If you’ve experienced some type of water damage or leak in your home or business, the chances are good your insurance company has advised you to contact a water mitigation company. If you scratched your head and wondered, what is a water mitigation company?, you’re not alone. When water issues occur, many people search the internet for “water damage” or “water leak” to find help, but in reality, you need a water mitigation company.
A water mitigation company uses professional equipment to extract water from a home or business after water damage occurs, dry the affected area to prevent further damage, and clean and sanitize all surfaces to inhibit mold growth.
This critical phase between disaster and restoration is necessary to bring the property back to its original state in a safe and structurally sound way as long as the water mitigation company follows the proper steps.
Your Restorations by Highmark Team
First onsite to guide you through initial steps.
Dry out property and remove water damaged materials.
Work with your insurance to determine scope and price of repair.
Manage the timeline and remain a point of contact throughout project.
Check in throughout the project to ensure highest quality of work.
Executes repair or rebuild of property as needed.
What is Water Mitigation?
There are many common causes of water damage including leaking or burst pipes, roof leaks, fire suppression system failures, faulty appliances, natural disasters, sewage backup, and more. If one of these issues occurs in your home or business, you’ll need to hire a water mitigation company.
Water mitigation is a series of steps that starts with removing the excess water, drying or removing the water-damaged areas, and then sanitizing to mitigate the possibility of mold growth.
Water mitigation is an urgent matter that should be left to the professionals who have the necessary equipment, knowledge, and expertise to halt structural deterioration and the introduction of mold and bacteria.
When Should I Call a Water Mitigation Company?
Water damage can happen at any moment, which is why it’s the second most common home insurance claim. At the first sign of a leak, do a quick assessment of the cause and take steps to stop the source of the water. Call a water mitigation company if any of the following has occurred:
- Burst or Leaking Pipes: Wet spots on walls or ceilings, or unexplained puddles on the floor can often mean a bigger issue lurks behind the drywall.
- Mold Growth: Visible mold on floors, ceilings, or walls can indicate a prolonged water issue that needs immediate attention.
- Sewer Backup: Sewage is extremely hazardous to your health and must be cleaned up by the experts.
- Flooding: A plumbing issue or natural disaster can bring unwanted water to your property, damage the structure, and invite mold growth.
Water Damage Mitigation Process
If a leak or flood does occur, contact a water mitigation company immediately. Next, try to determine the source of the leak and attempt to stop the water flow. Wear protective gloves in the event the water is contaminated. If the leak is coming from a faulty appliance or a burst pipe, turn off the main water shut-off valve. Move furniture and any valuables away from the damaged areas.
When the water mitigation company arrives, they will likely follow these critical steps to mitigate the water damage and prevent further damage:
- Water Damage Assessment
A water mitigation technician will assess the source of the water leak and scope the damage that has already occurred. Special tools, such as thermal imaging cameras and moisture meters, are used to detect hidden water damage behind drywall, in ceilings, and under floorboards. The technician will also determine the type of water involved—clear, gray, or black—as each requires a different mitigation process.
- Water Extraction
Industrial-strength pumps and vacuums are used by the technician to remove as much of the visible water as possible. Timing is critical in this step. The quicker the water is extracted, the less structural damage and mold growth will occur. Starting the water mitigation process within 24 hours can greatly reduce the chance of mold growth.
- Dehumidifying
Air movers and dehumidifiers are next used to dry out the property. This step can take days or up to a week, depending on the extent of the water damage. To get to hidden water issues, the technician may need to cut holes in the drywall or lift carpeting and carpet pads. Materials damaged beyond repair will be removed.
- Check Moisture Levels
During the dehumidifying process, the technician will use moisture meters to ensure the property is completely dry and ready for the next step.
- Sanitization
Once the property is dry, the technician will return to sanitize the affected areas. Antimicrobial solutions are used to prevent mold and bacteria growth.
Water Mitigation vs. Remediation
The terms, “water mitigation” and “water remediation” are often used interchangeably, but these are two very distinct processes that must be followed to return your home or business to its original state after water damage has occurred.
The goal of water mitigation is to stop the impact of water damage, so timing is important. It’s best to contact a water mitigation company within 24 hours of the first sign of a water leak. The faster the water is extracted, the faster the drying out process can begin. Water mitigation also involves steps to prevent mold growth to safeguard the property and its residents.
Water remediation follows mitigation and involves returning the property to its original state. The water mitigation technician will repair the damaged drywall with new drywall and replace any contaminated materials to return the area to a safe environment. Our team will then discuss the rebuild process to get your property back to normal.
The Twin Cities Water Damage Experts
If you’re located in the Twin Cities and need water damage restoration services, contact Restorations by Highmark. We offer 24/7 emergency response services and can arrive within an hour of your call when an emergency strikes.
