Why is Water Mitigation Important after flooding?

12/15/2017 (Permalink)

The Importance of Water Mitigation

When a person's home experiences water damage, they will want to reduce the amount of damage that occurs. Water mitigation is the process of preventing damage from water inside a building. The goal is to keep any additional water damage from happening by taking fast and effective action. 

Cause And Result 

Water damage can happen after a structure has a plumbing failure. It can also result because of storm water. Broken underground pipes have also caused water damage. This has resulted in soaked rugs, warped floors, damaged furniture, walls and more. This is a time when immediate water mitigation steps need to be taken. 

Water Damage - Disaster

When a home has a plumbing failure, it is important the main water source be shut off. When flooding happens, work may not be able to begin until water levels have dropped. No matter what the cause, when water damage happens it is essential electrical breakers is shut down. This makes it possible to safely unplug and remove electrical devices. These devices could be on a wet carpet or in areas submerged in water. Aluminum foil should be placed under the legs or feet of furniture in contact with a wet carpet. Curtains and draperies should be removed if in contact with the water or a wet carpet. Immediately remove papers, shoes or other items that could be damaged. Walking on a wet carpet should be avoided as much as possible.

Inspection

Once the source of the water problem has been addressed, it's time for professionals to conduct an inspection. They will be able to carefully inspect the property and determine the extent of the damage. A recovery plan will be created. This will cover the details necessary to return a building back to its original condition. 

Water Extraction

Water that damages a building can be contaminated. Water in a home from flooding can be sewage or polluted ground water. This is a situation that could cause severe illness to people and their pets. Pumps and other equipment can be used to remove water. There is a good chance this can be done without removing any of the building's contents. This also includes removing any items soaked with water including tems such as carpeting, furniture and more. Anything that has absorbed water and cannot be restored must be removed.

Drying and Mold Prevention

Water damage can create vast amounts of mold if not handled correctly. It is important to take steps immediately to remove mold and prevent it from reoccurring. This will require using state-of-the-art dehumidifiers and air movers. It will require the humidity inside a building be carefully monitored and controlled. If the humidity is not handled properly, items not destroyed during the water damage could absorb moisture and be ruined. The damaged area must also be kept at an acceptable temperature. Providing an improper temperature is a major cause of microorganism and bacterial growth after water is removed.

Completion

It is important for a structure to be stabilized, and its integrity maintained. Every water mitigation project will be different. It's important to utilize the services of experienced water removal technicians. They will have the proper equipment and experience to restore any type of structure that experienced water damage.