The Importance Of Timing With Water Damage Cleanup

DIY home improvement projects can be fun and rewarding. When a finished project turns out just how you envisioned it, it gives you the drive and resolve to keep tackling more. When something is broken or needs replaced, it can save some money if you are able to do it on your own. While it is great to learn how to do new things, make needed repairs, and see projects come together in your home, there are certain things that should not be tackled alone. When water damage occurs from a leaky or burst pipe, malfunctioning appliances, or even a flooded toilet, it may be tempting to try to handle the cleanup on your own. However, water damage cleanup can lead to some serious, not to mention expensive, problems if not handled correctly. 

Water Damage Cleanup In Charlottesville 

Before any water damage cleanup can begin, you have to determine what type of water damage you are dealing with. There are three categories of water damage, and each has its own process that must be followed in order to ensure safe and effective cleanup. Category 1 water damage, or “clean water”, results when water comes from a clean source such as a burst pipe or water line. If Category 1 water sits too long before getting cleaned up, it can turn into Category 2 water, or “gray water”. Gray water damage occurs when the water source is contaminated with chemical, physical, or biological elements that could cause illness. This water often comes from malfunctioning dishwashers or washing machines, and sinks and toilet overflow. Category 2 water requires additional sanitation and decontamination to prevent illness. If not handled quickly and correctly, gray water can turn into “black water” which is very dangerous. Category 3 water is referred to as “black water” because it contains significant pathogens that can cause serious illness and death if ingested. This type of water damage comes from sewage backups, floodwaters, or stagnant water that has been present for an extended period of time and has begun to grow bacteria. Black water damage should never be handled on your own. Cleaning up after any kind of water damage requires proper personal protective equipment, along with thorough drying and cleaning equipment to ensure your home is restored safely. Since most people do not have these resources just lying around, and very few have experience dealing with water damage cleanup, this makes it a bad idea for a DIY project. 

Because each type of water damage has its own risks associated with it, it is better to leave the cleanup to professionals that have experience, training, and equipment to handle the entire process. Timing is also a huge factor when cleaning up water damage. Mold can begin to grow in as little as 24 hours after water damage occurs, so getting your home cleaned and dried ASAP will mitigate any further damage. If the source of the water damage is unknown, it cannot be stopped. Professional restoration teams know how to find the source, determine the correct course of action, and get it stopped. Restoration 1 of Charlottesville has handled many water damage cleanup cases throughout Charlottesville, and are ready to respond to your water damage needs. Let’s leave the DIY to another project, and leave your water damage cleanup to us.