At HydraHeal, we understand that dealing with water damage can be overwhelming and stressful. That’s why we’ve created this comprehensive guide to help you navigate the water restoration process and provide you with our step-by-step restoration process.
Water damage affects thousands of New Jersey residents each year, and restoring your property to its original state could benefit your health and the value of your property. In this guide, we will cover:
- Water Damage Categories
- Water Damage Classifications
- Water Damage Causes
- What to Do When You Discover Water Damage
- Our Water Damage Restoration Process
- Post-Water Damage Restoration
Without further ado, let’s dive in!
Water Damage Categories
To understand the scope of water damage, you first need to know about the three water damage categories. These categories indicate the level of danger and destruction posed by the damage and help restoration professionals determine the risks and necessary procedures.
1. Category One: Also known as clean water damage, this category refers to water that originates from a sanitary source and poses no health risks if inhaled or ingested. Examples include rainwater, melted ice, and uncontaminated pipes.
2. Category Two: Known as gray water damage, this category includes water that has some level of contamination and poses a risk to health. Ingesting this water can cause illness due to its unsafe chemical or biological content. Examples include diluted wastewater, detergents, and ruptured storage tanks.
3. Category Three: This is the most dangerous category, also known as black water damage. It contains a significant amount of harmful pathogens and toxins, which can pose serious health risks. Examples include sewer backups, river or stream brackish water, flooding seawater, and water that has picked up pesticides or other chemicals.
Professionals must first determine the category of water damage before beginning the restoration process. Category two or three damage requires the use of personal protective equipment.
Water Damage Classifications
There are four water damage classifications that help determine the extent of water-related destruction and how difficult it will be to remove the water and restore the affected areas.
1. Class One: The least severe class, which involves a small amount of water leakage onto low-porosity materials. Examples include an overflowed toilet on a tile floor.
2. Class Two: Features a more significant amount of water on medium to high-porosity surfaces, requiring more water removal and drying time. An example is a broken pipe causing water seepage into a gypsum board wall.
3. Class Three: Involves a large amount of water affecting high-porosity materials, necessitating extensive water removal and drying. An example is a storm leak covering a carpeted floor.
4. Class Four: The most severe classification, consisting of a large volume of water trapped in confined spaces and affecting porous materials. Special water restoration equipment is needed for cleanup, such as in the case of stormwater seeping into wall and floor systems.
Water Damage Causes
Water damage has various causes, ranging from natural disasters to human-made problems. Some common water damage causes include:
1. Severe weather (thunderstorms, hurricanes, rainstorms)
2. Damaged or clogged gutters
3. Supply line leaks
4. Clogged drains
5. Malfunctioning sprinklers
6. Leaking appliances
What to Do When You Discover Water Damage
Upon discovering water damage in your property, follow these steps:
1. Determine if it’s safe to remain in the building.
2. Turn off electricity and be cautious of hazards.
3. Shut off the water valve.
4. Identify the category and classification of the water.
5. Take photographs to document the damage.
6. Provide ventilation to aid in the drying process.
7. Call a professional restoration company.
Our Water Damage Restoration Process
Our team at HydraHeal follows a step-by-step process to ensure your property is fully restored:
1. Inspect the situation and determine the water damage category.
2. Remove standing water using specialized equipment.
3. Prevent further damage by addressing any additional structural issues.
4. Begin the drying process using professional dehumidification equipment.
5. Monitor water levels with hygrometers and infrared cameras.
6. Complete the water removal process and sanitize the affected areas.
7. Repair any additional structural damage as necessary.
Post-Water Damage Restoration
After the water damage restoration process, some crucial steps still need to be taken to ensure your property’s safety and cleanliness:
1. Sanitize and clean the affected areas to remove any lingering bacteria or mold.
2. Undertake any necessary reconstruction work to repair damaged structures.
3. Deal with insurance claims to ensure proper coverage of restoration expenses.
Conclusion
It’s essential to act quickly when faced with water damage and to rely on the expertise of a professional restoration company like HydraHeal. Our team is here to help you throughout the water restoration process, ensuring that your property is safe and fully restored. Contact us today for more information on our services and how we can assist you.