair jobs.
3. Myth: “Bleach cleans and restores everything, including mold.”
Reality: Bleach may remove surface mold, but porous structures (like wood and drywall) allow mold to root deep within the materials, where bleach cannot penetrate. Mold remediation in Des Moines begins with structural drying, safe removal of contaminated materials, air filtration, and focused cleaning. It is not a simple surface mold scrubbing job.
4. Myth: “Insurance will cover all water-related damage.”
Reality: Insurance will typically cover sudden, accidental, and catastrophic water events, like a burst pipe. Insurance generally does not cover gradual or slow leaks or any maintenance-neglected water events. A certified provider like Rainbow Restoration of Des Moines can create a documented timeline of the event and properly categorize the water damage to support an insurance claim for legitimate coverage based on its residential water damage services in Des Moines.
5. Myth: “Once the visible water is gone, the job is done.”
Reality: Water extraction is only the first phase of the drying process. Restoration to an acceptable standard goes further than simply drying; it also involves odor removal, sanitizing, drying deep structural components, and, in some cases, reconstruction. Just because something appears dry, do not assume it is safe. Moisture tests should be conducted to ensure the area is below a 15% moisture content; failing to do so could lead to costly mold issues.
6. Myth: “All water is the same, it’s only a matter of pumping out and drying off.”
Reality: Not all water is the same. Water is classified into 3 categories of damage level: Category 1 (clean water) to Category 3 (black/sewage water). Contaminated or flood water requires PPE, biohazard protocols, and repair procedures that are much more than just pumping and drying.
Also Read: Who To Call for Water Damage: Here’s What To Do Next
7. Myth: “DIY drying with fans is sufficient.”
Reality: Regular fans and small dehumidifiers cannot remove moisture from all building elements. Professionals employ commercial-grade air movers, low-grain dehumidifiers, and moisture mapping to dry all areas, including wall cavities, flooring, and structural components, to meet industry standards.
8. Myth: “I can clean up the water damage on my own; it’s cheaper.”
Reality: Your DIY cleanup is likely to cost you more in the long term. You risk incomplete drying, structural repairs, and discovering mold later, plus possible insurance denial due to incomplete restoration. By hiring a certified firm, you receive services that meet IICRC standards and avoid secondary damage. This investment is often more cost-effective in the end.
9. Myth: “My contents and electronics are fine.”
Reality: Moisture affects everything from electronics to wood furniture, papers, and clothing. You may not notice until humidity causes corrosion to electronics, warping of wood, and decay of papers. Professional teams can inventory, dry clean, freeze-dry, and restore items safely.
10. Myth: “Any contractor in town can do this kind of work.”
Reality: Most general contractors handling smaller restoration jobs are NOT certified in commercial water damage restoration in Des Moines. They may lack the training to classify damage properly and are unlikely to understand psychrometry or microbial remediation. Rainbow Restoration of Des Moines is 100% IICRC-certified and follows ANSI/IICRC S500 standards, ensuring accurate assessment, remediation, and reconstruction.
The impact of misunderstanding any of these myths could mean incomplete restoration, hidden mold, increased repair costs, health risks, and problems with insurance. The structural integrity of your home and the well-being of your family could depend on who you call and how quickly you act.
Call Rainbow Restoration of Des Moines to Keep Water Damage in Check
Taking a proactive and professional approach is the best way to overcome water damage. The best outcomes involve a fast response, thorough dry-out, mold prevention, insurance support, and a full restoration process that eliminates continued damage and addresses safety.
Understanding these ten myths empowers homeowners in Des Moines to make smart decisions and protect their investments.
Rainbow Restoration® of Des Moines is the local leader for residential water damage restoration in Des Moines and represents the organization’s premier brand offering nationally with Neighborly’s Done Right Promise®.
Family-owned for over 30 years, the company is fully licensed, insured, and certified, including WRT, ASD, AMRT, SRT, and OCT to provide the best restoration and recovery service in the region.
If you have water damage, whether it's damaged floor coverings from a leak, a basement taking on water, or flooding from a severe storm, respond quickly. Don't hesitate to call us today or stop by our Des Moines office for a no-cost inspection.
Our certified professionals can help restore your home to a fully usable, safe environment, with dignity and respect. We’re not just there to clean up damage, but restore your comfort and rebuild trust.
