Mold can start growing soon after materials get wet. The EPA advises drying water-damaged areas and items within 24 to 48 hours to prevent mold growth. If drying can’t happen that fast, or mold has already appeared, a mold company can help.
What should I do in the first 24 to 48 hours?
- Make sure the area is safe. Turn off power to wet areas only if you can do it without standing in water.
- Stop the water source if you can.
- Remove standing water and move wet items to a dry area.
- Open windows if outdoor air is drier, and run fans and dehumidifiers.
- Take photos and call your insurance company to report the water damage.
- Throw out porous items that stay wet or smell musty, such as some carpet and ceiling tiles.
When does water damage need a mold company?
- Materials stayed wet for more than about two days.
- Water got inside walls, under floors or into insulation.
- The water came from sewage or floodwater.
- You see or smell mold after the water was cleaned up.
- The affected area is larger than about 10 square feet.
What is the difference between water damage restoration and mold removal?
| Service | Focus |
|---|---|
| Water damage restoration | Removing water and drying the building fast to prevent damage and mold. |
| Mold removal | Containing and removing mold growth that already started, then fixing the moisture cause. |
How do I check a mold company in Pennsylvania?
Most home improvement contractors in Pennsylvania must register with the Office of Attorney General. The rule applies to contractors who do $5,000 or more of home improvement work a year.
- The registration number appears as “PA” plus a number on contracts, estimates and ads.
- You can check a registration by calling the Attorney General at 1-888-520-6680.
- Registration is not an endorsement or a quality rating.
- Contracts must be in writing, with the price, start and finish dates, a description of the work and your cancellation rights.
Will insurance cover it?
It depends on your policy and the cause. Many policies limit or exclude mold, and some cover mold that results from a sudden covered water loss. Check the mold and water sections of your policy and ask your agent.
For problems with how an insurer handles a claim, contact the Pennsylvania Insurance Department at 1-877-881-6388.
How getting help works
SEPA Mold Removal is a free referral service, not a mold company. You describe the problem in the form, and independent local mold companies contact you to set up an inspection or a quote.
Questions to ask the company that comes out
- What is your Pennsylvania Home Improvement Contractor (HIC) registration number?
- Which mold certifications does your crew hold, such as IICRC AMRT or ACAC?
- Will I get a written scope covering containment, HEPA filtration and how the moisture source gets fixed?
- Is the inspection or testing done by an independent assessor, separate from the company doing the removal?
- How will you confirm the job is finished? Ask about post-remediation verification or clearance testing.
- Can you send a certificate of insurance and your warranty terms in writing?
Help by area
Local details by county: Bucks, Montgomery, Chester and Delaware. See all Pennsylvania areas.
Questions about mold after water damage
The EPA advises drying water-damaged areas within 24 to 48 hours to prevent mold growth.
The EPA says absorbent materials such as carpet and ceiling tiles may need to be thrown away if they become moldy.
It depends on the policy and cause. Some policies cover mold from a sudden covered water loss, while many limit mold coverage.
Usually not if mold is visible. Focus on drying, removal and fixing the water source.
Get matched with a local mold company
Tell us what you’re seeing and where. The service is free. Most property owners hear from a local mold company in 24 hours or less.
SEPA Mold Removal is a free referral service. Your request goes to independent local companies through a partner network. See our Privacy Policy.
Sources
- EPA: A Brief Guide to Mold, Moisture and Your Home
- EPA: Mold Cleanup in Your Home
- Pennsylvania Attorney General: Home Improvement Consumer Protection Act
- Pennsylvania Insurance Department: file a complaint
Last reviewed: October 2026