The Differences Between a Water Remediation and Water Mitigation
Water remediation and water mitigation are two different roles that often overlap when your property experiences flooding. Learn more about the differences between the two and why you will need both professional services to help you recover from water damage and prevent more from happening.
Water Mitigation Versus Water Remediation
While water remediation and water mitigation refer to processes related to recovering from water damage, the two services have essential differences.
Water remediation refers to the remedy or reversal of damage caused by flooding. For example, if your basement has flooded, a water remediation service will help you repair the damage.
Water mitigation differs in that it focuses on the prevention of damage in the first place. For example, after flooding, standing water can increase the amount of damage over time. Working with a water mitigation company helps reduce the overall level of damage by using tools to quickly dry out the location, provide decontamination services, or remove mold and prevent it from reoccurring.
Water Damage Restoration Step-By-Step
Whether you are a business owner or homeowner, any type of water damage can ruin your day, so it needs to be remedied as quickly as possible.
The safety of your employees and family is the most critical consideration when flooding and water damage occur, but you don't have to wait to start the cleanup process. Here are a few things you can get started on yourself to prevent further deterioration of your property.
Remember, only ever do the things you can do safely. If in doubt, staying out of the property is always the best option.
Shut Off the Water Source
If you are able, the first thing you should do is shut off the water source. Of course, this will only be possible if you are experiencing flooding from burst pipes.
If the source of the flooding is due to natural disasters, your local emergency services will place tarps as a temporary shelter against rainfall. Sandbag barriers may help reduce the amount of water entering the premises when the water source is a river that has broken its banks.
Turn off the Electricity
Electricity and water are a dangerous combination. Only do this step if you can safely get to the power distribution box. Otherwise, wait for the professionals and don't enter the property until you are told it is safe.
Start the Cleanup Process
The longer water sits in and around your property, the more damage it will do. Start the cleaning process as soon as it is safe to do so. Move your belongings to a dry area where you can start sorting out what can be salvaged. The space should be airy with excellent ventilation to help with drying.
Remove as much of the excess water as you can with a mop and place as many fans as you have available to improve the airflow and get the drying process going.
The Water Mitigation Process
Unlike water damage restoration, water mitigation is all about reducing the ongoing deterioration that water can do to a property.
When a water mitigation company arrives on the scene, the technicians will assess the area and consider the best course of action to reduce the amount of damage. The tasks they may perform could include:
● Removing electronics and other at-risk items
● Sealing flooded rooms
● Preventing the flow of floodwater
● Removal and disposal of non-salvageable materials
Other services provided by your local water damage mitigation company may involve cleaning with various chemical products to inhibit mold growth, and placing dehumidifiers, industrial fans, and air conditioners to facilitate the drying process.
The first task will be to remove standing water using specialized equipment like vacuum pumps. Damaged walls and flooring will be stripped down to expose areas that may have hidden damage caused by moisture.
Carpeting will be stripped to assess the flooring underneath and removed for drying or disposed of if it's deemed unsalvageable.
The most challenging part of the water mitigation process is getting the area dried out as quickly as possible. Drying is a critical part of the water mitigation process as any remaining moisture will continue to cause damage through wood rot or mold growth.
Businesses and homeowners will not have the industrial level equipment to adequately dry out their properties, which is why you should call your local water mitigation company as soon as possible.
How Much Does Water Mitigation Cost?
A lot of factors will influence how much water mitigation will cost. These are some of the most significant contributors to the cost of water mitigation:
Water Category: Water is classified according to its contamination level, of which there are three: freshwater, greywater, and black water. Freshwater from a burst water supply line will be the easiest to clean up. Greywater poses more risk of contamination and requires a more comprehensive clean-up process. Black water is sewage posing considerable health risks and requiring specialized equipment to decontaminate and clean.
Size of Area To Be Treated: How much area needs to be repaired plays a significant role. A flooded basement will generally cost a lot less to clean and repair than an entire home or business.
How long the area has been flooded: Starting on the water mitigation process as soon as possible saves you time and money. The longer water is allowed to sit, the more contaminated it gets, and the more damage it can do when soaking into flooring, drywall, and furniture.
Materials: Expensive or delicate materials will generally cost more to clean and restore than less expensive versions.
Presence of Mold: Whether or not mold is present will influence the time and cost of clean-up and mitigation.
Reconstruction: How much reconstruction is needed will significantly affect your water mitigation cost. Jobs will require water extraction, drying, removal, and disposal, but if construction like drywall and new carpet are required, these will need to be factored into the cost.
Insurance
Fortunately, most insurance policies will include flood or storm damage, but you will need to check the details. Some policies may not include cover for floods from busted pipes or flooding caused by storms.
Your local water mitigation company has professionals who are experts at dealing with insurance companies. You already have enough on your plate dealing with the aftermath, so they will be more than happy to take over insurance negotiations on your behalf.
Will Water Damage Reduce Your Home's Value?
Unfortunately, water damage and mold outbreaks can affect the resale value of your home. If you are in an area that has recently flooded, it increases the chance of it happening again and generally makes a location a little less desirable. All property values in the affected area will be impacted.
Water damage and mold outbreaks must also be reported to potential buyers by law. When you suspect that you might have mold anywhere in your home, you should have it professionally checked by a mold remediation company. Outbreaks after the sale can expose you to potential legal action from the new owners.
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