Water damage in a home can range from minor leaks to extensive flooding, but at what point is it necessary to call in professional water damage restoration services? Understanding the extent of water damage and its potential consequences can help homeowners make informed decisions about when to seek professional help. Disaster Services would like to explore various scenarios and provides guidance on when it’s essential to bring in the experts.
Understanding the Levels of Water Damage
Minor Damage: This includes situations like small leaks or spills that are contained quickly. Common examples are a leaking faucet or an overflowing sink that is caught early. Homeowners can usually handle minor damage themselves by using towels to dry the water and a fan to help with air circulation. Continuous monitoring to ensure the area dries completely is crucial to prevent mold growth.
Moderate Damage: Moderate damage might involve larger leaks, such as from a dishwasher or washing machine. Water may have seeped into floorings, such as carpets or hardwood floors, and possibly reached the drywall. This level of damage might require professional assessment, especially if the water has been standing for more than a few hours. Professionals can use specialized equipment to extract water and ensure thorough drying, which is essential to prevent the structure from deteriorating or mold from developing.
Severe Damage: Severe damage typically results from incidents like burst pipes, roof leaks during a storm, or any situation where large volumes of water have entered and saturated parts of the home. This includes flooding that covers the floors in one or more rooms. This scenario requires immediate professional intervention. Water damage restoration services will carry out water extraction, dehumidification, mold prevention treatments, and make necessary repairs to salvage the structure and contents of the home.
When to Call in the Professionals
Even a small amount of water can cause serious damage if not addressed properly. Here are indicators that you should contact a professional:
• Water has penetrated structural cavities, creating trapped pockets of moisture. The detection of these areas often requires sophisticated technology that professionals possess.
• You can’t dry the area quickly. If water-damaged areas or furnishings aren’t dried within 48 hours, mold can begin to grow.
• The water is gray or black. This indicates contamination, and the cleanup process requires specific safety protocols typical of professional services.
• Damaged areas are large. If large sections of your home are affected, the logistical challenges of drying and repairing those areas are usually beyond the scope of DIY efforts.
• You smell mold or mildew. If you detect musty odors, even after drying the area, it’s likely that you have mold growth. Professionals can provide mold remediation services.
Flood & Water Damage Restoration in Baytown, Pasadena, Humble, Deer Park, Crosby, Channelview, League City, Pearland, Missouri City, Sugar Land, Cypress, The Woodlands, Spring & Greater Houston, Texas
There is no limit of water damage that necessitates calling professionals, as even minor unchecked moisture can cause serious problems over time. It is essential to assess not just the amount of water but also where it has spread, how long it has been present, and what materials are affected. For help restoring your home after water damage, contact Disaster Services today.
