5 Tips for Mitigating Water Damage

3/18/2019 (Permalink)

Contact SERVPRO of Scottsdale for any mitigation and restoration emergencies

Water damage can become a serious problem in a matter of hours. Here are five tips for mitigating damage as soon as possible.

1. Resolve the Cause

Whether the damage is due to broken pipes or a sewer backup, it is crucial to fix the underlying problem. Otherwise, an issue will continue or reoccur. A homeowner may want to contact a plumber. 

2. Remove Standing Water

Eliminating moisture as quickly as possible is the most important mitigation measure. A homeowner can use a mop or wet vac. A service that specializes in water cleanup may use pumps and other professional equipment. 

3. Clean and Disinfect If Necessary

It may be necessary to clean and sanitize the area depending on the category of water damage. Damage caused by clean Category One water can simply be dried. Clean water left standing as long as 72 hours or water from an appliance leak may be contaminated. Category Two gray water may contain chemicals and microbes and requires disinfection. This is also the case with Category Three black water, which could contain solid waste.

4. Dry the Area

It is also important to promote drying. Restoration specialists may recommend increasing ventilation or using a dehumidifier to draw out residual moisture.

5. Decide How to Handle Wet Contents

Some contents may be candidates for cleaning and restoration while others should be disposed of and replaced. Porous materials exposed to contaminated water can be difficult to clean and may continue to pose a mold risk. Most non-porous items can be restored. Porous materials damaged by clean water can usually be dried and restored. 

These mitigation measures can limit the severity of any type of water damage. Keep in mind that mold may start growing within just 24 to 48 hours. Rather than risk further primary and secondary damage, contact mitigation and restoration specialists in Scottsdale,AZ.