A Little about Water Damage Restoration

Water damage restoration is a process in which the affected property is restored back to the condition in which it was before it was damaged due to the overflow of water.

Water can overflow due to many reasons: leakage in water supply lines and water tanks, broken dishwasher hose, leakage by the dishwasher, broken or clogged drain pipes, water over flowing from washing machine, a leaking roof, a crack in the foundation of a house, and clogged toilets.

In cases where the floor of a house is flooded, immediate measures like using mops to dry the floor may seem to work out for the time being, but it is always good to seek professional advice even if things seem to be under control.

A professional will inspect the property to see if the water is completely and properly dried, so that problems like discoloration, warping, splitting, mold growth or musty odors, do not arise in the future. Water that floods the house will tend to seep into cavities and remain there; causing lots of problems in the future, but these can be avoided by hiring a professional associated with a water damage restoration company.

If a person comes across such a problem at home then he should do the following:

•  Locate the source of water that is flooding the house. 

•  Try to cut the water supply by turning off the main tap.

•  Turn off the main electricity supply switch to avoid any electrical mishaps. This is a very important safety measure that one should bear in mind whenever he comes across such problems.

• Make an attempt to drain out the standing water by using mops, buckets and anything that seems to be effective at that particular moment.

• All wet furniture, carpets, rugs, clothes, boxes, electronic devices, and mobile phones need to be shifted to a place where they can dry, perhaps to the rooftop, or a dry area outside the house.

• After the furniture is removed from the affected room then the floor must be dried up with a soft absorbent cloth, or a vacuum cleaner that is able to suck up water.

• If the weather permits then all the windows and doors should be left wide open so that the interior of the house receives as much sunshine and fresh air as it possibly can so surfaces will dry.

• Plastic or aluminum foil should be placed at the base of the furniture that touches the floor and walls to prevent damage that is caused by dampness.

The overflowing water that floods the house is categorized into three types:

Category 1

The water that overflows is clean since it is either from the main supply line, or from pipes that supply water to the sink or washing machine; it is presumed that if it is cleaned up in a timely manner then it will not cause health problems or harm the environment.

Category 2

The water is said to have been mixed with biological or other chemicals that can cause harm to a person's health and contaminate the surrounding areas, if it is not cleaned up properly. Water from washing machines, dishwashers, fish aquariums, and toilet bowls not containing feces fall under this category.

Category 3

The water is said to be contaminated and can cause serious damage to the environment, health, and property, if it is not immediately removed. Water from drains, sewage and toilet bowls containing feces falls under this category. Also standing water after floods, rains and storms that become nesting grounds for mosquitoes and other pests all fall into category 3.