Water damage is a disruptive and stressful issue that can impact your home or business. It can stem from a variety of sources, including floods, broken pipes, and leaky roofs. Timely action is crucial in preventing further damage and beginning the restoration process. This guide provides essential information on water damage restoration, including necessary steps, required materials, and potential professionals to contact. With the right knowledge and preparation, you can effectively restore your property and regain normalcy.
What is water damage restoration?
Water damage refers to harm inflicted on a property by water intrusion. This can range from water seeping into walls and flooring, to water causing harm to the inner workings of electrical devices. Water damage is widespread and can be caused by various sources, such as heavy rainfall from storms and hurricanes, as well as leaks in plumbing systems. Floods result from prolonged saturation of the ground with excessive water. A sewer line leak can stem from tree roots disrupting the line or due to wear and tear.
Steps to take immediately after water damage
Water damage can cause significant disruption to a home or business and it’s important to act quickly to prevent further damage and start the restoration process. Here are the immediate steps you should take after identifying a water leak.
- Shut off the water source. If there is flooding in your home, you should turn off the city water valve and not the main water source to keep the water pressure in your home strong enough for easy shutoff.
- Then, make sure the to turn off gas and electricity to ensure your safety. Once you have secured the safety of the environment, it is recommended to remove all valuables from the affected area and move them to a place with dry flooring or walls. Additionally, turning on the air conditioner or using an air purifier will help to lower the indoor temperature and reduce condensation that may form on items in your home.
- it is important to contact a water damage restoration company as soon as possible. This will help to ensure that the restoration process goes as smoothly as possible and can help to limit the amount of time spent assessing the damage.
Finally, contact a restoration company as soon as possible so they may limit the damage caused by the water.
What tools are used during water damage restoration?
Two key tools used during the water damage restoration process are dryers and dehumidifiers. These tools are used to help restore the property and limit further damage.
The first key tool is the dehumidifier. Dehumidifiers work by removing excess moisture from the air by using a fan to pull in humid air and pass it over a cold evaporator coil. The moisture in the air condenses on the coil and drips into a collection tray or drain. At the same time, the dry air is heated and released back into the room. This process continues until the desired level of humidity is reached.
Dehumidifiers come in various sizes and capacities, and some models have built-in humidistats to help control and maintain the desired level of humidity in a room. The use of dehumidifiers is crucial in water damage restoration as they help to reduce the humidity levels in the affected area, thus preventing further damage, such as mold growth and mildew, and improving the air quality in the room.
Another key tool used during the water damage restoration process is a dryer. Dryers are crucial in getting any wet materials or objects dry as soon as possible. This not only helps in preventing further damage but also prevents the growth of mold.
Other tools, such as bleach and disinfectants, are also used to kill mold and speed up the restoration process.
Step-by-step guide to water damage restoration
Water damage can vary and we’ll treat each project as it’s own unique situation. However, we follow a guide to help us restore your property to normal.
I. Assessment of damage – Inspection of the source of water damage, Assessment of the extent of the damage, Evaluation of the necessary restoration steps
II. Water extraction Removal of standing water, Use of specialized tools for water removal, Drying of affected areas
III. Drying and Dehumidification Use of air movers and dehumidifiers, Monitoring of the drying process, Adjustment of equipment as necessary
IV. Cleaning and Sanitizing Cleaning of affected surfaces, Use of disinfectants and biocides, Deodorization of the affected areas
V. Repair and Restoration Repair of water damage-related structural damage, Restoration of affected surfaces and materials, Replacing damaged flooring, drywall, and insulation
VI. Monitoring and Follow-Up Monitoring of the restoration progress, Follow-up on the drying process, Verification of the effectiveness of the restoration process
VII. Conclusion: The last step includes a final walk-through inspection with a handover to the property owner.
Common mistakes to avoid when restoring water damage
Below, we list some of the common mistakes we’ve encountered during our water restoration damage process.
- Do not use chemical bleach on items that have been exposed to water. Only use bleach when disinfecting items that have been exposed to water.
- Do not use abrasive sponges to clean items that have been exposed to water. Only use sponges that are designed for cleaning.
- Do not use fans to dry out items that have been exposed to water. The only way for items to dry out is for them to become fully dry.
- Do not attempt water damage restoration if there is a risk of further damage.
- Do not attempt to clean water damage on a windy day.
- Do not attempt to clean water damage on a rainy day. – Do not attempt to clean water damage if there is a risk of further damage to items.
Ways to prevent water damage in the future
To prevent water damage in your home, it is important to ensure proper maintenance and preventative measures. This includes checking for cracks or corrosion in pipes, fixing leaks in the roof or plumbing, ensuring that gutters are properly tiled and maintained to prevent overflowing, fixing any damaged or leaking pipes, and ensuring that your water source is not leaking. Additionally, installing a water sensor of the appropriate size will automatically turn off the water valve in case of a leak. Taking these steps will help to minimize the risk of water damage in your home and keep your property protected.