UPDATED: MAY 08, 2023 | 3 MIN READ
Water damage can devastate a home, and homeowners need to know how to handle it. The aftermath of flooding can cause mold growth, corrosion of metal, and deterioration of wood. The most common type of water damage is when water penetrates the exterior of a home or building. Rainwater, broken pipes, flooding, or a leaking washing machine can cause water damage.
First Steps
If you experience water damage in your home, stop water flow where possible. Whether turning off a faucet or disconnecting the hose from a running garden hose, try to stop the water flow as soon as possible. If this isn’t possible, you should shut off electricity and gas if there are any leaks near these sources.
Then remove standing water with a sponge or towel. Next, dry wet items with paper towels or cloths before moving them to another location. You should use a wet/dry vacuum cleaner to extract standing water from your property.
If there is a large amount of water, sometimes we need more assistance. Property owners may need to call in restoration professionals in cases of severe floods or in the aftermath of emergency services responding to fire damage.
Water Damage Mitigation Services
A variety of reasons cause water damage. Burst pipes or water main breaks are the most common results, but flooding, roof leaks, and power outages can cause water to leak from appliances.
Water mitigation services address water damage from these sources and more. Mitigation services are typically provided by restoration companies who offer various services, including drying out wet areas, water extraction, and removing damp and damaged materials.
Water mitigation services can be expensive if you wait too long to call for help. If you notice any water leak, contact a professional as soon as possible.
Water Damage Mitigation Steps
You take action to reduce the impact of water damage through water damage mitigation services.
The goal is to stop the spread of water and limit its effects as much as possible.
Water damage mitigation services can be classified into three types:
1. Preventive measures: Install gutters and downspouts, repair leaky pipes, and remove standing water from a flooded basement to prevent water from entering a building or structure in the first place.
2. Remediation measures: After a flood occurs, people dry out wet materials, remove standing water with a pump, use fans dry wet carpets and furnishings, or demolish structures with severe flood damage.
3. Decontamination: Humans or animals may cause illness if they come into contact with contaminated surfaces, so people clean them up and disinfect them with chemicals that kill bacteria and other microorganisms.
Water Damage Restoration Services
After the property is dried, a restoration company can complete water mitigation.
Restoration contractors specialize in restoring property after water damage and offer restoration services. Services include drying out wet carpets, walls, and other surfaces, removing mold and mildew growths, and restoring furniture or other items to a usable state.
Water damage restoration aims to get your property back to its pre-loss condition as quickly as possible. A combination of dehumidifiers, air movers, air scrubbers, and dryers removes moisture from the air. Powerful fans can dry the property’s surfaces once the water’s removed.
Mold Remediation Services
One final thing you should consider is mold remediation.
The first step in mold remediation is determining the problem’s extent. We identify all sources of water intrusion and moisture problems. Next, remove all wet materials, including carpets and drywall affected by water damage and any items harboring mold spores as the next step. Remove these items and thoroughly clean them before reintroducing them into the building.
What to Note When Choosing Water Damage Restoration Services
According to the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification (IICRC), there are three types of water damage: clean water damage, gray water damage, and black water damage.
Clean Water Damage
We usually call water damage category 1 clean water damage, and it typically comes from sewage- and toxin-free water. Broken water fixtures, such as faucets or water heaters, often cause clean water damage.
Gray Water Damage
An appliance like a sump pump or washing machine backing up and overflowing causes gray water damage or category 2 water damage. Soap, disinfectants, or other chemicals contaminate this water so it won’t be considered clean.
Black Water Damage
Some potential causes of category 3 water damage are sewage or wastewater lines overflowing. This can create a health risk, so it’s best to leave remediation to the experts.
Black water damage can be caused by many sources and is not always the result of flooding. It may be sewage, rising floodwater, seawater, river water, or contaminated groundwater. Black water damage can cause a host of health problems and must be addressed by a professional.
FAQs
How do you restore water damage?
The water damage restoration process is a complex one. It requires removing all water, moisture, and other affected areas. It’s important to note that this process should be done by professionals only, as it can be dangerous and cause further damage if not done correctly.
How can you tell if water damage is permanent?
The water damage will continue to spread if your home isn’t thoroughly dried out and cleaned after a burst pipe or flood damage. Long-term water damage can cause mold or mildew. Mold growth indicates an issue with moisture and ventilation in your home, which causes mold spores to grow. This means that the surface needs professional restoration services before further use.
What can be saved after water damage?
Water damage is one of the most common household disasters. In many cases, water damage can be repaired, and damaged items can be saved. Furniture and textiles can be preserved by thoroughly drying them out with air movers and dehumidifiers. Books that have been wet for a short period should be dried out in a cool, dry place with plenty of air circulation. Books that have been wet for an extended period or with mold or mildew should not be salvaged.
What is the meaning of water mitigation?
Water damage mitigation is the process of reducing the damage that water can cause. It can be done by limiting the damage on-site or repairing it. The mitigation process aims to reduce the damage caused by water. It can be done by limiting the damage or fixing it after the fact, which is called water mitigation techniques.
What is the difference between water mitigation and water restoration companies?
Water mitigation companies are responsible for preventing water damage and minimizing the damage. They use various techniques to deal with different types of water damage. Eliminating pooled water, desiccating humid spaces, utilizing air movers to dry out drenched structural components and possessions, and implementing provisional drywall to cover broken partitions while awaiting permanent reconstructions. Water restoration companies are responsible for restoring property after a disaster that has caused significant damage. They restore the property to its original condition.
What are the health hazards of water damage?
Water damage is a huge issue. It can happen to anyone and can be very hard to detect. It causes serious health hazards, so knowing what they are is essential. The most common health hazard of water damage is mold. Mold can cause respiratory problems, allergies, asthma, and other respiratory illnesses.
What are the benefits of water damage restoration?
Water damage is the most common disaster that can happen to a home. It can lead to costly repairs and even more expensive replacements. Water damage restoration has many benefits: preventing mold from growing, reducing the risk of structural issues, and keeping your home safe from health hazards.
What are the steps to mitigate water damage?
The first step is to stop the water from spreading by turning off the water source. Then you will want to clean up all the water and disinfect the area. You should also turn off any electrical equipment. The next step is to dry out the site, which can be done by using a dehumidifier or air conditioner. You should also open windows for ventilation. Depending on the damage, you should contact water mitigation services and a water damage restoration company.
What is the most important thing to do when water damage happens?
When water damage happens, the first thing to do is to shut off the water. It’s also important to dry out any excess water from the area. This can be done by using a towel or a wet vacuum cleaner. It’s essential to call a professional for help if you think that there may be structural damage or mold growth.
Why is water damage so destructive?
Water damage is destructive because it can cause mold and mildew to grow. Mold can cause health problems like asthma, allergies, and even cancer. It can also make the home uninhabitable. The water from natural disasters or flooding will seep into the walls of a building, damaging the drywall and insulation. This water will then soak into furniture and carpets. The moisture causes wood to rot, which can cause structural damage to the home.
What should you do if you have water damage?
Water damage is a severe problem, and it can happen to anyone. If you have water damage, you must act as quickly as possible. If the leak comes from a pipe, turn off the water supply before doing anything else. Put down towels or rags to remove water and prevent more damage from happening. If there is a lot of standing water, a wet vac is your best bet for getting rid of the water in your home.
How to Get Insurance that Covers Water Damage Mitigation and Restoration
Homeowners must be aware of two types of water damage: flood damage and types of water damage: flood damage and water seepage. Flooding typically happens when too much water enters the home at one time due to heavy rain or storm surges. At the same time, seepage occurs when there is not enough drainage around the foundation or foundation cracks. Both types of water damage can lead to mold growth, which can cause respiratory problems for people who are sensitive or allergic.
Review prices and companies by filling out our online request form. You can also be connected with a licensed home insurance agent to assist with any questions.
