Standing water extraction after a flood damage

Water extraction is basically the process of getting rid of excess water from a flooded basement and moisture from the floor of your home as part of the water damage restoration process. The aim is to prevent personal property damage that may be induced by excess moisture and other concerns including mold removal. Getting rid of moisture from select areas in your home is also necessary as it poses a risk to damage property. 

For effective extraction and greywater damage restoration, employ industry-level tools including a dehumidifier and air scrubber. Equipment such as pumps and drying systems are used to drain grey water, dry the walls, ceilings, get rid of visible mould and openings in the building.  For wet carpets, a high-end vacuum helps in water extraction and helps in water damage repair.

Generally, the benefits of water extraction are:

• Mitigate the risk of property damage
• Curb mold growing in damp conditions that pose health hazards
• Restoration of the property to its former quality condition and removal of damaged materials

What is the average cost of water damage restoration?

The type of water damage at hand will affect the rate and the bill for the water damage restoration process. Whether it’s from a burst water pipe, flooding, or permeation from the walls, the restoration work costs will be different. 

Water damage restoration process:

• Clean up: This entails looking for the burst pipe, cleaning up water, and drying out space. Mold attacks are also undone in the process of completely drying the home 
• Structural repairs: This further ensures that the walls and other structures are replaced to their original position. In most cases, it’s the structural repairs that will influence the total charges of water damage restoration.

The service provider and services offered including tools and equipment used also affect the costs mostly.

How do you restore water damage?

For the water damage restoration process, it's important to reach out to your insurance company. Depending on the insurance policy you have with your homeowner insurance, an adjuster may determine if the loss will be covered by the company.

Documenting your valued items will help facilitate the process. Not all insurance companies cover flood damage or may offer a significant amount to the same. Hence it’s important you confirm this with them first. 

Most importantly in water restoration services, ensure everyone is safe after the water damage especially everyone in the family should be safe and sound. This can be achieved through means such as ensuring your power is turned off. This is to prevent electrocution in case one stands in wet areas. Protective gear such as rubber boots and rubber gloves will help prevent bacterial infection from the water and potential injuries from structural damage. Overflowing toilets or a sewer backup may lead to an outbreak of waterborne diseases due to feacal matter in the water.

Water damage restoration leads to damages that as an individual may overwhelm you.  This involves removing the flooring and porous materials to prevent mold growth. Furniture will have to be cleaned and dried. As an average homeowner, getting help from a restoration service is the safest and recommended way to go about it.

Water restoration process

The water restoration process is a specialized service that solely aims at structural repairs. The service removes water from your home and later to a more healthy and original existing condition. 

The process has to happen quickly as standing water continues damaging your home and creates an optimum environment for bacterial growth. Exposure to such may result in illnesses. A sewage backup may lead to serious damage to the already existing water problem hence the need for a fast response.

The water damage restoration steps include:

• Restoration service companies conduct a damage assessment. Hygrometers, air scrubbers, and moisture scourers are mostly used. They help locate the source of water causing the damage, moisture content, and water contamination. The process will affect the approximate time and costs required to restore your home.  
• Next, the water is removed through extraction. This comes in handy when the basement is flooded with many materials as this may lead to mold infestation. Extractors are used, and high-powered pumps get rid of all the standing water. 
• After extraction of the surface water, the drying process kicks in. Air movers and dehumidifiers are used to completely ensure that all water and moisture are dried out. Moisture levels are monitored before cleaning begins to curb growing mold. 
• Cleaning has to be done professionally observing safety and sanitization. Restoration activities may include spray, dry or wet cleaning. Foams and abrasives are also incorporated to ensure each item is well sanitized.  Mold remediation is also carried out at this stage. 
• The last step is the restoration step. Specialists aim at returning your home to its original state. Equipment damaged need repair or you are advised to replace materials completely. Depending on the intensity of damages, some parts of the house may need complete reconstruction. This extensive work may affect the project making it costly. 

Water mitigation

Once the water damage restoration processes are done, the water mitigation process takes place to prevent further damage. The process of professional water damage restoration from restoration experts include:

• Getting rid of unsalvageable items and materials and proper disposal.
• Affected home structures and equipment are removed from the home including the water heater and washing machine that are prone to destruction.
• Disinfection of affected areas having excess moisture to prevent mold spores.
• The home is well deodorized.
• The home and its structures including a flooded basement are well dried out with the help of special tools.
• Water cleanup including humidity and moistures tests help ensure that all water-related issues are solved.

Importance of water extraction, restoration, and mitigation

Plumbing leaks, cracks, and floods are destructive. They will damage personal property,  the floor, mostly the basement, and also makes it hard to control odors. Water seeping from the ground, through openings, tends to damage the house. The moist areas will then attract mold spores and mildew growth which will read asthma and allergic reactions in your home. 

Conclusion

Whether it’s an emergency situation or a routine control of a leak, for property owners it’s equally important to understand the concepts of water damage restoration and the necessity to act quickly.

Water damage from plumbing leaks, sewage backups, and natural disasters can prove a hard nut to crack to a homeowner. Action should be taken quickly and fast to control and prevent further damage from the water from prolonged exposure. Acting quickly helps reduce restoration costs. The process can be severe than people perceive it hence the need to reach out to  professionals to control the water damage restoration process.