How DrySpan helped

Story 1: A burst pipe in an apartment (acted fast, avoided extra damage)

A renter noticed water spreading near the kitchen ceiling after hearing a strange hissing noise. They shut off the water at the nearest valve, but the floor was already getting wet and the ceiling stain was growing.

They focused on safety first: they didn’t step into any standing water, and they kept others out of the area near the leak. Then they started drying what they could from the outside and called for help for the water damage.

Using DrySpan, they entered what happened and their city/ZIP. DrySpan is a free matching service, not a restoration contractor, so they were connected with local, network pros who could inspect and begin work. After the initial visit, they learned what “water extraction” means—pumping and vacuuming out standing water quickly so it doesn’t keep spreading into materials.

Their plan was straightforward: confirm the source, remove the standing water, and start “structural drying,” which means pulling moisture out of walls and floors using air movers and dehumidifiers. The renter asked for a written plan and an explanation in plain language. They also reviewed their insurance next steps, since coverage and rules vary by policy and state.