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Fire & Water - Cleanup & Restoration

Water Damage Restoration: What You Need to Know

6/3/2020 (Permalink)

What Causes Water Damage?

Homeowners shouldn’t be exclusively on the alert for flash floods. There are many household problems that can cause water damage. Some destruction results from lack of proper maintenance. The most common causes of household water damage include:

  • Roof leaks
  • Foundation cracks
  • Clogged gutters
  • Defective appliances
  • Leaking and burst pipes
  • Backed-up drains
  • Overflowing sinks and toilets
  • Unsealed doors and windows

Visible water damage caused by a clogged sink or toilet, a leaky dishwasher, or an overflowing washing machine can be fairly quick and easy to repair. However, water damage caused by leaks in the attic or interior walls can often go undetected for years. Hidden leaks are much more likely to cause major structural damage that could cost thousands of dollars in repairs. They typically require professional water damage restoration services to get rid of rust stains, unwanted growth and foul odors that can remain in your home and create unsafe living conditions for you and your family. 

Assessing Water Damage

Depending on the severity and amount of damage to your home, restoration may include several different services. When assessing destruction, there are three categories:

  • Category One –This damage occurs from clean water that doesn’t pose health risks to humans. Possible causes may include leaking pipes, overflowing sinks, and damaged appliances.
  • Category Two – Gray water damage indicates possible contamination and could cause illness to humans. The contamination could be a result of broken or overflowing toilets or defective sump pumps.
  • Category Three – Blackwater damage is the most severe, and refers to unsanitary hazards like bacteria or organisms that cause illness or health problems for humans. Likely sources include contaminated standing water and sewage spills.

Water damage also falls into several classes to help determine the level of destruction to the home. 

  • Class One – This is the easiest type of cleanup because materials have not absorbed much liquid and damage is minimal.
  • Class Two – This class of cleanup is more difficult. Carpeting, upholstery and other soft surfaces have absorbed water and need to be thoroughly dried.
  • Class Three – Cleanup in this class often addresses large amounts of water that have drenched interior walls, furnishings, and materials.
  • Class Four – The extent of this damage usually always requires special restoration services due to structural compromises.

Why Should I Hire a Professional?

When your home has been damaged by water, restoration specialists can help you save cherished belongings and return your home to a safe, livable condition. Professional restoration companies like SERVPRO specialize in cleanup from water damage and have the experience and expertise to transform your home to pristine condition. SERVPRO professionals use high-tech equipment and proper cleanup procedures that provide fast and efficient results. 

Services include:

  • Assessment of water damage
  • Removal of furniture and interior items
  • Water removal/extraction
  • Drying and dehumidification
  • Cleaning and Sanitizing
  • Restoration

Water removal and extraction are essential to prevent dangerous unwanted growth and secondary damage. Restoration contractors have professional, commercial-grade equipment such as water-extraction pumps, moisture meters, fans, blowers and dehumidifiers that aren’t available to most homeowners. Truck-mounted vacuum systems provide powerful suction, quickly removing hundreds or even thousands of gallons of water from your property. If there’s standing water, technicians use powerful submersible pumps. Both types of equipment provide fast drying times, minimizing costly repairs and mitigating hazardous conditions.

After water removal, the floors, walls, ceilings, cabinets, furnishings and personal items will need a thorough cleaning, especially if the water was contaminated or remained stagnant for a period of time. Sanitizing treatments help kill harmful bacteria, as well as remove odors from the incident. If items in your home can’t be safely cleaned and sanitized, SERVPRO restoration professionals will remove and safely dispose of damaged materials. 

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