Water Damage Restoration

Quick Summary

Water damage restoration is the time-sensitive process of restoring your home after water damage emergencies. Get connected to your area's local water damage and restoration experts right now.

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Water Damage Restoration – Water Removal, Cleanup and Repairs

Water damage restoration can return your home to how it was before the water damage occurred.  Water restoration is a specialized service that removes water from your home and restores it to a livable, pre-damaged condition.

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While it’s understandable to feel panicked when your home has flood damage or another water intrusion, it’s also important to realize you need to act as quickly as possible. The longer you wait, the more extensive the damage will get—and the longer the water cleanup will take.

Water can cause more than structural damage to your home. It can also present a serious health hazard. Standing water doesn’t take long to breed mold and bacteria, pathogens that can cause severe respiratory illnesses and other problems.

Removal & Cleanup

Removing this water can be extremely challenging, and this job should be left to a professional. Water damage repair is much more than just vacuuming the water you can see. You have a lot of porous materials throughout your home that can quickly absorb excess moisture.

It can quickly get deep into drywall and other materials. If it absorbs too deeply, that could threaten the structural integrity of your home. That’s why fast action is so critical. It could mean the difference between being able to keep insulation, drywall, insulation, and carpeting or these components becoming damaged beyond repair.

Restoring a home after emergency water damage must happen quickly. Standing water and moisture create a perfect environment for bacteria and mold growth. Exposure to a water-damaged environment can result in allergic reactions, illness, and other adverse health effects.

Cleanup can be a challenging task. The level of restoration required depends on the class and category of water destruction that occurred and can range from simple vacuuming and drying to complete reconstruction projects.

Restoration vs. Mitigation

Restoration and mitigation refer to two services provided after an incident occurs. While water mitigation focuses on prevention, water restoration deals with damage.

Mitigation services are used to prevent further water damage from occurring in the first place. Water mitigation companies focus on removing your belongings from the water source and preventing future damage.

Restoration is performed after the damage has already occurred and is usually an emergency service. During this phase, specialists repair or replace destroyed materials and return the home to its former state.

When to Call a Professional for Help

You’ll know quickly whether your water damage cleanup is a job you can tackle alone or need a professional.

If you have any doubt whatsoever or have any reason to feel that trying to do this kind of job yourself will be dangerous, contact an expert immediately.

Calling a professional to repair your home can help put your mind at ease because you’ll know the job will be done right. As a result, you’ll be able to get back to normal much faster.

But choosing the right professional will take a little research. Your best bet will be to find a water damage cleanup professional certified by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC). This is a regulatory organization that establishes standards for water damage removal.

IICRC-certified experts will be able to provide services that are thorough and effective. They follow the best industry practices and keep current on the latest technology and techniques. Whether you’re dealing with water damage due to a sewage backup, flood, mold accumulation, storm, or fire, an IICRC-certified expert will be your best choice.

Once you find a company you’re comfortable with, you’ll want to ask a few questions before they get to work. Here are just a few examples:

  • What is your process of restoration?
  • How long will it take you to start work?
  • Can I stay home while you’re working, or will I need to relocate?
  • Will you work with my insurance company, or do I need to handle the claim independently?

If you need any help finding a water damage restoration company you can trust, contact us online, or give us a call at (877) 583-5337.

What to Expect During the Water Damage Repair Process

After a water damage event such as a burst pipe, leaking water heater, or flooding, it is critical to respond quickly and start the reclamation as soon as possible.

Water damage restoration is a five-step process that starts with an inspection and ends with restoring your home to its previous state. Every step of the process serves an important purpose, ensuring that all water and contaminants are properly identified and removed.

Whatever the cause, fixing it typically entails a five-step process: inspection and assessment, water removal, drying and dehumidification, cleaning and sanitizing, and finally, restoration and repair.

Water Damage Restoration Service Process in Detail

Step 1: Inspection and Assessment

Professionals will come to your home for a detailed assessment. They’ll use advanced equipment, such as hygrometers and moisture detectors, to get an idea of how much water damage repair work will need to be done. These experts will pinpoint the location of the issue and then classify it.

There are four levels of home water damage, ranging from Class 1 to Class 4.

  • Class 1 damage is relatively minor, while Class 4 damage is extensive.
  • Class 4 damage is referred to as “bound water.” Water has absorbed so deeply into ceiling sheetrock and flooring that it can only be removed using advanced techniques and equipment.

Restoration companies perform a thorough damage assessment of the damage location. During this inspection, a specialist will assess and classify the damage.

Water restoration experts will check the porousness of the materials in the impacted area to determine how much water absorption has occurred. Moisture detectors, including hygrometers and moisture scourers, will measure the level of damage and estimate the amount of work required. Based on the findings, they will rate the damage from Class 1 to 4.

After an inspection, the company will tell you the approximate time and costs required to restore your home and payment options.

Water damage inspectors will also pinpoint the water source to ensure the water has stopped and identify the water’s contamination level. The inspector will also check to see that the water intrusion has stopped and will check to see how badly the water in your home has been contaminated.

There are three water contamination categories: 1, 2, and 3.

Categories of Water Damage

  • Category 1 – Clean water comes from a sanitary source and poses no significant health risk.
  • Category 2 – Gray water poses a substantial risk for sickness if consumed or even touched because it is significantly contaminated. This often includes toilet bowl overflows, dishwasher discharge, water from washing machines, and more.
  • Category 3 –  Black water is a grossly contaminated type containing many dangerous pathogens and biohazards. Seawater intrusion, toilet backflows, and water from rivers and streams are a few examples. Black water can lead to severe illness and infection.

While most homes require water mitigation, removal, and restoration services, that’s not always the case. For example, a small, temporary leak mitigated within 24-48 hours may not require complete restoration services, as mold isn’t likely to grow within that timeframe.

Step 2: Water Removal

The next step in the process is to remove standing water via extraction. Standing water can continue to cause problems for your home, causing further deterioration, so it must be removed as quickly as possible. Water extraction is especially important when dealing with a flooded basement, as standing water in the basement leads to severe mildew and mold growth.

During Step 2, water is removed from the home and belongings. Water removal and extraction often occur between or alongside mitigation and restoration services.

Companies use extractors to remove water during the extraction process. These high-powered pumps and vacuums are designed to quickly absorb all standing and surface water from your home.

Several different types of extractors may be used to remove water, including:

  • Submersible pumps
  • Truck-mounted vacuums
  • Portable wet/dry vacuums

After the standing water is extracted, additional inspections may occur to determine the remaining moisture levels and identify whether the carpeting or hardwood floors need removal.

Step 3: Drying and Dehumidifying

Companies begin dehumidifying and drying after the water is physically extracted from the home. Industrial-quality air movers and dehumidifiers dry out materials that still contain water or are too challenging to access during extraction.

Your home may look dry at this stage, but some materials can be wet. If left alone, these materials may suffer more problems, such as warping, breaking, or growing mold. Contractors prevent this by completely drying and dehumidifying the impacted area.

Throughout this stage, water remediation specialists monitor moisture levels in the walls and floors of the affected areas to determine when your home is dry so that professional cleaning can begin.

Step 4: Cleaning and Sanitizing

All home restoration projects require thorough, professional water damage and restoration cleaning. At the same time, companies work to preserve as much of your personal property as possible.

Cleaning should always be performed by experts trained in the safety and sanitization requirements of water-damaged homes.

Cleaning may take many forms, including:

  • Spray and wipe cleaning
  • Dry cleaning
  • Wet cleaning

Professionals may also use foam, abrasive, or immersion cleaning techniques to ensure every item is cleaned as thoroughly as possible. This step may also involve mold remediation as necessary.

Experts have specialized personal protective equipment (PPE) for cleaning potentially hazardous materials, including N-96 respirators, protective gloves, and waterproof clothing.

At this stage, specialists also dispose of any contaminated materials removed during the cleaning phase.

Step 5: Complete Restoration

The final step of the process is the actual restoration. During this process, specialists return your home to the state before the disturbance occurred. Any permanently damaged or removed materials will now be fixed or replaced. Projects may be simple or extensive, depending on the permanent damage that occurred.

Restoration can sometimes require simple repairs, such as drywall or carpet cleaning. In others, the work is extensive and requires the complete reconstruction of parts of your home.

DIY Water Damage Restoration & Cleanup Tips

If you only have a limited amount of water, there is a chance you could clean it up yourself using just a bucket and a mop. But if you have four or five inches of water, you’ll need a wet/dry shop vacuum. You’ll likely need a pump if you have a burst basement pipe.

Once you remove the water, you should take other steps to ensure you don’t experience structural damage or mold growth. Here’s a quick look at what you’ll need to do.

  • Dry the area completely. Open all doors and windows to help air circulate through the affected area. Fresh air will help lower indoor humidity and help any remaining water evaporate faster. You should also have plenty of fans and dehumidifiers to help dry the area as quickly as possible.
  • Sanitize as thoroughly as you can. After you’ve dried the area, it will be time to disinfect and clean it. Use hot water, dish, or laundry soap to loosen any accumulated grime or dirt. Then, using a combination of 1 gallon of water per 1 gallon of bleach, disinfect the area as well to kill any pathogens that may be growing. Let the mixture sit for about 30 minutes, then mop it up.
  • Take out any materials that have been damaged. This will be the most involved step of DIY. If there was a substantial amount of water, or if it has been standing for more than 48 hours, you may have to remove subflooring, carpeting, and upholstery.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Stay in My House During the Restoration Process?

Reputable companies will work with homeowners and occupants to ensure they are informed throughout the process. They will also advise whether it’s safe to stay in the home during the process or if alternate living arrangements are recommended.

The stage and category of the damage will determine whether occupants will have to vacate their residence during the cleanup.

How Long Does Water Restoration Take?

It typically takes between 72 hours and two weeks to complete.

What are Common Reasons for Needing Water Damage Repair?

There are many different ways you can experience a water damage emergency.

You could need water damage repair for one of several reasons. A cold snap may have resulted in burst pipes, your old hot water heater might have developed a leak, or your HVAC system may be leaking. Recent storms, including natural disasters like hurricanes and tornadoes, could have led to extensive flooding. Even for the most prepared, basement flooding can also happen due to the failure of a sump pump.

What is IIRCR Standard Certification?

The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification (IICRC) is a regulatory body that sets the standards for adequately restoring water-damaged properties to their previous state.

IICRC-certified experts will be able to provide services that are thorough and effective. They follow the best industry practices and keep up to date on the latest technology and techniques. Whether you’re dealing with water damage due to a sewage backup, a flood, mold accumulation, a storm, or a fire, an IICRC-certified expert will be your best choice.

Only certified members of this organization can guarantee your home restoration services are sufficient and thorough enough to keep your family safe. Hire trained specialists who follow industry standards to ensure your home is dry, clean, and safe.

IIRCR-certified technicians can help with:

Choosing a Water Restoration Professional Near You

Water damage repair is a complex and crucial process that must be completed correctly to ensure your home’s longevity and safety. Choosing the right professional can set your mind at ease.

First, look for an IICRC-certified professional. The IICRC has clear standards to ensure restoration work is completed safely and effectively, and certified experts follow these standards.

Once you have identified a potential company, ask them about their process, response time, and what’s expected of you as the homeowner or occupant during the process. Clear expectations will help you determine whether the team fits your needs well.

You may also want to find out whether the company has a claims process they can provide you. Some contractors will work directly with the homeowner’s insurance companies during the claims process, easing the homeowner’s burden.

We can connect you with a trusted restoration partner if you need water restoration services after a flood, fire, or another emergency.

Author:
Water Damage Advisor

The Water Damage Advisor content team is made up of multiple contributors, writers, and editors. We are your resource hub for anything related to water damage, mold and restoration needs that you may be challenged with facing.

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