When Do You Need Water Damage Services

Causes of Water Damage

Floods and hurricanes aren’t the only things that can cause water damage to your home and property. Other common causes of water-related damage include excessive condensation from air conditioner units, frozen pipes that burst, and septic and sewer backups.

Here are some other causes of water damage that you may face:

• Broken appliances that leak (i.e., a dishwasher or washing machine)
• Old or malfunctioning water heaters
• Clogged gutters or drains
• Broken or burst rubber or PVC plumbing lines
• Excess rain that causes roof leaks
• Damaged sprinkler systems
• Sump pumps that stop working
• Inadequate roof drainage

Water damage almost always happens when you least expect it. Fortunately, the best and most professional water damage services are available to help you recover. If you encounter any of these issues, you should contact a water damage company right away to mitigate the damage.

When to Contact Water Damage Services

Just because your house isn’t completely underwater, it doesn’t mean that you don’t need help from a water damage restoration company. But, when is it time to call for help? There are several scenarios where you should contact a reliable water damage company right away.

Swollen or warped materials such as your walls or ceiling are a clear indication of hidden or worsening water damage. Unexpected cracks in these areas may also indicate that water damage has occurred.

Peeling or bubbling paint is a surefire sign of water damage, as is odd and strong musty or damp odors anywhere in your home. Sagging or soft spots on the floor could mean that there’s a burst pipe somewhere or that water damage has leaked from the walls to the floors.

Obvious water stains, even if they’re dry, often mean that there’s something wrong and you simply didn’t see it when it was happening. Don’t ignore any of these signs if you happen to notice them in your home.

Inspections

Once you call for water damage services, the process starts with a thorough inspection.A water damage specialist will thoroughly inspect your home to find the root cause of the damage and to look for areas that need repair.

These inspections involve checking for not just the source of the damage, but also the contamination level. Some water is less harmful than other types of water, and if it’s not identified, it could cause health issues later. For example, water coming from a broken toilet or a burst sewer pipe is much more dangerous than rainwater.

The water damage service provider will also determine the severity of the damage during the inspection. Drywall tends to suck up water like a sponge so it should be removed and replaced as soon as possible.

Water Removal/Extraction

The next step in the process is water removal or extraction. This emergency water removal only occurs if there is visible standing water still in your home, or if your carpets are soaked, for example.

Removing standing or stagnant water is done via a process called extraction. The specialist will use industrial vacuums and submersible pumps to remove as much water as possible.

Once the standing water is removed, any remaining wetness is extracted using portable wet/dry vacuums. A moisture meter or an infrared thermal camera might also be utilized to look for any hidden areas of moisture behind walls or under the floors. Keep in mind that residual water will still likely remain after this step is complete, especially if the water damage is severe or widespread.

Drying and Dehumidifying

Once as much water is removed as possible, the water damage restoration specialist may use heavy-duty fans to help dry the area. These fans also work to remove excess humidity from your property.

Windows and doors may be opened to help speed up the drying process and increase air circulation. In most cases, this part of the process takes longer than the water extraction step. Parts of your walls or floors may also be removed during this step to help dry the area faster.

Cleaning and Sanitizing

For this step, the water damage technician will use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) like a mask, gloves, goggles, and rubber boots. They’ll use equipment like a High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) vacuum or an air scrubber to remove mold and mildew from the affected areas.

The cleaning and sanitizing process varies based on the level of the damage. More severe water-damaged areas should also be cleaned with a special antimicrobial solution formulated to kill dangerous bacteria, mold, and other toxins.

Repairs and Construction

When all of the water, mold, and wet areas are removed, the specialist will begin working on repairs and construction. At this point, all damaged drywall, flooring, trim boards, and other areas should already be removed.

The carpets will likely need to be replaced, and wooden trim boards can be reused unless they’re destroyed. The drywall will be repaired and replaced as needed. Reconstruction of certain areas may also be necessary, such as damaged floors or ceilings with holes in them.

Don’t Let Water Damage Ruin Your Home

Dealing with water damage is stressful, but the right water damage services will give you peace of mind and restore your home. Whether it’s from a natural disaster, a plumbing emergency, or a septic system issue, these professionals know how to make things right.

AAA Lead Professionals was established in 2009 and we continue to prioritize your needs by offering trusted environmental services with integrity and expertise. We are currently serving New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and Connecticut so if you have water damage, be sure to contact us today so we can help.

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