Did you recently have a significant leak or flood in your home? All the associated terminology like “water mitigation”, “water extraction” and “water damage restoration” can be confusing.
In this post, we’ll clarify what each process entails and what you need to know about each as a homeowner dealing with excess water.
What Is The Biggest Concern With Water Damage?
There are several reasons why you need to tackle water damage as soon as it occurs. In order of seriousness, here are some of the consequences of leaving water damage too long before you call in the pros.
#1. Electric Shocks
Would you believe that there are around 1000 deaths across the country annually because of electrical injuries? In fact, 5% of burn unit admissions are from electrical injuries.
All too often, water damage seeps into power outlets and into the walls. If you don’t know exactly what’s wet, keep away from it.
#2. Mold
Mold damage can be highly toxic, and even more difficult to get rid of if you leave it too long.
It eats into anything it can, so if you don’t tackle water damage fast you may even have to replace your walls, ceilings, or floors.
#3. Expensive, Complicated Repairs
As with mold, water damage warps wood and weakens drywall if it’s left wet for any length of time. This means the repair bills just go up and up the longer your home is wet.
#4. Your House Loses Serious Value
No one wants to buy a moldy, structurally weak home. So the asking price for a water-damaged home is much less than what it was worth before the damage because it will require significant repairs before it is safe to live in again.
What Is Water Mitigation?
Water mitigation just means doing everything possible to slow and stop the water-related event. This could include everything from plugging the source of the leak to containing the flow in order to minimize damage.
Alternatively, if you’re planning for the next rainstorm, we’ll create a water mitigation plan and get your house to peak, waterproof performance in wet weather.
How Can We Mitigate Water?
In short, by calling Save The Day Restoration & Reconstruction as soon as the water damage hits.
We’ll turn off the water at the source when possible and begin removing it immediately. Then we dry everything thoroughly so that there’s no mold or bad smell.
If we’re talking about the future, water mitigation is looking at your property and planning ahead so that you don’t get water damage in the first place.
Why Should You Consider Water Mitigation?
Do you live in an area that’s prone to flooding? Even if you just suffer the occasional storm or experience heavy rain, water mitigation can save you time and money. Think of it as your insurance against water damage.
Water mitigation basically “waterproofs” your home, and as such, saves you from needing water damage restoration when all your neighbors get hit by the water.
What Type Of Water Mitigation Could Help My Home Survive The Next Disaster?
Good preparation is key. Water will get in any way it can, so here are some ideas on simple home improvements to avoid water damage.
Downspouts And Gutters
Are these clear? Do they function perfectly? Downspouts and gutters need to be free from leaves and other debris, with no rust or gaps.
Installing A Sump Pump
A sump pump can be a wise investment. They prevent the groundwater from rising too high in your home.
Sealing Windows
In a heavy storm, a surprising amount of water can come in through old windows. This is especially true if the windows are in an area you don’t use much and you don’t necessarily notice immediately.
Repairing Walls
Again, gaps in walls can let in rainwater or floodwater. When moisture gets into cracks, it can freeze in winter and those cracks get even bigger over time.
Making Sure Your Roof Is Intact
While the weather’s dry, have any small gaps repaired so that they don’t let the rain in.
Check Your Water Damage Insurance Coverage
Standard homeowners insurance will typically only cover water damage from a well-maintained appliance that leaks. That’s as long as you call us right away to fix the damage.
Are you covered for floods? If you live somewhere prone to floods it’s worth looking into how to protect yourself with additional coverage.
Water Extraction
Water extraction services get rid of the water in your property. Save The Day Restoration has powerful water extraction tools, so it doesn’t take us long.
However, extraction alone doesn’t stop the water from coming back. That’s when you need mitigation.
The Risks Of Water Extraction
Under no circumstances should you attempt the extraction yourself. For one thing, if the water is contaminated, we need to wear industrial-grade protective clothing to avoid infection. If you want to learn more about sewage clean up, check out our blog “What are the risks of DIY sewage flood cleanup?“
Another thing is that water extraction is harder than it may look. Water seeps into places that are difficult to find, and you need to make sure it’s all gone. If not, the residual moisture can weaken your foundations and walls.
How Soon Do You Need Water Extraction?
You really need water extraction services as soon as possible. Here’s why.
Mold
Mold can grow in as little as a day if there’s a lot of moisture present.
Drywall
Water can get into drywall very quickly and it’s hard to dry out. Additionally, you might not be aware of moisture inside drywall, which can weaken it without you realising it.
Wood
Wooden floors can warp alarmingly quickly and begin to rot in just a month or so.
Typical Situations Requiring Water Extraction
Why do our customers call us? Usually, it’s because of:
-
Flooding.
-
Storms.
-
Leaking appliances.
-
Burst pipes or tanks.
Whatever the reason, just give us a call and we’ll be right over to pump out that water with the latest, powerful water extraction tools.
We’re Team Extraction And Mitigation!
Save The Day Restoration will send you an experienced water mitigation technician who can both extract the water and mitigate the damage.
Water Mitigation Vs Remediation
In simple terms, water mitigation means reducing the immediate damage from the water. We’ll stop anything else getting wet, and remove any items that we can’t salvage.
An example of this may be removing a couch soaked in contaminated flood water.
Water remediation means when we repair the damage that the water has done to your home.
The Final Step: Water Damage Restoration
We’ll make sure there’s no more moisture, and the water can’t come back. Then we can get going on water damage restoration in your home. We’ll repair anything that’s been damaged, such as by mold or rot. When we’re done, your home will be stronger and more attractive than ever.
Water Mitigation Planning
Looking for a great water mitigation company so you can plan ahead for a future flood or storm? Then you’re in the right place.
Our team is happy to go over how we can protect your home from water intrusions in the future. Even small changes can make a world of difference in the next storm or flood.
Let Save The Day Restoration Handle Water Extraction, Water Mitigation, and Water Damage Restoration At Your Property
We’re highly experienced in water extraction services, plus making sure that water doesn’t come back and leave your home better than ever.
Contact our team 24/7 for emergency water damage mitigation and extraction services. Just call us or email us. We’re even open on holidays for any water emergency!
