Important Guide for Water Damage Restoration
Water is known to silently enter a property via innumerable pathways. No matter how excess moisture seeps into a structure, immediate water damage cleanup is necessary. Water damage can spread rapidly if not stopped promptly, and the resulting structural ruin can be an expensive repair.
How does water enter a property?
A sump pump that fails during torrential downpours allows floodwaters to gain entry into the building. Burst pipes are a common occurrence and lead to widespread water damage. Leaky appliances, from dishwashers to water heaters, are also a source of interior water damage.
Ordinary events like these make water damage pervasive in the United States. According to insurance industry data, 14,000 instances of water damage emergencies occur each day in residential homes and commercial businesses. Whatever the cause, a water damage cleanup & restoration pro is necessary.
Hidden water damage is likely to go unnoticed by a property owner. Telltale signs that reveal concealed water damage include peeling paint or wallpaper, a visible mold infestation, damp and musty smells, an accumulation of condensation and dampness along the floors or carpeting.
What are the categories of water damage?
Certain classifications of water damage are more dangerous than others and must be handled by professional water damage restoration experts. Three categories of water damage exist; as each level of contamination increases, the more toxic the water damage will be to humans.
- Category 1 water damage is known as fresh water and is fit for human consumption. Sources of clean water include sprinklers, rainwater, and ruptured supply lines. This classification of water damage poses no threat to people if they digest or are otherwise exposed to the water.
- Category 2 water damage is known as gray water. Containing a moderate level of pollutants and unsafe levels of micro-organisms, like detergents or diluted urine. Category 2 water has the potential to cause sickness when people come into contact with or consume the water.
- Category 3 water damage is known as black water and is highly contaminated. Raw sewage is a common component of black water, tainting it with harmful pathogenic and toxic agents. Pesticides and other chemicals are also found in black water, making this water deadly to humans.
How do property owners handle water damage?
- Shut off the water source: Upon encountering a property flooded with Category 1, 2 or 3 water, the first step a building owner must take is to shut off the water supply. If turning off the water source cannot be done from inside, shut off the water via the water shut off valve.
- Consult the Professionals: Water damage of any category is a serious issue and requires swift action to limit structural damage. Property owners are advised to consult a water damage restoration service as soon as the water source is turned off. Inform the insurance company of the water damage.
- Choose a Water Damage Restoration Company: Be aware that property owners may choose which water damage restoration company they prefer to work with. The insurance company may suggest water damage restoration services, but these recommended companies work for the insurance company rather than the home or business owner.
- Pinpoint the Cause: Property owners are also advised to pinpoint the cause of the water damage and repair it to prevent a re-occurrence. If the building is old, for instance, replacing the plumbing system is a practical action. Wherever water damage is likely to occur, inspect those spots regularly.
How do water damage pros operate?
Reputable water damage restoration companies dispatch crews soon after an emergency call. Technicians utilize high-powered equipment to repair the water damage within a matter of a few days. Three primary machinery are used to extract excess moisture from the water-logged premises.
Drying devices, like air movers, promote rapid drying by moving vast amounts of air within the water damaged property. Commercial dehumidifiers reduce mold growth by suctioning out excess moisture from the air. Air scrubbers remove odor-causing particles from the air in a water damaged space.
Once the affected environment is thoroughly dry, the water damage restoration technicians use moisture meters to detect any lingering dampness. Rather than destructive moisture testing methods, thermal imaging cameras are used to reveal the presence of moisture in hidden areas.
Repairs are the final step in a water damage restoration project:
- Damaged drywall is removed.
- The wooden floors undergo repairs.
- A carpet drenched in Category 1 water may be cleaned.
- Mold colonies are removed.
- Unpleasant odors that result from the damage are also eliminated.
What are water damage prevention methods?
While water damage is common, property owners can resort to a series of prevention tips to keep destruction at bay:
- Regularly inspect and maintain the property to deter water damage.
- Pay attention to watermarks along the walls, which are indicative of a water problem.
- Test the sump pump periodically to ensure it works and in preparation for unanticipated downpours.
- Direct the property’s downspouts away from the building.
- Regrade the lawn if it slopes toward the property.
- Replace faulty roof shingles right away and apply sealants to holes.
Water damage of any classification is likely to disrupt daily life. Get back to your daily routine fast by calling a reputable water damage restoration professional. A dependable water damage restoration company will return your damaged property to its pre-loss condition quickly.
Whether the water damage takes the form of standing water, floodwaters, or destructive leaks, water damage professionals have the equipment and skilled manpower to tackle the issue. Their crews use advanced equipment to safely dry areas affected by any category of water damage.
Consult a water damage cleanup professional as soon as you notice the first signs of water damage. Promptly calling in a professional team limits the spread of water damage, mold growth, and the resulting structural rot that makes inhabiting the building a safety hazard.