Water Mitigation
If you’ve experienced water damage to your home or business, you understand how serious it can be till you manage to undertake water mitigation.
Whether it’s from a burst pipe, leaky faucet, or heavy rain, water damage can cause serious damage to your property.
And, as you can imagine, the longer it sits, the more damage the water can do. So therefore, the sooner you can employ the process of water mitigation, the better.
What Is Water Mitigation?
In its simplest form, water mitigation is the prevention of further water damage by removing standing water and drying affected areas.
The property owner can start the process before the professionals arrive, such as removing belongings and opening windows to help dry out the area.
The water mitigation service involves using specialized equipment and techniques to prevent further damage from water intrusion. The reduction of loss is the main objective of water mitigation.
Water Mitigation Process
- Inspection and Assessment: Mitigation technicians inspect the property, assess the level and type of water damage, and make necessary emergency repairs and building board-up.
- Dewatering: Deep standing water is pumped off the property using truck-mounted dewatering systems. Crews follow up with specialized vacuum equipment that removes residual water from porous surfaces.
- Structural Drying: Structural drying involves various industrial-grade equipment such as wood floor and subfloor drying systems, high-volume air movers, heavy-duty axial fans, and desiccant dehumidifiers.
- Property Stabilization: This is accomplished by applying site-specific drying techniques that minimize secondary water damage. For example, the drying equipment can focus on crumbling drywall or buckling floors. Addressing secondary water damage stabilizes the property and prepares it for restoration.
- Site Cleanup: As the drying phase progresses, water mitigation crews clean up debris, identify salvageable items, and begin the cleanup process. All impacted surfaces and materials need to be cleaned and disinfected.
Generally, water mitigation services are not designed to repair or replace water-damaged property but to ensure that the disaster has no further consequences.
Duty Of A Water Mitigation Company
Simply put, it works to assess, contain, and prevent more damage than has already occurred in a property loss.
When a water mitigation business responds to an emergency, they first evaluate the water quality, confine any existing water to keep it from spreading to other parts of the property, and then remove the water using specialized extraction tools.
In some cases, the water mitigation crew will leave the property after removing the water and make way for a water damage restoration contractor.
However, in most cases, the water mitigation company also serves as a water damage restoration company like Water Damage Restoration Pro.
More Information About Water Mitigation
A water-related disaster in your home is rare, so it’s normal to have questions about water mitigation and how the process works.. The following are the most asked questions:
Is water mitigation a single-step process?
Water mitigation is a multi-phase process. The first step is to remove any remaining water from the floor, wet carpet, and other affected materials. Once the water is removed, specialized equipment such as dehumidifiers is used to dry the area. If there are insurmountable materials that were affected by water, they will be duly removed and discarded.
Why is dehumidification necessary in water mitigation?
Water can create excess moisture in the air that can damage your home’s walls, floors, furniture, and other structural components. Dehumidifying effectively reduces the humidity in the air, thus stopping and preventing further damage to your home.
How long should water mitigation take?
The short answer: it depends. There are three main factors to consider when evaluating the duration. First, the amount of water involved. The more water, the longer the drying processes as the larger the area to be dried.
And secondly, how long was the region wet? Again, the longer the area goes unmitigated, the more damage occurs.
The last factor to consider is the affected materials. For example, concrete, stone, etc. will respond differently to water than wood or drywall.
Here is an overview of the timeline for water mitigation:
| STEP | TIMEFRAME |
| Initial Assessment | Within 24 hours of the incident |
| Water Removal and Extraction | 1-3 days, depending on the amount of water |
| Structural Drying | 3-5 days, depending on the severity of the damage and the size of the affected area |
| Monitoring and Dehumidification | 2-4 days, until the moisture level is stable |
| Cleaning and Sanitization | 1-2 days, depending on the extent of the damage |
| Restoration and Repairs | Varies depending on the scope of the project |
It’s important to note that this is just an estimated timeline and that the actual time it takes to complete each step may vary depending on the specific circumstances of the water damage, the size of the affected area, and other factors. Additionally, it’s important to address water damage as soon as possible to prevent further damage and potential health hazards.
FAQ
While it may be tempting to try to handle water mitigation on your own, there are several risks associated with DIY water mitigation. Some of these risks include:
Inadequate water removal: If you don’t have the proper equipment and expertise, you may not be able to remove all of the water from your home or business, which can lead to mold growth, structural damage, and other issues.
Health hazards: Water damage can create an environment that is conducive to the growth of mold and bacteria, which can pose serious health risks, especially for those with respiratory issues or weakened immune systems. Without the proper personal protective equipment and knowledge of safe handling and disposal procedures, you could put yourself at risk of exposure to harmful substances.
Lack of knowledge and expertise: Water mitigation requires specialized knowledge and expertise, including an understanding of water damage restoration techniques, the use of specialized equipment, and an understanding of how to dry and restore different types of building materials. Without this knowledge and expertise, you could end up causing further damage or making the problem worse.
Voiding insurance coverage: If you attempt DIY water mitigation and make mistakes, you could potentially void your insurance coverage for the damage. Insurance companies often require that water damage restoration be performed by a licensed and certified professional.
Overall, the risks of DIY water mitigation can outweigh any potential cost savings. It’s important to work with a licensed and certified water damage restoration professional to ensure that the job is done correctly and safely.
Water damage mitigation is subject to a number of government rules and regulations designed to protect public health and safety. Some of the key rules related to water damage mitigation include:
Permits: In some cases, a permit may be required for water damage mitigation work, particularly if it involves significant repairs or alterations to the building. Permit requirements are typically handled by the Department of Building and Safety.
Building Codes: Water damage mitigation work must adhere to all applicable building codes, including those related to electrical work, plumbing, and structural repairs. Building code requirements are typically handled by the Department of Building and Safety.
Environmental Regulations: Water damage mitigation work must also comply with environmental regulations related to the handling and disposal of hazardous materials, such as asbestos or lead-based paint. Environmental regulations are typically handled by the Environmental Affairs Department.
Health and Safety Regulations: Water damage mitigation work must adhere to health and safety regulations related to personal protective equipment, safe handling and disposal of hazardous materials, and other safety considerations. Health and safety regulations are typically handled by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the Department of Public Health.
You should call a company for water damage mitigation as soon as you notice any signs of water damage in your home or business. Some common signs of water damage include:
Standing water: If you have standing water in your home or business, it’s important to have it removed as soon as possible to prevent further damage.
Discoloration: Discoloration or staining on walls, ceilings, or floors can be a sign of water damage, even if you don’t see any standing water.
Musty odor: A musty or moldy smell can be a sign of water damage or mold growth, which can pose health risks.
Dampness: Dampness or humidity in your home or business can be a sign of water damage, even if you don’t see any visible signs of damage.
Water stains: Water stains on walls or ceilings can be a sign of water damage, even if they’re not actively leaking.
