Water Restoration 101

The Essentials of Water Restoration

Water restoration is the professional process of cleaning, drying, and repairing property after a flood or leak. In simple terms, it involves extracting standing water and using industrial technology to remove moisture from structural materials. Performed by certified environmental experts, this work is the vital first step for homeowners and contractors to prevent structural rot and hazardous mold growth.

Causes of At-Home Flooding

Understanding the most common sources of residential water intrusion is the first step in protecting your property and investment.

Burst Pipes

Sudden pressure spikes or freezing temperatures can cause metal and PVC pipes to fail, releasing high volumes of water rapidly.

Appliance Leaks

Aging hoses and failing seals in washing machines, water heaters, and refrigerators often lead to slow, hidden damage.

Roof Leaks

Damaged shingles, clogged gutters, or compromised flashing allow moisture to penetrate attics and structural framing during rain.

Storm Damage

Extreme weather events can overwhelm a home's exterior envelope, leading to significant flash flooding and structural intrusion.

Poor Drainage

Improper landscaping grading or faulty sumps can direct surface water toward the foundation instead of away from the property.

Sewer Backups

A blockage in the main line or municipal system can force wastewater back through drains, causing highly hazardous flooding.

Prevention Tips for External Factors

To mitigate the impact of external factors on your home, regular inspections and maintenance are crucial. Here are some steps you can take:

Weatherproof Your Home: Ensure your home is well-sealed and weatherproofed to withstand heavy rainfall and snowstorms. Install storm windows and doors, and use weather stripping to seal gaps.
Monitor Nearby Construction: Stay informed about nearby construction projects and take steps to protect your home, such as installing barriers or drainage systems to redirect water away from your property.
Maintain Neighboring Properties: Work with your neighbors to ensure their properties are well-maintained, especially if you share walls or foundations.
Manage Tree Roots: Regularly inspect your property for tree roots that may be encroaching on your plumbing system. Consider removing or relocating trees that pose a risk.
Address High Water Tables: If you live in an area with a high water table, consider installing a sump pump in your basement or crawl space to manage water seepage.

By proactively addressing these external factors, you can protect your home from water damage and avoid costly repairs.

How To Detect Early Signs of Water Damage

Early Signs To Watch For

Early detection of water damage can save you from extensive repairs and costs. Regularly inspecting your home for warning signs can help address issues before they escalate. Here’s a checklist of common early signs of water damage:

Damp spots on walls, ceilings, or floors.
Discoloration or stains on surfaces, often brown or yellowish.
Mold growth, which can appear in damp areas or hidden corners.
Musty odors indicating trapped moisture or hidden mold.
Unexplained increases in water bills, which may signal hidden leaks.
Soft or sagging spots on walls, floors, or ceilings.
Water pooling around the base of your water heater, indicating a potential leak.

Monitoring these areas regularly allows you to take action before water damage worsens.

Key Takeaways

Regularly inspect plumbing and appliances to catch early signs of leaks. Ensure proper drainage around your home to prevent foundation damage from water buildup. Install and maintain gutters and downspouts to direct water away from your home. Use water sensors and automatic shutoff valves to mitigate water damage risks. Keep an updated insurance policy to cover potential water damage repairs.

Water Restoration is the process of returning a property to its original condition before water intrusion. The process includes inspection, extraction, dehumidification, sanitation, and reconstruction if necessary. The steps involved in water damage restoration are inspection, assessment, mitigation, structural drying, removal of damaged materials, cleaning, sanitizing, deodorizing, and complete property restoration.

Addressing Water Damage

Steps To Take When You Experience Water Damage

Turn Off the Main Water Supply: Immediately shut off the main water supply to prevent further water flow and minimize damage.
Contact a Professional: Reach out to a professional water damage restoration service to assess the damage and develop a remediation plan.
Remove Standing Water: Use pumps, wet vacuums, or buckets to remove any standing water. Dry the affected area as quickly as possible to prevent mold growth.
Check for Structural Damage: Inspect your home for any structural damage, such as weakened walls or floors.
Inspect and Clean Systems: Hire a professional to inspect and clean your HVAC units, drain lines, and plumbing system.
Prevent Future Water Damage: Take proactive steps to prevent future water damage. Install a water damage prevention system and use a sump pump alarm.

Preventing Future Water Damage

Water damage can be costly and time-consuming to repair, but with prompt action and the right precautions, you can minimize the damage and prevent future occurrences. Regular maintenance, timely repairs, and proactive measures are key to protecting your home from water damage. By staying vigilant and addressing issues as soon as they arise, you can safeguard your home and avoid the stress and expense of extensive water damage repairs.

Does Insurance Cover Water Remediation?

Don’t presume your homeowners insurance will pay to fix your water problems. Insurance typically pays if the problem results from an emergency already covered on your policy, like a burst pipe, but not if water resulted from deferred maintenance, persistent moisture or seepage, or from floodwaters (unless you have flood insurance).

Local Water Damage Contractors in Kansas and Missouri (A-Z):

911 KC (913) 227-4578 | Olathe, KS 66061

Advanced Microbial Professionals (816) 935-3932 | Lees Summit, MO 64086

Clean teams of KC (816) 738-9775 | Lees Summit, MO 64081

Freshco Cleaning and Restoration 620 (417)-6521 | Hutchinson, KS 67505

Frontier Restoration (913) 800-4980 | Olathe, KS 66062

Power Dry (913) 347 6146 | Lenexa, KS 66219

Richards Remediation (573)-819-1351 | Colombia MO

SERVPRO (816) 837-0215 | Lee’s Summit, MO 64086

Safety Standards

PPE usage including chemical-resistant suits, hand protection, eye protection, and N100 or P100 respirators to protect from hazards such as sewage and mold.
Proactive drying within 24 hours to prevent hazardous mold growth and secondary contamination.
Monitor the moisture levels
Removal of debris, flooring and drywall if appropriate
Ensure electricity is turned off at the mains to avoid electrocution risks
Proper identification of high-risk scenarios requiring certified restoration professionals- if water damage is more than 10 square feet the EPA recommend hiring a professional. Make sure you hire a professional and check they are licensed and insured