Mitigation

Water Damage Mitigation – Everything You Need To Know

Water damage mitigation is different from water damage restoration – but the distinction between the two can be hard to determine at first blush.

Water damage mitigation is a part of the damage restoration process. It entails the removal of water from your home and also the clean-up required after drying.

There are water mitigation contractors and companies out there that focus solely on the mitigation aspect of the restoration process. These companies don't repair or replace the damaged items in your home.

But what is the exact process? What equipment is used? And when is it a good idea to have a water damage mitigation plan?

Here's a short guide detailing all you need to know.

Water Damage Mitigation Process

Damage mitigation is one of the first steps in the process of restoring a home or business to its former state.

The mitigation process typically entails three steps: clean-up, drying, and disinfecting. However, depending on the severity of the damage, the fourth step of dehumidification may be carried out.

Water Mitigation Equipment

1. Clean-Up Stage

Commercial-grade equipment such as truck-mounted vacuums and submersible pumps are used to remove the water from the affected area in the clean-up stage.

Some companies also supply teams of professionals with portable wet/dry vacuums. These can make quick work of smaller areas damaged by water.

After the water is removed, depending on your agreement with the contractor, the specialists may clean up the unsalvageable items affected by the water. These may include furniture, carpets, flooring, and more.

2. Drying Stage

Next, the moisture is extracted from your floors, walls, and furniture using equipment like air scrubbers and air movers.

The drying stage typically takes the longest since all the material in the affected area must be dried off thoroughly.

Lingering moisture increases the chances of mold development, putting those in the home or business at risk of respiratory issues and other severe health problems.

3. Disinfecting Stage

Contractors don't always disinfect the affected area. The step is typically not required if the water damage is caused by Category 1 (clean) water.

That being said, damage caused by other categories of water leaves behind microbes and chemicals in the affected area, which cause numerous health issues.

If the water damage results from a flood or a sewer backup, the affected area is disinfected thoroughly.

4. Dehumidification Stage

Dehumidification is technically a part of the drying stage and is implemented along with the second stage.

However, if specialists detect higher-than-normal moisture levels in the affected area post disinfection, they will use industrial fans and multiple dehumidifiers to normalize moisture levels.

Dehumidification of the affected area sharply reduces the chances of mold growth, ensuring the safety of your loved ones at home, or the employees of your business.

Water Damage Mitigation Plan

Water damage is one of the leading causes of property loss.

Considering to make a water damage mitigation plan is an excellent idea, especially if you run a business. Having a mitigation plan can minimize the damage caused.

Here's how you can make your own:

• Identify detection methods: The first thing you need to do is make a list of the visual and manual indicators of water damage. Weather alerts, sump pump and base building inspections, and even automatic detection methods such as flow alarms and leak detection systems are typically all you need to identify water damage.

• Use the schematics: Having a close look at your property's interior and exterior schematics can help quickly mitigate water damage. Make sure you take note of all domestic piping, the main electrical breaker, the gas shutoff, and every water loop system, including your air conditioner's isolation valves.

• Label all the equipment: Labeling the shutoff valves on your property can be a saving grace in an emergency. In addition to using a standardized tagging system, consider including pictures of the layouts in your plan.

• Document emergency procedures: Consider every possible cause of water damage – floods, frozen pipes, and even sprinkler leaks. Then write down the contact information of the contractor/company you trust will get the job done when the time comes.

• Also, make sure you have the phone numbers of your plumber, electrician, roofer, and even the alarm company noted. Don't forget to add the phone number of your insurance company to this list.

• Protect critical equipment: Make a list of all the critical equipment that is sensitive to water damage. The main electrical room, electronic data process center, and all other equipment must be noted.

• Next, work to make sure that pipes don't run above critical equipment. Installing barriers is the best way to go, and if possible, you should also install leak detection devices.

• Buy an emergency pipe repair kit: An emergency pipe repair kit can help ensure quick mitigation. Make sure it's easy to access, and includes a copy of the mitigation plan. Add plastic sheets to cover electronic equipment, and if possible, also add a portable sump pump to the kit.

Of course, homeowners can also adapt this blueprint to make their own water damage mitigation plan.

Being prepared is the best way to minimize water damage, and having a personalized water damage mitigation plan ready is the ultimate way to prepare yourself.