Your basement just flooded! What do you do now? There are five essential steps to take in order to ensure full restoration to the areas affected by water damage.
Step 1: Inspection
In order to deal with water damage, the affected areas need to be identified first. An inspection helps to determine the category of your water damage, in order to determine the next steps you need to take.
There are 3 categories of water damage:
Category 1: Clean Water Damage
Category 1 water damage comes from a clean source of water, such as broken pipes. This category of damage can become Category 2 or 3 if it sits too long, so it is always better to get the issue addressed early!
Category 2: Gray Water Damage
Category 2 damage comes from a source containing detergents or other contaminants. This could be from a washing machine, dishwasher, or an overflowing toilet containing urine.
Category 3: Black or Unsanitary Water Damage
Category 3 water damage occurs from outside sources or unsanitary sources. This may include damage from a sewer line, a river, or an overflowing toilet containing feces. This category of water damage can cause illness, disease, or even death.
Category 1 water damage can be handled easily, but Category 2 and 3 water damage should always be assessed by a professional plumbing service to ensure safety from mold and contamination.
Step 2: Removal
Equipment required for water removal depends on the extent of the damage. Removal should begin as soon as possible in order to avoid mold and bacterial growth. Pumps and vacuums can be used to remove water, but more importantly, the source of the water needs to be stopped.
Step 3: Drying
The places containing water damage need to be dried. Knight Plumbing offers powerful fans and dehumidifiers for extreme cases of damage. This process can take several weeks to fully complete without the help of professional equipment; the longer it takes, the more the damage spreads.
Step 4: Cleaning
The cleaning process is important to remove any mold or bacteria in order to prevent future growth and contamination. This process includes sanitization and removal of odors. Professional plumbing services will help with the cleaning process to avoid contamination.
Step 5: Restoration
The last step after experiencing water damage is restoration. This process may include installing a few new panels of drywall or even replacing entire walls in extreme cases. It’s always better to call in a professional than to attempt a DIY!
Undetected sources of water damage can lead to mold and contamination of the air. That is why it is important to act quickly and hire professionals to ensure the issue is addressed. Knight Plumbing can help with any step of the water damage restoration process; contact us with any questions you may have or services you require regarding water damage restoration!
