Water damage strikes homes in many ways – burst pipes, flooding, roof leaks, and sewage backups can all leave devastating effects. Whether it’s a water damage emergency or major flood damage, water quickly seeps into walls, floors, and belongings, creating problems that worsen by the hour. In the U.S. it is predicted that 9% of families are at some level of risk of their household flooding. Without proper treatment, porous materials break down, paint peels, wood warps, and mold growth begins within days.
Professional restoration companies use specialized equipment and advanced techniques that go far beyond basic cleanup. Industrial-grade water extraction equipment, moisture meters, and drying systems find and remove hidden water while preventing secondary damage. The water damage restoration process includes water removal, structural drying, cleaning, sanitizing, and restoring your home to its pre-damage condition. By understanding what needs to happen and why, you can make informed decisions to protect your property and health during this stressful time.
Immediate Actions After Water Damage
Safety First
Your top priority after water damage is protecting yourself and your family. Locate your main electrical panel and shut off power to affected areas – water and electricity create a deadly combination. Next, find the main water valve and turn it off to stop any active leaks. Before entering affected areas, check for sagging ceilings or buckled floors that could compromise structural integrity. Put on protective gear like rubber boots and gloves if you need to enter wet areas.
Quick Response Steps
Once basic safety measures are in place, the first step is to contact RestoPros. Our quick response will help mitigate any future damage. We can guide you on the next steps and recommend approved restoration services. Start documenting everything with photos and videos – this will be invaluable for insurance claims. Move valuable items, important documents, and electronics to dry areas if it’s safe to do so. Contact your insurance company to report the water damage and start the claims process. If standing water is minimal and clearly from a clean source like a burst pipe, you can start removing it with mops and towels. However, leave contaminated flood water from sewage backups or floods to professionals.
What Not to Do
Avoid common mistakes that could make the situation worse or put you at risk. Don’t wade into standing water before shutting off the electricity. Stay away from water that could be contaminated with sewage or chemicals. Keep electrical devices unplugged and don’t try to dry them out yourself. For significant water damage, resist the urge to handle the restoration process yourself – improper drying can lead to dangerous mold growth and long-term structural problems that restoration professionals can prevent with specialized equipment and proper techniques.
Professional Assessment Process
Initial Inspection
When our restoration company arrives at your property, we begin a thorough water damage assessment process. First, we classify the water damage into one of three categories: clean water from burst pipes, gray water from appliances, or flood water from sewage or flooding. Using moisture meters and infrared cameras, we take precise measurements throughout your home to map the extent of water migration. Our technicians examine walls, floors, and ceilings to identify any structural damage that needs immediate attention.
Documentation
Proper documentation is essential for successful restoration services and insurance claims. Our team captures detailed photos showing the water damage in each affected area. We prepare comprehensive reports outlining moisture readings, affected materials, and necessary restoration steps. For insurance company purposes, we document all damaged items and create detailed inventories. This thorough documentation helps streamline your insurance claim process and provides clear evidence of the damage extent.
Action Plan Development
Based on our initial assessment findings, we create a strategic water damage restoration plan. We establish clear timelines for water removal, drying process, and repairs for standard water damage. Our team determines which specialized equipment will be needed, from high-powered extractors to air movers. We coordinate our restoration professionals to work efficiently in designated zones, with specific team members assigned to tasks like water extraction, monitoring humidity levels, and operating drying equipment. This organized approach allows us to restore your property quickly while maintaining the highest quality standards.
The Restoration Process
Water Extraction
The water damage restoration process begins with our high-powered submersible pumps and industrial vacuums. These specialized equipment units can remove thousands of gallons of standing water in a matter of hours. Our restoration professionals start with thorough water extraction from all affected areas, including floors, walls, and hard-to-reach spaces. We use specialized attachments to extract water from different porous materials, from carpets to hardwood floors. This initial assessment typically takes 2-8 hours, depending on the extent of water damage.
Drying and Dehumidification
After water extraction, we position air movers strategically throughout the affected area. These powerful fans create strong airflow across walls, floors, and furniture to accelerate the drying process. We pair these with industrial dehumidifiers that pull moisture from the air, maintaining optimal humidity levels. Our technicians monitor the drying process daily using moisture meters and infrared cameras to track progress. Room temperature is maintained between 70-90 degrees Fahrenheit to prevent further damage.
Cleaning Methods
Once the space is dry, we begin a thorough cleaning to prevent mold growth and eliminate odors. Our professional restoration company applies EPA-registered antimicrobial treatments to all affected surfaces, creating a protective barrier against secondary damage. We use specialized HEPA air scrubbers to filter out airborne particles and contaminants, restoring healthy air quality. For lingering odors, we employ industry-standard deodorizers that neutralize unpleasant smells at their source rather than masking them. This final phase helps create a clean, safe environment ready for normal use.
The Bottom Line on Water Damage Recovery
When facing water damage in your home, taking quick action makes all the difference in preventing further damage and long-term problems. While initial steps like stopping water flow and moving valuables are helpful, water damage restoration requires specialized equipment and expertise that only restoration professionals can provide. The water damage restoration process – from water extraction to complete drying process – demands proper tools and techniques to prevent mold growth and structural damage.
Trust RestoPros
Don’t let water damage put your home at risk. RestoPros offers 24/7 emergency services with certified technicians ready to begin the restoration process right away. Our professional restoration company uses advanced techniques and proven methods to return your home to its pre-damage condition safely and efficiently. Contact RestoPros now to get expert help with your water damage emergency – we’re standing by to protect your home and give you peace of mind.