5-Step Water Damage Cleanup and Restoration Process
5-Step Water Damage Cleanup and Restoration Process
Determine Water Type
The first step in water damage cleanup is to locate the source of the water. What type of water you’re dealing with will determine how you can tackle the cleanup.
There are three main types of water that are common in house floods. The first, clean water, is mostly sanitary. Common sources of clean water flooding are leaky appliances, broken water lines, and snow or rainwater runoff.
Grey water is the next most common type of water damage. This water is unsanitary or comes from an unsanitary source. Used bathwater, water from a washing machine, or unused toilet water are all sources of grey water. You can clean up grey water without calling in a specialist, but be sure to take safety precautions.
Black water is the final type of water damage and the most dangerous to clean up. Most commonly, black water is sewage or natural floodwater. You will need to call in a specialist for black water damage cleanup due to its hazardous nature.
The following 5 steps can be used to clean up after clean water or grey water damage.
1. Dry Up As Soon As Possible
Standing water can cause extensive damage to walls, flooring, and more. Mold and mildew can begin growing within 24 hours of flooding, so it’s important that you get to work fast. ONLY enter a flooded space once the power to the area has been turned off. Remove furniture from the area and remove standing water with a pump or towels. Once the water is gone, set up fans to continue drying the floors and walls.
It’s important to act fast when repairing home water damage. Mold and mildew can begin growing in as little as 24 hours if the water is left standing. To dry out the affected area, take as much out of the space, including furniture, and place fans on the wet flooring and walls. If the water damage is extensive, you may need to rent a few industrial strength fans to ensure the area dries completely.
2. Remove Drywall and Other Porous Materials
This is especially important if there was standing water in the area. If porous materials like drywall, carpeting, and wooden floors cannot be dried out, they will need to be replaced. Even if the material is dried, water damage can leave unsightly stains. If this happens, give the team at Restoration Partners a call. Read more about our New Jersey water damage restoration services.
3. Inspect for Moisture
We recommend performing a final inspection of your home once the drying process has begun. Check for areas where moisture may be hiding. Look beneath floorboards, pull up carpet padding, and check your basement or crawl space. Water can permeate much further into your home than you might expect. If you find moisture hiding in these areas, set up fans to dry them out quickly.
4. Keep an Eye Out for Mold and Mildew
Keep an eye out for mold and mildew even after the drying process is complete. Certain types of mold can be toxic or harmful to humans and pets, so it’s important to catch and treat it early. If you notice a small mold problem, you may be able to disinfect the area without professional help. However, if you find a large growth of mold, you’ll need professional help from a certified mold removal team. The team at Restoration Partners includes ICRC WRT (Water Damage Restoration Technician) certified specialists who can perform mold inspections and mold remediation services.
5. When in Doubt, Call in the Pros
Extensive water damage is likely not a project that you can tackle on your own. Severe water damage often requires the partial or full demolition and replacement of walls, floors, and other structural elements. Contact your homeowner’s insurance to find out what your options are for assistance. The most important thing is to make sure that your home is safe, clean, and secure for you and your family.
Find Water Damage Cleanup and Restoration Services Now
Restoration Partners has experience coordinating our services with all kinds of homeowner’s and renter’s insurance companies. We can help with navigating the insurance claims process and helping get your home back in working order, fast. If you need immediate water damage cleanup in New Jersey, contact Restoration Partners today.