A Step-by-Step Guide to Water Damage Remediation

Have you experienced water damage and thought nothing of it because it was just water? Underestimate it at your own peril, because what you thought was no big deal can jeopardize your house and family. While walls, carpets, furniture, etc. can be replaced, there’s no compensation for the negative effects water can have on your and your family’s health.

Do-it-yourself cleaning measures can sometimes make matters worse that you may find it frustrating. To help you prevent further damage and save money, we prepared this article for you to read through to the end. Here we’ll run you through the water damage restoration process, so let’s jump right in.

What Should I Do Immediately After Water Damage?

As soon as you discover a water leak in your home, your priority should be to stop the water flow. If the leak results from a broken pipe, shut off your main water supply immediately. If it’s a toilet overflow or other sewage-related problem, flush the toilet to empty the water tank. After you have successfully stopped water from flowing, clean up as much water as possible using towels to soak up any remaining water, and wet-vacuum the rest if necessary.

Next, call a professional water damage mitigation company so they can assess the damage and begin the cleanup process. In the meantime, remove any valuables or furniture from the affected space to prevent additional losses, and use fans or a dehumidifier to dry the area as much as possible. It is also important that you make a documentation of the damages by taking photos or videos for insurance claims purposes.

Why Is Water Damage Restoration Important?

The importance of water damage remediation is undeniable because it helps prevent the growth of mold, mildew, and bacteria that can cause serious health problems. It also helps keep the structural damage to a minimum, prevent the spread of water damage to other areas of the building, and can help restore the affected site to its pre-loss condition. Additionally, by addressing the problem as quickly as possible, you can lower the overall cost of water damage restoration and repair efforts.

In case of a flood where the damage can be severe, it is always best to call in a professional restoration company to inspect the property and take necessary action to prevent further damage.

The Water Damage Restoration Process Flow

The restoration process for water damage can take a couple of days or even weeks depending on the magnitude of the damage. By working closely with the insurance company, claiming your insurance will be a little easier. 

Below is the step-by-step process of a water damage mitigation project, from start to finish:

1. Inspection and assessment. The restoration team will inspect the site to determine the extent of the damage and plan the appropriate course of action. This involves identifying the source of the water, the type of water (i.e., clean, gray, or black), and the affected materials.

2. Water extraction. Any standing water will be removed using specialized equipment such as pumps and vacuums. This step is vital in preventing more defacement to the wet-damaged materials and eradicating the sites of mold and bacteria growth.

3. Drying and dehumidification. The site will be dried using industrial fans and dehumidifiers. The goal is to remove any remaining moisture and normalize the humidity level in the site. This step helps prevent mold growth and additional structural damage.

4. Cleanup and sanitization. The area will be cleaned to remove any dirt, debris, and bacteria that may have contaminated the intruding water. Any items that have been soaked will be evaluated for cleaning and restoration.

5. Repair and restoration. This step involves patching up holes, replacing drywall, and refinishing or replacing flooring. Any structural damage will be repaired, and any damaged personal items will be restored if possible.

6. Final inspection. The technicians will perform a final check to ensure that the site is completely clean and dry, and that there are no more lingering mold or other issues. They will also provide some DIY instructions on how to prevent future water damage.

Choose PuroClean of Pembroke Pines, Florida for Your Damage Restoration Needs

We understand the importance of working with the right restoration company. Don’t put yourself in a stressful situation with water damage; allow us to take care of it. We have IICRC-certified technicians trained in any and all property damage restoration tasks. Your recovery is our top priority, so please sit back, relax, and let us do all the work for you. 
Contact us today if you’re experiencing water damage. We ensure top-quality work to keep you and your family safe.