SOS! Five Facts About Handling Water Damage Yourself

Help, we have water damage!

While a water disaster can be among the most devastating and costly events a home or business owner can suffer, it is also one of the most underestimated. In the chaos of the aftermath and trying to minimize the costs of loss, many owners will send an “SOS” call out to family, friends and employees in an attempt to contain the damage by themselves. Sadly in the end however, most of these efforts only result in tired workers, solutions that do not accurately address the disaster’s damage and end up costing more than if they had hired a professional in the first place. Knowing the five facts about Water Damage effects ahead of time may inspire those facing it to seek a professional and save a lot of aggravation, time and costs.

1. Water Contamination Can Have Nasty Results – More times than not water damage is the result of a sewage water leak or flood. These scenarios present very big health hazards. Contaminating agents can include pollutants such as: chemicals, bacteria, fungi, viruses and animal feces. In addition severe health risks comprise: Salmonella, Typhoid Fever, Cholera, Leptospirosis and Hepatitis A. Keep in mind these risks can be the same whether a major flood of simple sewage leak in one’s home. In addition, while damage  may be “clean” water related, there are still risks associated with bacteria from the damage itself.

Contact with and clean up of potentially hazardous, contaminated water requires special equipment and protective gear thus why professionals are advised.

2. Water Amounts Can Be Deceiving – Even small water leaks can be deceptive in terms of the amount of water involved. Often, unless it is a large scale water emergency such as a flood or burst pipe, water amounts can be hidden be structural framework and interior design aspects such as flooring and furnishings. Carpets and padding can hold as much as TWO Gallons of water per square yard.

Simple shop vacs and household fans are not enough to adequately dry a water damaged area, professional drying and dehumidifying units are the only way to assure proper drying.

3. Mold Can Grow At Lightning Speed – Water damaged areas are breeding grounds for mold. Even if on the surface they appear dry. Due to the complex nature of building materials, mold can form quickly. Drywall, carpeting and wood can trap water within their layers allowing for bacteria growth. Mold can grow and spread quickly within a 48-hour period.

Often the only way to properly prevent and address mold requires removal of affected materials through remediation and reconstruction methods.

4. Damage to Furnishings Can Occur in Minutes – While structural damages can be the biggest concern in terms of safety and building integrity, furnishings’ damages can often be the costliest.
   • Within Minutes: Furniture begins to warp, become discolored (turn white) and swell. Wood stains discolor expensive rugs and carpeting beneath. Books, paper and personal items become stained and ruined due to direct contact with moisture.
   • Within Hours: Furniture laminates and glue becomes compromised leading to cracks, separations and bubbling. Wallpaper adhesives begin to separate and peel. Trapped, hidden odors become released.
   • Within Days: Fabrics begin to bleed. Sensitive internal components within furniture such as drawers, brackets and gears start to warp. Metal decor and fixtures rusts. Electronic appliances may start to fail due to internal components’ exposure to moisture.

Time is a critical factor in saving expensive furnishings. A small, untrained group of individuals may have problems addressing the prioritizing restoration tasks and keeping up with the pace needed to address quickly developing water damage issues.  

5. Insurance Companies View Water and Flood Damage Differently – Believe it or not water and floods are two separate entities when it comes to insurance. While water leaks (damage) may be covered under a Homeowner’s Insurance Policy, floods are commonly not. Flood Insurance is usually a separate policy purchased through The National Flood Insurance Program. When it comes to assessing the damage and filing a claim, using the right language and terminology can be critical to the insurance claim being paid.

Unfortunately most individuals are not experienced with handling the red tape involved in reporting water damage to an insurance company often resulting in critical time delays, unpaid claims and extra stress. In addition, if proper restoration procedures are not followed in accordance to insurance guidelines it can result in claims being denied.

While quickly addressing water and flood damages themselves may be at the forefront of the minds of home and business owners when disaster strikes, it can result in greater property loss. Exposure to the health risks involved with a proper restoration project requires experts who are equipped and trained to handle hazardous water damage situations. By hiring a professional you can expect expert assessment, correct remediation, timely completion and most of all…less headaches!

Reliable Restoration is available 24/7/365 for all water and flood damage needs. We respond with prompt arrivals, expert assessment, professional restoration, timely reconstruction and provide peace of mind. With RR, you reliably experience Recovery, Restoration and Reconstruction because with us, your family is our family.