Many people don’t invest in health checks for their plumbing systems, and they only contact a plumber when something goes wrong. This is a flawed strategy; when water is released into a home or business, it can cause a lot of damage that’s expensive to fix. When water damage does occur, it’s time to contact a water damage restoration expert to dry the areas professionally. In this article, we will explain what water damage restoration entails and what you can expect from a water damage restoration service.
What is Water Damage Restoration?
As the name implies, water damage restoration is a course of action that will deal with the aftermath of a water related emergency that has caused damage. The initial stages of mitigation and remediation include water extraction, cleanup, sanitization, and structural drying with specialized equipment. When the situation is under control, attention is directed toward the long-term effects of the water damage. Repairs and restoration are carried out to restore the property to the same condition before the water damage occurred.
When is Water Damage Restoration Required?
There are a number of possible causes of water damage and more extensive flooding that require these specialized services. A simple burst pipe can release a large volume of water if there is no one at home to shut off the water supply. A storm can flood a basement quickly, and the water will be polluted with a variety of contaminants. There are specific protocols to follow when contaminated water is present to safeguard the health of plumbers, restoration technicians, and people living in the property.
How Do I Know if a Water Restoration Service is Overkill?
If the source of the problem is a leaky pipe or faucet with a small volume of released water, it’s likely that you can fix the problem with minimal DIY skills. But, it’s natural to think that contacting a water restoration specialist is an overreaction. As a rule of thumb, you should always contact this type of service if you have 1” or more standing water anywhere in your home. If category three flood water damage has occurred, it’s time to contact a professional. Any obvious signs of water damage, such as warped floors, crumbling drywall, and buckling ceilings, are a sure sign that extensive water damage has occurred. If the water damage is more than 24 hours old or the electrical wiring is compromised, it’s time to call a professional.
What Does the Water Restoration Company Do?
A water damage restoration company has certified technicians and specialized equipment to deal with water damage. A team will follow a well established course of action to assess the damage and begin the restoration process early. Fast action is essential to limit the spread of water damage that can even cause structural problems. The focus of the initial mitigation phase is to halt the flow of water and to extract as much water from the area as possible. This creates a safe environment for the next stage, which is the removal of non-salvageable materials and the setting up of drying equipment. The air is purified, areas are sanitized, and any mold growth is removed. The final phase is restoration; buckled floors and bulging drywall is removed and replaced. Any contents that could be salvaged are cleaned and restored to their pre-existing state at this time.
If your home has been flooded, contact your local certified plumber and ask about water damage restoration services.
