Unexpected leaks and flooding can wreak havoc in your home. While you may be able to wipe or mop up some isolated wet spots by yourself, you should get professional help for severe water intrusion. Understanding the water damage restoration process is key so you know what to expect.
ATI Restoration has the experience and skill to restore your property after water damage. You can call us any time, day or night, for a 24-Hour Emergency Response. We will dispatch technicians to your property ASAP to assess the loss and scope out repairs.
The scope and complexity of the water damage restoration process varies depending on the nature and scale of the loss. At ATI, we take an individualized approach to every project that emphasizes clear communication, reliable service, and excellent results.
What Does Water Restoration Mean?
Water damage restoration is the process of bringing a property back to its pre-loss condition following a water-related loss. It generally consists of water removal, drying and dehumidification, cleaning damaged materials and contents, and making repairs.
Mold remediation is often an important complement to the process of restoring a water-damaged home. Testing for mold must be performed by an independent third party. If you have mold, remediation activities can be added to the water damage restoration process.
What Causes Water Damage?
There are many potential causes of water damage. Knowing where the loss occurred and what caused it is crucial for developing an effective mitigation, remediation, and restoration strategy.
Some of the most common causes of water damage in homes and buildings include:
- Leaky or damaged pipes
- Clogged or backed-up drains
- Appliance malfunctions (dishwashers, washing machines, refrigerators, water heaters, etc.)
- HVAC condensation buildup
- Sewer backups and septic system failures
- Roof damage
- Insufficient roof drainage (clogged gutters, ice dams, etc.)
- Poor drainage or cracks in the foundation
- Floods
- Hurricanes and tropical storms
- Mudslides
- Human error (overflowing a sink or tub, leaving doors or windows open during a storm, etc.)
- Water from sprinkler systems and firefighting activities
Not all water damage will be visible to the naked eye. A professional inspection is the best way to ensure that water intrusion is stopped at its source and no additional damage occurs.
Categories of Water Damage
The Institution of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) identifies three categories of water damage. Water restoration professionals use IICRC S500 to evaluate the dangers posed by water damage and the precautions they need to take.
Category 1 (Clean Water)
Water from a sanitary source that poses little to no risk if touched or ingested is categorized as Clean Water. Common sources include broken water supply lines, overflowing sinks or bathtubs (with no contaminants), and leaking appliances connected to clean water. If cleaned up quickly, damage from Category 1 Water is usually minimal.
Category 2 (Gray Water)
Gray Water may contain some contaminants and can cause illness or discomfort if ingested. It originates from sources such as overflowing washing machines or dishwashers, toilet water with no feces (urine-only overflows), and sump pump failures. Category 2 water contamination needs to be handled with care, as it may contain harmful bacteria and/or chemicals.
Category 3 (Black Water)
Water with the highest level of contamination is categorized as Black Water. Exposure can lead to serious health issues, as it originates from unsanitary sources like sewage backups, floodwater, and standing or brackish water. Category 3 water contains dangerous pathogens, so personal protective equipment (PPE) is a must.
It is important to note that clean water can become more contaminated over time, making cleanup and recovery more difficult. That’s why you shouldn’t wait to call a restoration company if you have water damage.
Read More: How Long Does It Take to Get Rid of Water Damage?
What Are the Signs of Water Damage?
If you see a puddle of water where it doesn’t belong, that’s a sign of water intrusion. You might get a cloth or a mop to wipe up the liquid you found, but don’t think that’s the end of the story. Some signs of water damage aren’t so obvious, and the effects can be catastrophic if they aren’t caught in time.
Potential signs of water damage in your home include:
- Water stains on walls, ceilings, and floors
- Cracked or sagging ceilings
- Unexplained dripping or leaking sounds
- Damp or musty odors
- Warped or swollen wood (hardwood floors, cabinets, furniture, etc.)
- Soft spots in walls and floors
- Paint that’s peeling from the wall or ceiling
- Cracked foundation, uneven floors, and other signs of structural damage
Be sure to tell the restorer if you notice any of these issues. They will inspect known problem areas and perform additional testing to identify other moisture sources and plan out the water damage restoration process accordingly.
How Does Water Damage Restoration Work?
Flooding, ruptured pipes, and overflowing toilets are a few examples of emergency water damage. These incidents can compromise the structure of your home, create electrical hazards, and bring you into contact with harmful contaminants—all of which pose a risk to you and your family.
Even if water damage doesn’t seem like an emergency, the restoration process should get underway as soon as possible. Professional water restoration companies take the following steps:
1. Inspecting the Water Damage
Using thermal imaging and other equipment, the technician will pinpoint the source of the water. They will also determine the category of water contamination and the class of water loss. IICRC standards identify four classes of water damage based on how much water is involved and how fast it is expected to evaporate:
- Class 1: Limited amount of water in a small area with materials having minimal porosity, such as tile, hardwood, and sealed concrete.
- Class 2: The amount of water damage is significant and affects a larger area. Carpets, drywall, and other porous materials are affected.
- Class 3: Saturation is extensive, most often due to overhead water leaks from the roof or ceiling. Nearly everything has sustained some degree of water damage, with absorbent materials posing the biggest challenge.
- Class 4: Massive water damage, with moisture becoming deeply embedded in low-porosity materials such as plaster, brick, stone, and concrete. Recovery requires specialized drying techniques.
The inspection is crucial for developing a cohesive plan to restore your home. It also allows the technicians to determine the PPE and other equipment they’ll need to complete the restoration safely.
2. Removing Water from the Property
Powerful pumps, vacuums, and extraction units remove standing water from the home. Spot extraction using a portable wet vacuum can remove additional water from floors and carpets. These steps help to reduce the time it takes to dry the area and prevent further losses, as well as giving mold less chance to start growing.
3. Drying & Dehumidification
Certain materials retain moisture even after the water is removed. Removing moisture from the air is critical for guaranteeing that the property and contents are totally dry. Technicians use hygrometers and other technology to monitor moisture levels and make adjustments to bring them within a normal range.
4. Cleaning & Disinfection of Water-Damaged Surfaces
Thorough cleaning eliminates bacteria, pathogens, mold spores, dirt, and debris and removes odors from living spaces. Depending on the type of water damage, the cleaning process may involve disinfection of contaminated surfaces and/or removal of badly damaged materials. Contents cleaning is the process of inventorying items with water damage and, if possible, restoring them to their prior condition.
5. Repairs & Reconstruction
Finally, specialists in water damage will perform any necessary repairs. This may involve minor restoration work (such as replacing baseboards, patching drywall, etc.), major repairs (such as replacing insulation, restoring the HVAC system, rebuilding walls and ceilings), or—in the case of structural damage—reconstructing the home.
Helping You Through the Water Damage Restoration Process
No matter the cause, water damage is a major headache for homeowners. ATI Restoration is here for you when the unthinkable happens, providing comprehensive solutions tailored to your needs and goals.
Our 24-Hour Emergency Response ensures that qualified technicians will arrive at your property without delay. We work quickly to assess the damage and begin planning out the steps of recovery. Unlike many companies, we handle virtually all aspects of the water damage restoration process in-house. This provides consistency when you need it most, as well as optimal results throughout the course of the project.
Contact ATI Restoration Today
Every disaster has a human story behind it. ATI Restoration recognizes that every customer is in the midst of a stressful or even dire situation. We pride ourselves on maintaining the highest standard of customer service, treating you with dignity and respect, and working with you closely to give you peace of mind.
With 70+ locations nationwide, ATI responds to manmade and natural disasters throughout the continental United States. Contact us for immediate assistance if your home has water damage.