Water Damage Cleanup Steps

WATER DAMAGE CLEANUP PROCESS

Water damage cleanup can be as simple as vacuuming the affected areas and using drying equipment to remove excess moisture and humidity from the air. However, if not done in a timely manner, or properly, it can lead to some devastating outcomes.

What's involved in water damage cleanup?


Restoring a home to pre-loss conditions involves water extraction, dehumidification, decontamination, removal and disposal of non salvageable contents and building materials, and drying.

 When it comes to water damage time is of the essence; it’s important to act fast.  Standing water and humidity create perfect growing conditions for mold and other bacteria.  Prolonged exposure to mold and such contaminants can lead to adverse allergic reactions, skin and respiratory complications and even life threatening diseases.

 Some building materials may not be salvageable and may need to be removed and replaced. Drywall and carpet padding that have absorbed water often develop bacteria and mold that can’t be quickly removed. Replacing these materials is safer than allowing infectious organisms to saturate the air.


Building materials that are often replaced during the cleanup and mitigation process are:

  • Walls (drywall, cladding, wallpaper, wood paneling)
  • Floors (carpeting, hardwood, laminates, vinyl and sub floors) 
  • Wood Shelving 
  • Furniture and other personal contents
  • Drapery
  • Ductwork
  • HVAC systems

The Water Restoration Process

Repairing a water damaged home involves a process starting with a thorough inspection of the damage to the replacement of flooring, walls, and ceilings.
Step 1: Inspection – A professional can best assess the extent of water damage in your home. Each inspection determines a class and category of water damage. Defining the class and category of water damage helps outline the best means to restore your property.
Classes of Water Damage
    • Class 1 damage involves part of a room that has absorbed little moisture. It’s the least level of damage.
    • Class 2 damage has affected an entire room and has absorbed into carpeting and walls.
    • Class 3 damage has absorbed up into the walls, saturated most of the area, and may have come through the ceiling. Class 3 damage is considered the worst.
    • Class 4 damage requires specialty drying due damage done to materials such as hardwood, stone, and concrete.
 
Categories of Water Damage
    • Category 1 involves damage from a clean water source such as toilet tanks, broken pipes supplying clean water. Category 1 water damage can degrade into Category 2 or 3 if it sits too long.
    • Category 2  involves damage from “grey water,” such as washing machine or dishwasher water containing detergents. It may also involve water containing urine from toilet overflows.
    • Category 3 involves completely unsanitary water that can easily cause illness, disease, or death. Category 3 water comes from sewage, river flooding, and standing water that has begun growing bacteria and other microbes.

Step 2: Water Removal – Pumps and vacuums are used to remove water from your home. The type of equipment needed depends on the extent of the water damage. Water removal begins as soon as possible to prevent mold and bacteria growth.
Step 3: Drying – After all standing water and absorbent surfaces are vacuumed, drying and dehumidification begins. This step is important to clear up any remaining moisture after water removal. The drying out process can take several weeks to fully complete.
Step 4: Cleaning – All personal belongings need to be cleaned and sanitized to prevent unwanted mold and bacterial growth. Carpeting, clothing, and drapery are given antimicrobial treatments. Air scrubbers may also be used to remove particles and moisture from the air.
Step 5: Restoration – The biggest step in the process is restoration. Restoration involves replacing materials like drywall and insulation. Sometimes this process is as simple as installing a few panels of drywall, while serious cases could require replacing entire walls. Exposure to toxic substances like lead and asbestos is possible during restoration. Older homes are likely to contain these substances.
In the event of unknown water damage, many homeowners aren’t able to prevent mold growth. A tiny leak in the roof or pipes can persist for months before you notice it. In a situation like this, the restoration process takes even longer.

Acting Fast

Whether your home has been flooded by broken pipes or a leaky roof, it’s important to remove all contaminated and wet materials in your home as soon as possible.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends discarding materials that haven’t been thoroughly cleaned and dried within 48 hours of water damage.
Taking these materials out of a home reduces the ability of dangerous microorganisms to multiply and spread. Removing contaminated materials improves air quality in the home and makes the restoration process easier.
After removing all contaminated and wet materials, contact someone who can inspect your home and start the restoration process.



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