Water damage due to flooding, sewer back-ups, plumbing leaks, and major spills can occur at a home or commercial building at any time. Water-damaged materials, mechanical components, structural components, and interior furnishing can become a source of bacteria and fungi contamination if they aren’t managed appropriately. Exposure to these harmful contaminants can lead to health problems like environmental sensitivity, allergic responses, irritation, and even infection.
This is why it is so important to start remedial work after water damage as soon as possible. If you haven’t been a victim of water damage yet, you might not know how professionals carry out water damage restoration work. So we are going to provide an overview of the steps involved in it.
Water Damage Restoration
Several variables have to be considered by the restoration team when water damage occurs in a property. However, drying wet things as quickly as possible is the top priority as it helps in limiting damages. Bacteria (microbials) are found in both indoor and outdoor environment and when moisture is present, they will grow. It is, therefore, important to remediate water damage before they can grow. During the water damage remediation process, one of the most important things to consider is the ‘water quality’.
Water Quality
Generally, water quality is divided into three categories – clean water, grey water, and black or unsanitary water.
Clean Water
The category 1 water damage is from sanitary and clean sources like toilet tanks, water lines, faucets, and drinking fountains. Although clean, this water comes with risks. If the cleaned water isn’t cleared and dried quickly, it can degrade into relatively more harmful category 2 water damage.
Grey Water
The category 2 water damage is from sources that contain contaminants that could cause discomfort or illness if ingested. Common sources that can cause this kind of damage include washing machines, dishwashers, and toilet overflow with urine.
Unsanitary or Black Water
The category 3 water damage is from sources that contain dangerously unsanitary contaminants. Black water can cause serious illnesses and even death if ingested. This type of water damage can result from flooding, sewer backups, and toilet overflow with feces.
Water Damage Restoration Process
A water damage restoration process consists of the following steps:
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Evaluation of Safety Aspects
Before water damage restoration professionals enter the water-damaged area, they will evaluate the safety aspects like structural integrity, the potential for electric shock, exposure to toxic gases, and gas leaks. If the building has been exposed to category 2 or category 3 water damage, restoration professionals will equip themselves with personal protective equipment.
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Isolating the Damaged Area
The water damage restoration professionals will isolate the damaged area by placing warning signs and barriers. This is done to ensure that intruders don’t find their way into the building while the professionals are doing their job.
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Locating the Source of Water Damage
The next step is to identify the source of water damage and repair or eliminate it to prevent further damage.
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Moving Furnishings and Equipment
Water damage restoration experts will move furnishings and equipment (if required) to protect them against further damage. They will also seal exhaust systems and air-handling units.
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Removing Standing Water
All standing water will be first removed thoroughly by absorption or extraction using wet-vacuums, pumps, etc.
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Drying Damaged Materials
After the standing water has been removed, the wet, damaged materials will be dried by using heaters, fans, and dehumidifiers. Windows will be opened if outdoor conditions can assist in the process of drying. Air movers will also be used during the restoration work. They are effective at removing the moisture from hard-to-reach areas like below carpets and behind walls. Unpleasant odors will be removed using air scrubbers, fogging machines or hydroxyl filters.
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Remediate Components
After the moisture has been removed and everything has been properly dried, the water damage restoration professionals will proceed with restoring the damaged components. Minor repairs like replacing drywalls as well as major repairs like reconstruction will be completed.
Final Thoughts
You know now how professional water damage restoration works. Can you imagine doing everything that the professionals do on your own? Obviously not. Call Square One any time your home suffers from water damage. We understand that a rapid response to limit water damage and cleaning, drying, and removal of wet and contaminated material is critical to minimize the opportunity for microbial growth. This is why we offer 24/7 emergency service and will arrive at your doorstep as soon as possible to start the restoration work. The experts from our professional restoration company will bring your building back to its original condition.