Extraction
Water Extraction Houston – A Complete Guide
If there's been a flood in your area or you can't figure out where the water's coming from, you must work to ensure the water is extracted as soon as possible.
Quick water extraction, especially in areas like Houston, can prevent extensive damage to your possessions. It can also help prevent secondary damage, lessening both the emotional and financial burden that water damage causes.
It goes without saying that water extraction in Houston must be performed quickly and professionally – regardless if you need emergency water extraction after a flood or wish to control a leak and protect your property.
Learning what the process entails and how critical it is to you and your property's safety can be advantageous in a crisis.
Water Removal
One of the most common reasons why water damage restoration is needed in Houston is the destructive flooding. However, water extraction may be required for a variety of other reasons.
Leaking pipes, damaged grounds, and drainage issues can be some of the causes of water seepage. There may even be cracks in the floor that allow rainwater to permeate under the flooring.
Water extraction is the process of removing standing water from an area.
The difficulty is determined by the volume of water in the affected area. The source of the water helps determine if it has dangerous microbes and chemicals in it.
Professionals use commercial-grade equipment and take the appropriate safety measures to do it right.
Water extraction is one of the most critical processes in the damage restoration process. It prevents the growth of mold and also restores the property to its former state.
Pumping out the water from the affected area is only one step in the water extraction process. The non-visible water is also removed from the area, and the space is dehumidified to circumvent the possibility of pest infestations, mold growth, and bacterial growth.
Water Extraction Equipment
A variety of different equipment is used to complete the water extraction process, after clearing the affected area. Claw sub-surface flood extractors are some of the most versatile tools used – they are both powerful and efficient and can extract standing water on the ground and from the carpet.
However, most water damage restoration companies use high-end vacuums to extract water from the carpet. Pumps are used to drive the water out of the affected area.
Next, to dry off the walls, the ceiling, and the affected area's cavities, a number of different drying systems are employed.
Typically, the specialists will use an axial-type air mover with a ventilator built-in to rid the area of moisture. Commercial-grade dehumidifiers are also used to speed up the process.
Moisture meters are used to detect the moisture in the area, gauge surface dryness, and search for moisture in hard to reach places.
Finally, air scrubbers are employed to rid the air of pollutants and other particles. The scrubbers also help wipe out bad odors that may have been introduced to the area due to the excess water.
Emergency Water Extraction
Time is of the essence when dealing with potential water damage – standing water on the ground will begin to seep into the foundation of your home or building, damaging it.
The seepage will also promote the growth of mold and put residents of a home and workers of a business at risk of health issues.
Mold can cause asthma attacks and trigger severe allergic reactions. It also promotes the growth of bacteria, causing infections.
Water extraction in Houston takes time, not to mention getting rid of odors that standing water can introduce in affected areas.
Make sure you contact a water damage restoration company as soon as you discover standing water or leakages in your home. It can save you on the scale of thousands of dollars.
Emergency Water Removal
The process of emergency water removal is not much different from regular water extraction.
The process starts almost immediately after a team of professionals arrives. If you've been affected by a flood, or leakage has affected most of your home, most companies will advise you to move out for some time and even help you move out.
Pumps are then selected according to the amount of water that needs to be removed. Most times, industry-grade pumps are used to reduce extraction and drying time and to help prevent mold growth.
Your carpet and pads are then inspected to determine whether the damage is severe. If the damage is severe, the carpet and pads will be removed to protect the subfloor from water damage.
For the most part, the same types of equipment are used for emergency water extraction. Moisture detectors and hygrometers are used to gauge moisture saturation. Commercial-grade fans and dehumidifiers are used to regulate the moisture content of the affected area.
Some companies resort to using infrared cameras to find water behind walls and ceilings. This helps circumvent the formation of mold in the long run and reduces the possibility of the affected area, attracting pests.
If the amount of water in the affected area is too large to be extracted by portable pumps, truck-mounted extraction units are used to get rid of water quickly and efficiently before moving on to repair and restoration.