5 min read

Water damage is among the most nerve-wracking things anyone can experience. Unfortunately, it is not uncommon to come home to a flooded basement or a broken pipe in Columbus, Ohio, as water damage problems are pretty prevalent here.

If this has happened to you, you’ll probably want to hire a professional who knows the ins and outs of water damage repair. So, before you decide to do it yourself, read on to see what goes into the water damage restoration process and why hiring an expert might be the best thing to do.

The Water Damage Restoration Process

Whether you’re dealing with a minor water damage problem or a significant one, understanding what goes into the process is key to making the right decisions about repair options. Here are steps that are followed during the water damage restoration process:

Mitigation

Water mitigation means evaluating, containing, and preventing further water damage. The entire process consists of:

  • Preventing Further Damage: the first and most crucial thing to do is identify the cause. For instance, the water damage in your house could be the result of a broken pipe. The first thing you should do is find a way to stop the water flow.
  • Water Extraction: You can use a brush to sweep out the water, but if you’ve got significant flooding, you may need an electric pump or a portable water extractor. Start by removing water in areas with porous materials such as drywall.
  • Inspection: The next step after water removal is to inspect the extent of the damage. The point of inspection is to identify if there was any structural damage and determine what needs to be done. Also, identify items that can be salvaged and what needs to be thrown away. If you’re planning on filing an insurance claim, take photographs of the damage to strengthen your claim.

Drying Out

The real work begins after mitigation. First, the affected areas need to be dried out so that the repair processes can start. If the flooding was severe, remove your carpets to air them out while the subflooring dries. Open up all the windows and, if possible, position your dehumidifiers to remove moisture.

Check for Mold

Mold can grow in as little as 24 hours, and when it does, it can be quite difficult to remove. Check for damage and apply an antimicrobial to prevent mold from growing and destroy any that has begun to grow. Time is of the essence with this step, which is why you should consider getting a water damage restoration professional to help you.

Content Restoration and Repairs

You will need to go through the salvageable items to determine how they can be restored. For instance, salvageable clothes will need to be washed and dried, and damage to furniture and appliances will need to be assessed. Take this time also to repair any structural damages.

Why Hire Water Damage Restoration Experts

While handling water damage repairs might save you money, here’s why you should leave the job to the experts:

Safe Mold Removal

Mold is harmful to the structural integrity of your home and toxic to your health.  Water damage restoration experts know where to look when checking for mold damage and what to do to destroy and prevent further growth in hidden spaces such as wall joints.

They Have the Right Tools for the Job

Whether you’ve got a flooded basement or a minor water damage problem, professional water restorers have what is needed to solve it. For instance, you may be unable to remove water from a flooded basement because you don’t have the right tools. But experts come with equipment such as portable water extractors and electric pumps. They also use professional air moving and deodorization equipment.

Prevents Costly Expenses

If untreated, water damage may wreak havoc not only on your finances but also your entire household. For instance, as mentioned, mold can grow in 24 hours, causing even more damage to your home’s structure and exposing your loved ones to the risk of mold-related health problems. By hiring experts, you avoid this risk since they’ll get it removed quickly and efficiently, preventing further damage and saving you from costly potential home repairs and medical expenses.

Saves You Stress

A flooded home is already stressful enough. Add in the stress of dealing with the damage and all your other responsibilities, and you can easily get overwhelmed. When you hire water damage restoration experts, you don’t have to lift a finger. They do all the heavy lifting, and on top of that, you get the reassurance that they’ll do a professional job.

Water Damage Repairs in Columbus, Ohio 

Water damage in Columbus, Ohio, can happen when you least expect it. Getting experienced, expert help as soon as possible is the key to avoiding costly repairs in the future and maintaining your peace of mind.