Water Damage Restoration – Causes, Categories, and Tips

6/21/2017 (Permalink)

Water Damage Restoration – Causes, Categories, and Tips

Water is life, but can cost you millions when it damages property. In the US alone, the second most filed insurance claim is that of water damage. The risk is elevated when there is a torrential downpour or if the snow melts fast. Wood furniture, electronics, plumbing equipment and the household equipment, are the most affected. A quick water cleanup before much damage is caused is recommended. If one can focus on the affected area and how long this water has been around, they can restore this successfully.

Causes of water damage

A myriad of things can cause water to get damaged, namely the foundation cracks, plumbing leaks, overflowing washing machine, leaking roofs, broken or leaking dishwashers, and much more. Flood damage, heavy downpours, heavy snows are also culprits. As this happens, the basement is prone to have water, thus destroyed basement areas; water in the home, and even water in business. Once there is too much water in home or water in business, restoration process should commence with priority, as soaked furniture, clothing and more would be salvaged thus damage mitigation.

Categories of water damage

It is important to assess the degree of harm that the flood damage has on the property to know the measures one will take towards restoration. The damage by water is divided in various categories 1, 2 and 3. Clean water is categorized as no.1. Category 2 causes sickness when one drinks it as it contains microorganisms. Water cleanup is inevitable here. It’s referred to as gray water. The damage is caused when broken pumps, toilets, and seepage gets into contact with it. The third category is commonly referred as black water; it contains bacteria and disease causing organisms. Sewage water problems and stagnant, contaminated water are the possible sources of dark water.

Apart from categories, there are classes, such as class1, 2, 3 and 4, where one is the least damaged and the restoration and mitigation processes are easiest. Class 2 evaporates faster leaving its effects on carpets and cushions. The evaporation rate for class 3 is most rapid, and sources include broken sprinklers and overhead sources that damage your property’s walls and furniture. There is level 4, which is the most stubborn as it requires proper water restoration and specific removal practices. Concrete, Hardwood, and plaster are affected thus fast water cleanup is advised.

Tips to mitigate or restore water damage

Never overlook the effects that flood water can do to your property as problems crop out, therefore, water cleanup is necessary. Use the following tips to either mitigate or restore the damage.

1. Have the home inspected

For those with insurance, it is paramount to have the water in business or water in home inspected then files a claim with your insurance company. However, this will be helpful if such restoration is in your insurance.

2.Disconnect Power

To avoid electrocution, first, unplug the power before checking whether all your electronics are safe. One may need a professional electrician to tie up the wire so they are not in contact with water. Take the electronics if any, out of the water to dry, since the easier the mitigation.

3.Get the furniture out

For water in the home or the water in the business area, there is possibility of furniture inside the room. Therefore take them out to a dry area and leave them to dry. Also if there are any carpets, pull them out. Then, mop up the area and dry all the affected areas to avoid or mitigate further damage.

Conclusion

No one knows when the danger will strike and many people are at risk of flood damage. If the worse happens, it is important to engage professionals in assessing the damage caused by the water in the business area and water in the home. They can handle the flood damage problem better than you could. With their experience and empathy, they will give you an easy time during this heartbreaking moment, as they carry out water mitigation or restoration.
Visit http://www.SERVPROnewtownyardleypa.com for more information on water damage.