552dd6dd50a67839d896325d78c4b204?s=96&d=mm&r=g

Written by Andy Gurczak

November 9, 2021

Water Cleanup Process: What to Do?

Water Cleanup

Water damage is quite a common type of home or business structural damage and, consequently, a common type of insurance claim. It can happen in many ways but always leaves behind the unpleasant task of cleaning up the damage. Deciding how best to deal with the water cleanup process can be frustrating and challenging. For this reason, we have compiled a list of tips and tricks on how to handle water cleanup better.

Water Cleanup Living Room

Consider the Different Types of Water when Dealing with the Water Cleanup Process

Before beginning the water cleanup process, you must first identify what type of water caused the loss. There are three types of water.

The first type is clean water. Therefore, it can come from rain, condensation, leaky pipes, and so on. This type of water doesn’t pose a threat to humans since it lacks contaminants or bacteria. As a result, it’s also the easiest to clean up.

The second type is gray water. Gray water is slightly dirty water from dishwashers, washing machines, clean toilets, and so on. Therefore, some may have contaminants, and the repair process should be carried out carefully and with proper safety gear.

Finally, the third type is black water, such as sewage or severe flooding from nearby rivers. This water contains waste, bacteria, and other serious contaminants. Blackwater can cause very serious health problems and should be dealt with immediately by water damage repair professionals.

Water Cleanup Types of Water

Water Cleanup: The Destruction Water Causes

  • First, wallboard and drywall: These porous materials act like a sponge and become fragile in a flood. Afterward, they may even remain contaminated if you don’t disinfect them properly.
  • Second, plaster: This thick material may not need replacement, but it takes a very long time to dry. However, it can get severely cracked or warped. In that case, it will need replacement.
  • Third, insulation: Be sure to hose down and dry out foam sheets of insulation. Meanwhile, muddy fiberglass batts should be thrown out. Finally, cellulose insulation, made of blown-in treated paper, will need to be removed and replaced.
  • Solid wood: Furniture and other solid wood items may warp and crack following water damage. However, you could save them by drying them out completely.
  • Particleboard and laminated wood: These materials may separate and weaken after getting wet and usually need to be replaced.
  • Moreover, wood studs and framing: These solid pillars are usually fine if they dry completely. Nevertheless, be sure to disinfect them.
  • Floor coverings: Most carpets and laminated coverings must be thrown out after a flood or water damage. However, a professional cleaner may be able to save a small rug or valuable carpets. Regardless, immediately remove them from the site.
  • Furthermore, pipes and electrical wiring: Floods can float or break pipes and strip electrical wiring. In addition, water damage can also affect these elements of the structure.
  • Appliances: Damaged appliances can leak harmful and explosive gases into the air, electrocute and leak water. Therefore, be sure to get them checked by a professional.
  • HVAC: Heater and air conditioner units can become flooded and damaged. As a result, they may have their internal electrical systems spoiled. In addition, venting systems can flood and become contaminated. In conclusion, you must have them verified, cleaned, and repaired by a professional.

Water Cleanup Damaged Materials

Water Cleanup: Step by Step

Water Cleanup Step 1: First, locate the water source.

As we mentioned before, homes usually have three types of water running through them: clean water, gray water, and black water. So the first step after realizing you have water damage would be to identify what type of water is the culprit of your loss. Then, it’s crucial you shut off any water source in your home in order to prevent additional damage. In case the problem is an opening on your personal property, be sure to seal it off with a tarp.

Water Cleanup Step 2: Second, water removal and drying the affected area as soon as possible.

It’s essential to act fast when dealing with the water cleanup process. In fact, did you know that mold and mildew can begin growing in as little as 24 hours if the water is left standing?

The water damage restoration services you hire will empty the space and remove standing water with professional water removal and drying equipment.

Water Cleanup Removal

Removing and Tossing Damaged Porous Materials

Porous materials include wet carpeting, insulation, drywall, fabric, and similar items. If they’ve been soaked in water, you may have to cut them out and throw them away. Water will permanently damage most porous materials by shrinking or warping them, and mildew will damage them even further.

Then, to dry out the affected area, they will place industrial fans on the wet flooring and walls. Finally, to really dry out surrounding wood, carpet, and other materials, they will install large-capacity dehumidifiers. You don’t want any moisture left after your water damage restoration process.

Moreover, we recommend inspecting your home to confirm there are no hidden areas that may require water cleanup. For example, check under floorboards and the padding beneath the carpet to see if water has permeated these spaces. If so, make sure to place fans on the affected areas to ensure everything has completely dried out.

Water Cleanup Step 3: Then, disinfect the remaining materials.

Once you remove the damaged components, and dry the area, it’s time to disinfect to eliminate all mold and bacteria. A simple bleach solution should do the trick if the water damage isn’t too serious. However, we highly recommend you get a professional restoration service regardless of the severity of the damage. A water cleanup company has the right tools, experience, and knowledge to clean the affected areas properly.

Inspect for mold

Once everything is dried and disinfected, re-inspect for any signs of mold damage to your home. If you find mold, be careful and take safety precautions.

Some molds can be toxic and harmful to humans. If it is a minor mold issue, you might perform the water cleanup project without a professional. On the other hand, an invasive mold issue should be fixed by a professional.Water Cleanup Mold

Water Cleanup Step 4: Structural damage restoration is the last part of the water cleanup process

After the water mitigation part of the water cleanup process is over, it’s time to begin with structural restoration. You might want to contact several local contractors to get repair costs estimates before getting started with structural restoration. Ask for repair bids and solicit an itemized bill before agreeing to a water cleanup and repair agreement.

For a Significant Water Cleanup and Repair Process, Contact Your Insurance Company

Extensive water cleanup and repairs in your home are not something you should tackle on your own. Contact your homeowner’s insurance company and find out your options for assistance. Sudden events, such as a burst pipe, are more likely to be covered than a slow leak. Work with your insurance company at every step to ensure your home is clean, secure, and safe.
If you need help filing, negotiating, or settling your insurance claim, don’t hesitate to hire a public adjuster. Call AllCity Adjusting today to handle your public adjusting needs.

free claim review

Best way to beat the insurance company is to hire AllCity Adjusting

At AllCity Adjusting we help residential and commercial clients alike get the claims support they need. Moreover, we have over 50 years of combined experience helping get our clients the max settlement time and time again. If your claim has been low balled or denied entirely we can help increase your maximum settlement. Call us today for a FREE consultation. Experience the AllCity difference.

public adjusting call support

Real Support When You Need It!

Maximizing Commercial Roofing Insurance Claims: A Comprehensive Guide

Maximizing Commercial Roofing Insurance Claims: A Comprehensive Guide

What's In This Article Maximizing Commercial Roofing Insurance Claims: A Comprehensive Guide Understanding the Importance of Commercial Roof Insurance Claims The Coverage and Claims Process Steps to Maximize Your Commercial Roof Insurance Claim Document the Damage...

Exploring the Role of Public Adjusters in Commercial Roofing Claims

Exploring the Role of Public Adjusters in Commercial Roofing Claims

What's In This Article Introduction The Complexity of Roofing Insurance Claims The Role of Public Adjusters Navigating the Claims Process Expert Damage Assessment Negotiating Fair Compensation Understanding the Claims Adjuster's Work Insurance Claims Adjuster vs....

Introduction to Roofing Insurance Claims

Introduction to Roofing Insurance Claims

What's In This Article Introduction to Roofing Insurance Claims Understanding Roof Damage and Insurance Policies Do: Understand Your Insurance Coverage Don't: Delay Reporting the Damage Do: Document the Damage Don't: Start Repairs Before Documenting Damage Do: Choose...

Understanding Insurance Dealing with Adjusters

Understanding Insurance Dealing with Adjusters

What's In This Article Understanding Insurance Dealing with Adjusters Why Are Roofing Insurance Claims Important? How to Deal with Insurance Adjusters What Damages Can You Claim? Understanding the Role of Insurance Adjusters Choosing a Reputable Roofing Contractor...

Debris Removal After a House Fire

Debris Removal After a House Fire

After a house fire, even a small one, the property owner will likely have to remove damaged or destroyed items. However, debris removal after a house fire can be complicated by the presence of hazardous material, like damaged propane tanks. Typically, insurance carriers will cover the cost of debris removal up to a point. However, how much coverage your homeowners’ insurance will provide depends on the insurance company and the policy terms.

Salvageable v. Non-Salvageable Property After a Fire

Salvageable v. Non-Salvageable Property After a Fire

If a fire has occurred at your home, your first concern, of course, is the safety of yourself and your family. However, depending on the extent of the fire damage, you will have to resolve the issue of salvageable v. non-salvageable property after a fire. Homeowners’ insurance protects your home itself (Dwelling Coverage) and its contents (Personal Property Coverage). High heat, smoke, and soot can cause extensive damage to your personal property, such as clothes, furniture, hardwood floors, and appliances. For instance, smoke damage causes fabrics, clothes, and soft goods to reek of the smell of smoke. Additionally, smoke and soot can discolor objects and reduce the life span of electronics and machinery. Consequently, you and your insurance company will have to determine which personal property is salvageable v. non-salvageable property after a fire.

Stay Up to Date With The Latest News & Updates

Don't Wait - Get More

Get a free 1 hour consultation on your next call. So call today and challenge the insurance company narrative on your policy claim. We can help you with all your public adjuster claims support. Let us help you get more.

public adjuster service areas background

Join Our Newsletter

Do you want to learn more about public adjusting. In this newsletter we create helpful tips and hints and you will receive notifications when we post new articles.

Follow Us

Follow us on the following social networks.

Call Us Now

AllCity Adjusting

All City Adjusting