The water damage cleanup process is a complicated one that requires professional help. Whether the source is from a burst pipe, severe flooding or sewage backup, it’s critical to take immediate action. Within just 24 hours, drywall can start to bulge and wood structures can begin buckling. If left untreated, mold and mildew will form, resulting in further damage and costing you more money to repair. Fortunately, most insurance companies cover water damage, especially sudden events like floods or sewer backups.

Water damage mitigation is the first step in clean up after a flood, and it’s also the most important. Mitigation professionals will stop the problem from getting worse by sealing off affected areas and removing any furniture, books or other items that are at risk of warping or rotting.

They will also turn off any power to outlets in the area, as this can prevent electrocuting you or your family members. Finally, they will move any items that aren’t affected by the water to an area of the house that isn’t at risk or to a friend or family member’s house until the home can be restored.

Next, the technicians will inspect and assess the water damage to determine if everything can be saved or needs to be replaced. This will include categorizing the type of water that entered the building, with CATEGORY 1 – Clean Water being relatively free of contaminants and contaminates and CATEGORY 2 – Grey Water having more significant levels of contaminants, and CATEGORY 3 – Black Water being a grossly unsanitary level of contamination.

Once the inspection is complete, the company will set up its equipment to remove the water. This includes setting up pumps, dehumidifiers, and specialized vacuum equipment. They may also use ozone machines to kill odors and thermal foggers to disinfect surfaces.

After the water is removed, the technicians will seal off the area again and prepare it for restoration. They will catalog and protect any salvageable items, they’ll tear out damaged materials such as soaked drywall and buckled flooring, and prep the site for structural drying and repairs.

If necessary, the technicians will set up air movers and dehumidifiers to speed up the drying process. They will also clean and sanitize any salvageable items, including using a chemical solution to disinfect the affected area. They’ll also wipe down any electrical components that may be at risk of corrosion.

Once the cleanup is completed and the insurance claim has been filed, you’ll be able to return home. The technician will give you a walkthrough of the affected areas and show you readings to reassure you that your home is dry. They’ll also discuss any items that were damaged by the water and explain how they can be restored. They may also recommend a mold remediation specialist if needed.

Contact us:

Water Damage 24 Little Rock
1300 Hendrix Ave Little Rock AR, 72204
501-408-4062