In this article, we’ve highlighted the differences between water mitigation & water damage restoration.
Other points discussed include scenarios where water mitigation is required, water mitigation cost, what to look for when hiring a water mitigation service, the water mitigation process, preventive action, and why DIY water mitigation isn’t advisable.
Water Damage Mitigation
A flooded home can lead to all kinds of problems, including property damage.
As a temporary stop-gap measure or solution, water mitigation serves to contain the problem until a lasting solution is found or implemented.
Homeowners facing flooding problems will find this article helpful in arresting the situation. Here, we’ve offered water mitigation tips that work.
Water Mitigation Vs. Water Damage Restoration
Water mitigation and water damage restoration are often used interchangeably. However, the reality is that these aren’t the same.
While both involve water damage, the response to such is different. Water mitigation seeks to arrest the problem immediately to save the property from moisture incursion.
On the other hand, water damage restoration is performed after the water event and seeks to fix any problems to return the property to its original condition.
Here, damaged items are replaced, and the property is fixed.
Water mitigation isn’t as extensive in its approach. As mentioned earlier, water mitigation is a temporary approach to fixing water damage, while water damage restoration adopts a more permanent approach.
Type of Water Mitigation
It’s necessary to know the types of water mitigation to see what you’re dealing with. Water damage involves one of three types of water: clear water, grey water, and black water.
In the case of clear water, this involves portable water leaks from pipes or other plumbing installations holding clean water.
This is the easiest to fix as there’s no need for disinfecting the area after cleanup or removal.
Grey water is already used water meant to be disposed of, finding its way, or leaking back into your home. It’s murky and comes from appliances like washing machines, dishwashers, bathroom sinks, kitchen sinks, and bathtubs.
This has some level of contamination from organic & inorganic matter and microorganisms.
Water mitigation may also occur from blackwater leaks, considered very contaminated and coming from sources like surface water runoff, sewage, and medical waste.
Mitigating this type of water requires a more specialized approach. In other words, you cannot proceed to address the problem yourself as it could lead to infections, mold growth, and other issues.
When Water Mitigation Becomes Necessary
When does water mitigation become necessary? It depends on the situation leading to water damage or flooding of your home.
These conditions could result in water damage and flooding, thus needing immediate water mitigation.
They include faulty toilet lines, flooded basements, damaged or broken water supply lines, clogged gutters, and downspouts.
Roof leaks and storm damage will naturally trigger an immediate and appropriate response, which water mitigation is a part of. There’s a misconception that you can handle the problem via DIY.
In reality, this isn’t easy to deal with and requires the right expertise in dealing with the problem. A water mitigation technician is better trained and experienced to get the job done.
Water Mitigation Costs
When faced with water damage, the cost of remedying the problem can be significant, depending on the extent of the damage.
The cost of water mitigation will be anywhere from $1,300 to $5,000 or higher, especially when the affected area is large. Larger homes are likely to attract higher water mitigation fees.
Also, the type of water you’re dealing with matters.
As discussed earlier, water mitigation types fall under one of the following categories: clear water, gray water, and black water.
Clearwater mitigation is the cheapest of the three, while blackwater mitigation is the costliest due to contamination and having to deal with contaminants.
It’s best to allow professionals to handle this process to prevent further problems.
What to Look for when Hiring a Water Mitigation Service
When looking for a water mitigation service to hire, you need to be cautious about the whole process. That is because the success of your water mitigation efforts depends on who performs the job.
In other words, their expertise will count in addressing the problem. Things to look out for include experience and proof of insurance.
It would help if you also were interested in the company crew’s training and certifications. A reputable company won’t be hesitant to show proof of such.
Does the company offer satisfaction guarantees?
The best in the industry do. Does the company offer round-the-clock availability? Go for services that are. What are customers saying about its usefulness?
Customer reviews give an accurate picture of what to expect.
The Water Mitigation Process
The water mitigation process follows a series of steps to arrest water damage by identifying and fixing the cause. Also, the damage done is worked on and addressed.
It involves finding the source, shutting off your plumbing system or tarping the area, checking structural stability, removing accumulated water, and damaging or affecting furniture.
Next, you must call the pros for more in-depth assessment and fixes. You also have to call your insurance company to report the situation.
The type of water damage (clear, grey, or black water) will determine the steps to take. For grey or black water, have all affected areas disinfected.
Setting up of water cleanup equipment follows. Water mitigation services have a range of equipment used for this purpose.
Such may include air scrubbers, commercial-grade vacuums, desiccant dehumidifiers, non-invasive moisture meters, large fans, and many others.
After removing the water, the area is dried, and an anti-microbial spray is applied.
Why DIY Water Mitigation is a Bad Idea
The ineffectiveness of DIY water mitigation approaches cannot be overstated, as this knowledge helps you make the right decisions toward finding far-reaching solutions.
This is more so when dealing with category 2 and 3 water damage as such will require extra precautions due to its hazardous nature.
You’ll have to put on OSHA-approved PPE gear, among other requirements.
With most DIY’ers, this isn’t worth the stress as it’s best to have the pros handle your water mitigation needs, including structural drying.
Water mitigation is crucial to curtailing damage and any other problems that may arise. In this article, we’ve seen the processes involved and identified why involving water mitigation experts is best.