Four Helpful Water Damage Repair Tips

Water damage is one of the most common problems that homeowners encounter. Whether it be severe damage resulting from a large flood or minor damage from an unexpected leak, most people can expect to deal with some degree of water damage during their lives. With that in mind, everyone should have a basic knowledge of what to do in the case of water damage. Here are a few tips that we at?Sierra Restoration in Franklin County recommend everyone know about water damage repair.

Know The Different Types Of Water Damage

Not all types of water damage are created equal. Most experts divide water damage into three different categories.

• Category 1: Category 1 is water damage that comes from sanitary sources such as sinks or toilet tanks. This type of water damage is much easier to clean since there is no immediate health risk from the water. However, if left uncleaned, category 1 damage can degrade into category 2 damage and cause more serious problems.
• Category 2: Category 2 water damage comes from sources that have a low to moderate level of contamination. The contamination is such that it is likely to cause illness and discomfort if ingested. Sources include dishwashers, washing machines, and toilets overflowed with urine.
• Category 3: Category 3 water damage poses significant health risks. If ingested, it may cause serious illness and in worst cases, death. Sources of category 3 damage are sewers, stagnant water, and flooding from rivers and streams. Because of health risks and deeper cleaning required, you should never attempt to clean category 3 damage on your own. Cleaning category 3 damage effectively requires professional experience and equipment.

Be Wary Of Mold

Whenever there is water damage, mold almost inevitably follows. As a result, it is important for you to be cognizant of potential mold problems even after all the initial damage is taken care of. The sooner you recognize it and are able to clean it up, the better.

Dry Out Affected Areas ASAP

This is probably the most important thing to know about water damage cleanup. Water damage cleanup is all about time. Every hour your wait to begin the restoration process, the more damage to your home there will be. For this reason, we at Sierra Restoration in Franklin County recommend your first move after a flood or water damage incident be to contact a professional cleaning and restoration contractor so they can begin working on the situation as soon as possible.

Disinfect Remaining Materials

Simply drying out your home, doesn’t mean the water damage restoration process is complete. With category 2 and category 3 water damage, the water carries harmful bacteria and microorganisms into your home. Simply drying out the water doesn’t mean the bacteria and microorganisms will also go away. Thus, it is best to contact a professional cleaning and restoration company. Don’t hesitate to give us a call at Sierra Restoration as we are equipped to deal with the sanitizing process and ensure your home is healthy and safe to be in once again.