The Water Mitigation Process Explained

When water enters your home or business, whether from a flood, plumbing problem, or leak, it can cause a host of issues, from mold and mildew growth to structural damage. The water mitigation process is the first step in dealing with water intrusion and preventing it from wreaking more havoc on your property and belongings. 

Understanding the water mitigation process can help you act promptly and reduce the impact. Below, we discuss water mitigation, when it's needed, and why hiring a professional can be your best option. 

What Is the Water Mitigation Process?

Water mitigation refers to addressing water intrusion in a property to prevent further damage. Unlike restoration, which focuses on repairing and rebuilding, mitigation involves immediate action to remove water and dry out affected areas.

Water mitigation is difficult and time-consuming work. Moreover, trying to remove water from a property without training or protective gear can put a person's health at risk. For this reason, most people choose to hire a professional for water mitigation services. 

What Is the Water Mitigation Process Used For? 

Not all instances of water intrusion require mitigation. Small, contained incidents, like a minor plumbing leak caught early, might not require professional intervention as long as they are addressed promptly and correctly.

However, if water spreads to walls, floors, or other parts of your home — or if it's contaminated water, like a sewer backup — professional water mitigation is essential to prevent bigger problems like mold, structural damage, and health risks. 

Typical situations requiring the water damage mitigation process include:

• Burst or leaking pipes
• Roof leaks
• Flooding from natural disasters
• Appliance overflows or failures

Additionally, water used to extinguish fires can leave behind significant water damage. Mitigation helps by removing water and water-soaked materials. 

Steps in the Water Mitigation Process

Water mitigation is not just one step but a series of actions to remove water, reduce damage, and prepare a property for repair and restoration. 

Step 1: Assessing the Situation

The first step is a detailed inspection of the property. Professionals can help:

• Identify where the water is coming from
• Classify the water as clean, gray, or black, depending on its level of contamination
• Check for safety risks involving electrical systems, structural integrity, and air quality

A thorough assessment allows professionals to develop a mitigation plan appropriate for the situation.

Step 2: Stopping the Water Source

If water is still flowing, stopping it is the immediate priority. This may involve shutting off valves, repairing pipes, or patching damaged roofing. Quick action here prevents additional property damage and reduces the scope of the mitigation effort.

Step 3: Water Removal

Removing standing water is critical. If left unaddressed for too long, it can seep into flooring, walls, and even structural components like the property's foundation, leading to rot and other issues.

Professionals use equipment such as:

• Pumps: For removing large volumes of water quickly
• Wet/Dry Vacuums: To extract water from carpets, hard floors, and small spaces

Step 4: Drying and Dehumidification

Industrial fans, air movers, and dehumidifiers are used to eliminate moisture from the air and materials.  During this phase, even hidden pockets of moisture, such as inside walls or under flooring are targeted. This step is crucial for preventing mold growth and structural damage caused by prolonged moisture exposure.

Step 5: Cleaning and Sanitizing

After drying, cleaning and sanitization are performed to remove contaminants and odors. For gray or black water incidents, this step includes disinfection to ensure the property is safe for use. Materials that cannot be cleaned, such as heavily saturated drywall and insulation, may be removed.

Step 6: Preparing for Restoration

Finally, mitigation prepares the property for restoration. This step involves ensuring the space is dry and free of hazards, allowing the restoration professionals to work safely and efficiently within it.

Why Hiring a Professional Is a Must

While it may be tempting to handle water mitigation independently, hiring a trusted restoration company is often the safer and wiser choice. Here are some reasons why: 

• Specialized Equipment: Professionals use advanced tools that a property owner might not have, like high-powered fans, moisture meters, heavy-duty dehumidifiers, and industrial vacuums. 
• Thorough Execution: They know how to identify hidden moisture and potential issues that may be overlooked in DIY efforts.
• Reduced Risks: Water mitigation can be dangerous, especially if the situation involves contaminated water or the property has been severely damaged. In cases like this, it's best to leave the work to professionals with the tools, experience, and protective equipment to do the job safely and correctly. 

Dealing With Water Intrusion? Don't Wait — Contact Restoration 1 Today

When you're dealing with water entering your home, quick action is crucial. Hiring a trusted professional for water mitigation services helps prevent further damage to your property. 

At Restoration 1 of Independence, we understand the urgency of water intrusion. We are available 24/7 to assist you with your emergency water mitigation and water damage restoration needs so you can focus on getting your home or business back to normal as quickly as possible.

Reach out to us today to find out more.