A Complete Guide to Water Mitigation

Events like heavy rainfall, a bathroom leakage, or a broken drainage pipe can lead to water damage. As a homeowner, you would instantly need to seek professional assistance to recover the damage. The recovery process includes two steps: water mitigation and water damage restoration.

Now, many among us believe that water damage restoration and mitigation are somewhat similar. But let us burst this bubble of misconception here: water damage restoration and water mitigation are not are not interchangeable terms! This article is basically a myth buster that will tell you:

• What does mitigating the water damage mean?
• How is mitigation different from damage restoration?
• What is the process of mitigating water damage?

What Does Water Mitigation Mean?

Water mitigation is the process of

• Removing stagnant water from your property
• Drying up the damaged area to keep from further devastation

In other words, the mitigation process aims to minimize water-related damage. It involves using heavy equipment and specialized techniques.

You can initiate the mitigation process yourself before the professionals arrive. For instance, try evacuating the place beforehand by removing furniture or belongings. Similarly, you can open windows or switch on the fans to facilitate drying.

The Difference Between Water Mitigation and Water Damage Restoration

We already know that water damage restoration and mitigation are not synonymous. Have a glance at this table to understand how water mitigation and water damage restoration differ:

What Steps are involved in the Water Mitigation Process?

Water mitigation is a process that includes multiple steps:

Step 1: Locate the cause of the damage

The first step in this process involves:

• Evaluation of the affected area
• Identification of the source of leakage

Experts examine using specific tools, such as moisture meters. They also perform a visual inspection to determine the extent of damage.

Step 2: Remove the affected materials

After locating the source of leakage, the next step is to remove affected items and belongings, such as drywall, furniture, and flooring beams.

Step 3: Turn off electricity and gas supplies

Following this, the experts take safety precautions such as switching off electricity and gas connections, wiping off slippery surfaces, and ensuring structural stability.

Step 4: Extract standing water

Water extraction is the next step, where skilled personnel remove standing water. The purpose of this step is to eradicate moisture as soon as possible. It helps to avoid conditions resulting from damage, such as mold growth.

Step 5: Dehumidify

After removing the standing water, they use dehumidifiers to absorb the moisture that persists. Residual water, if left unaddressed, will ultimately present serious problems like:

• Mildew growth
• Mold development
• Warped floors
• Damaged walls

Dehumidifiers perform two tasks in this regard:

• They take up extra moisture from the surrounding air.
• They restore normal humidity levels.

Step 6: Disinfect and Clean

Following dehumidification, experts use disinfectants and cleaning agents to:

• Sanitize the surfaces
• Eradicate microbial growth
• Remove contaminants

Step 7: Prepare the affected area for restoration

Mitigation is followed by water damage restoration. After completing the mitigation process, the experts clean up the working site. They remove the equipment used in mitigation, clean the debris, and prepare the affected area for water damage restoration.

What to do before the professionals arrive?

Water damage mitigation experts carry out the entire drying process. However, you can take some measures before the professionals arrive to expedite the mitigation procedure. Reason: Sooner the better!

Here are some tips to prepare your property before the mitigation company arrives and prevent further harm.

• Turn off the electricity and gas supplies.
• Take notice of slippery surfaces and exposed wires.
• Turn off the main water supply if required.
• Use mops and towels to remove as much standing water as possible.
• Move your furniture and other items to a safe place.
• Open the doors and windows to facilitate drying.
• Report your insurance company regarding the damage.

It is important to mention here that although you can take precautionary measures to prevent further devastation, do not try to convert water mitigation into a DIY project. While DIY clean-up is good, sometimes it elevates the problem instead of addressing it.

Preventive Measures in Case of Water Damage

As the property owner, make sure to follow these preventive measures in case of water damage.

• Avoid entering a room with electrical or structural damage.
• If the water coming out of the drainage pipe is gray, stay away from it.
• Do not put any paper (especially newspaper) on the floor of the affected area, as it can absorb water.
• Avoid lifting the carpets attached to the floor.
• Avoid DIY vacuuming.
• While standing on a wet floor or carpet, do not come in contact with any electrical appliance.

Conclusion

Water damage recovery involves two steps: 1) water mitigation and 2) water damage restoration. It is a common myth that mitigation and damage restoration are synonymous.

However, mitigation refers to drying up the moisture and minimizing the risk of further damage, whereas restoration involves repairing the damage. During mitigation, the experts remove your belongings from the affected area and dry standing water.

They disinfect the surfaces and clean them up to impede mold development. Although mitigation is not a DIY project, you can prepare your property for the professionals before they reach your place.

You can do so by turning off the electricity and gas supply and removing your valuables from that area. Lastly, take precautionary measures to stay safe during water damage.