What is Water Mitigation?
Water mitigation services involve drying affected areas and eliminating standing water to prevent further damage. Before experts arrive, property owners can prepare by packing up personal items and opening windows. These services use specialized tools and methods to prevent further damage caused by water intrusion, with the main objective being to reduce loss.
Water damage mitigation includes removing affected materials, using commercial-grade equipment to extract water, cleaning and disinfecting salvageable materials, and protecting the property’s integrity by boarding up windows and doors. These services aim to prevent further consequences from water damage, rather than repair or replace the property.
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What is Water Damage Restoration?
The goal of water damage restoration is to fix and restore any property or residence that has been harmed by water. Many skilled water damage restoration professionals will concentrate on repairing and reconstructing your home using a range of applications, following the water mitigation method. The goal of the water damage restoration procedure is to assist homeowners in fully recovering from their losses. Though the amount of water damage repaired will determine how far a restoration company can take each home in terms of restoration.
The primary goal is to restore the house to its pre-loss state. The water restoration procedure cannot start until the water mitigation step is finished because repairs cannot be completed until all issues related to water damage have been fully resolved.
The Water Restoration Process
The process of restoring your property following water damage cleanup is called restoration. This can involve a wide range of services, such as carpet cleaning or complete reconstruction, depending on the extent of the damage. This includes:
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- complete water removal using pumps and extraction units.
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- removal of damaged materials if they are not salvageable. This provides for a more efficient restoration.
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- the cleaning, sanitization, and deodorization processes.
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- the procedure to dry visible water and restore materials to a normal moisture level.
Types of Water Mitigation and Damage Restoration
Sources of exterior water include leaking gutters, groundwater, and increasing water tables. Water can also originate from the interior, such as overflowing bathtubs or showers, ruptured water pipes, backed-up toilets, and malfunctioning water heaters. The level of mitigation and damage restoration services is determined by three types of water, which also determine their cost.
Clear Water
Clear, clean water usually comes from a burst pipe in a water supply line and is safe to drink.
Clear Water
Typically water used in dishwashers, sump pumps, tubs, or washing machines, gray water is murky in color.
Black Water
Black water is most notably contaminated by sewage lines or toilets.
Differences Between Water Restoration and Water Mitigation
Despite their similar names, water damage restoration and mitigation are two distinct processes that take place at different times. Restoration and mitigation complement one another, but they usually occur one after the other.
Water Mitigation
- takes place during or immediately after the event.
- keeps the house stable.
- guarantees that there won’t be any more damage.
- does not replace property.
- is a temporary solution.
Water Damage Restoration
- takes place after the event.
- is carried out after water mitigation.
- aims to restore homes to a pre-damaged state.
- aid in their recovery from the water damage.
- property is repaired.
- damaged items are replaced.
Common Misconceptions About Water Restoration and Water Mitigation
Regarding water mitigation and restoration techniques, there are a lot of things people believe aren’t true.
Replacement Is More Cost-Effective Than Restoration
The structure and materials of your home can often be cleaned and salvaged for less money by using a water restoration company than by replacing them entirely. A skilled restoration business will know which materials can be saved and which ones need to be replaced.
Your Walls and Carpets Will Naturally Dry Out
Although drywall and carpets may eventually dry naturally, the main problem is that moisture can hide behind and beneath these materials. It is not worth the risk to expose yourself and others to health risks from mold exposure. To effectively lower your risk of mold growth, a professional restoration company can measure the amount of moisture present using sophisticated meters and sensors.
Water Mitigation and Restoration Is Cheaper to Do on Your Own
In some circumstances, this might be true, but in the long run, a poor repair might end up costing you more money. Cleaning up after a flood may be too risky or difficult for you to handle alone, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The Dos and Don’ts of Water Damage
Dos of Water Damage
- Turn off the electricity supply.
- Turn off the main water supply if you are dealing with a burst pipe or leaking appliance.
- Make the earliest possible call to your insurance company and the experts.
- Take out any artwork, valuables, furniture, carpets, and other items.
- Drape curtains over the rods and mop up as much water as you can to keep your curtains from getting wet.
- Open closets, cabinets, and drawers to let air circulate.
- To let fresh air into the room, open the windows and doors.
- Take pictures so your insurance provider can see proof of the water damage
Don’ts of Water Damage
- Wait until it is safe to enter a room if there is any electrical or structural damage.
- Avoid touching the water if it is gray or comes from a sewage pipe.
- Never lay a newspaper on the ground.
- Never try to remove tacked-down carpeting by hand.
- Don’t try to remove the water with a vacuum.
- Never operate an electrical appliance while standing on a damp carpet or floor.
- It is always best to leave water damage restoration to the professionals; don’t try to handle it yourself.
Protect Your Property With PureDry
If you are experiencing water damage on your property, don’t hesitate to contact us! We handle everything from water removal to full water damage repair.
- 24/7 live calls
- On our way in 60 minutes or less
- We bill insurance companies directly
- Locally owned and operated
- Highest rated provider in Seattle, WA & surround area
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