Water mitigation vs. water remediation: what’s the difference?
Water mitigation is the initial step in any process to deal with water damage. Mitigation can be described as the first step in a process which prevents more damage. It involves water removal, moisture management, and structural drying.
Water mitigation is an emergency response that minimizes the effects of water. It helps to reduce secondary water damage like buckled floors, crumbled wallpaper, and widespread mold growth. Water mitigation is essential for full-service repairs and property-wide restoration of water damage.
Water Mitigation Process
Investigation and Assessment-Technicians inspect the property to assess the extent and type water damage. They will also take care of any building board-ups or emergency repairs.
Water extraction – Any standing water is removed by the truck-mounted water extraction device. A vacuum machine is used to extract any water left on porous surfaces.
Structural drying – This water mitigation process uses industrial-grade equipment like subfloor drying and wood floor drying.
Property Stabilization: This is achieved using site-specific drying techniques in order to minimize secondary damage. Equipment for drying crumbling drywall includes moisture control, water removal, structural drying and buckling floors. Secondary water damage can stabilize the property and prepare it for the water restoration process.
Site Cleaning- After drying, water damage mitigation companies remove all debris. Once the drying phase is complete, identify salvageable items and begin the cleanup. This includes cleaning up all surfaces and materials.
Types Of Water Mitigation
Water mitigation techniques vary depending on the source of water. Water from a damaged pipe is normally considered clean. Water damage crews follow industry standards to handle these cases.
Gray water presents greater challenges. This kind of damage can be caused by leaking washing machine line, backed-up Sump Pump Pump pumps, and ruptured disposing lines. Mitigation crews are trained to deal with potential contamination and chemicals in the water.
Blackwater mitigation needs special products and equipment. Black water can harbor dangerous pathogens, as well as harmful chemicals that can soak into the affected material. Water damage restoration specialists must adhere to OSHA regulations, CDC regulations, and EPA guidelines for water mitigation.
What’s the difference?
Water mitigation and water remediation are two options if your home is damaged by water. Although these terms are often interchangeable, there is a significant difference. This quick overview will help you make an informed decision about which service you should choose.
Water mitigation is the process by which water is removed from a structure to prevent future damage. It may include using fans, dehumidifiers, or other equipment to dry out affected areas. Water remediation, on the other hand, is the process of repairing damage that has already been done by water. This could include repairs to walls, floors, or other structural elements as well as the cleaning and replacement of damaged items.
So which service should you use? If your home has been flooded or otherwise damaged by water, you will likely need both water mitigation and water remediation services. With water mitigation, the first step is to eliminate water from your home. Once the area is dry you can begin the process for water remediation in order to repair any damage.
You should always consult a professional if you’re unsure whether your home is in need of water mitigation or remediation. A professional restoration firm will assess the damage to your home and recommend the best course.
Misconceptions surrounding Water Mitigation or Restoration services
If you have concerns about water damage in your home or office, you may consider doing it yourself. Before you decide to take on the job, be aware of these common misconceptions.
The replacements are cheaper
You shouldn’t think that replacing damaged furniture and belongings is going to save you money. The cost of restoration is often less expensive than buying new furniture. A full-service restoration company can help you identify and clean your salvageable furniture, as well as other items such electronics and personal belongings.
Air Drying is Cost Effective
Without mitigation, your property will eventually dry. Drying your property with air is not an economical option. The moisture that remains behind walls and floors can cause damage to materials and make them less durable. This moisture can lead a moldy environment and unhealthy growth. These problems can be very difficult to resolve if they are not treated immediately.
DIY Water Mitigation allowed
Small water extraction systems can be rented from local home improvements centers if the user is comfortable with it. OSHA-approved PPE gear will be required if you deal with Category 2 and 3. For structural drying, you will need additional equipment. It’s safer and easier to have industry-certified professionals handle water mitigation.
Water Mitigation Services
Water mitigation is the process that prevents or reduces further damage caused water. This could include fixing leaks, repairing broken pipes or cleaning up after flooding. Professional contractors with experience in water damage mitigation are often hired.
Water Mitigation systems work quickly to eliminate excess water from your house and prevent it from causing further damage. These systems often include pumps, vacuums and dehumidifiers. Water mitigation can be performed as soon as a flood or a water leak occurs to minimize any damage.
Water mitigation services usually are covered by homeowners insurance.
What is Water Remediation?
Water damage can be reversed by three steps: mitigation; remediation; and restoration. Water restoration is a common topic for property owners. This process returns materials and areas damaged to their original condition.
Water remediation includes cleaning, drying and sanitizing, as well as repairing. This critical part acts as a bridge between initial mitigation, and final restoration.
Although there is overlap between applied techniques, remediation is an integral part the transition between mitigation and restoration.
Water Remediation Process
The remediation phase follows immediately after mitigation. While many aspects of water remediation are similar in nature to mitigation work, they employ a wider range.
These five steps will ensure that your project goes from mitigation to restoration.
1. Complete Water Removal
Water damage teams can remove water from ceilings, floors, carpets, drywall, or ceilings. For furnishings and personal items, special water removal techniques are used.
2. Precise Moisture Monitoring
It is crucial to find and fix hidden moisture pockets. This thorough approach prevents long-term problems like mold growth and wood decay.
3. Sanitizing and Cleaning
You should clean all surfaces, materials and objects that have been affected by the incident using tools and products designed to prevent further damage. You can finish the cleaning by applying OSHA-approved sanitizing chemicals.
4. Process of Final Drying
Structural drying, which is the final phase in water remediation, is essential. Industrial equipment can continue to run for days or even weeks until technicians determine that the final drying phase of the process is complete.
5. Pre-restoration Services
This last step is where repairs are made before restoration can commence. This includes ceilings, floors, and even drywall. Sometimes, remediation refers to removing materials which cannot be salvaged.
Is DIY water remediation possible
Home plumbing repairs should include water remediation. It is not an easy task to restore water damage. It is imperative to act quickly in order not to cause structural damage.
These are some important things to keep in mind before you attempt DIY water treatment.
It is difficult to rent water damage equipment that is heavy-duty at rental centers.
It is important to have the right training in order for you to use industrial water treatment products safely.
Extremely dangerous is the use of Category 2 or 3.
Professional teams greatly reduce the time it takes to fix a job.
Water remediation costs can be covered by homeowners insurance.
Water Remediation Services
Water remediation is the process of restoring a home damaged by water. This can include things like removing mold, drying out wet materials, and repairing damaged structural elements. Water remediation is often performed by water restoration specialists who are skilled in this type work.
So, Which Service Do I Need?
The severity of the damage done to your home will affect the answer. Water mitigation services are usually sufficient for homes that have suffered minor water damage. You will need to hire water remediation professionals if your house has been severely damaged by water.
Conclusion
Water mitigation and water remediation are two options if your home is damaged by water. Both terms are commonly used interchangeably. However, there is an important distinction between the two. Water mitigation is the act of preventing or decreasing further damage from water, while water restoration is the process to clean up and restore a home after it has been damaged by the water. The extent of damage to your home will determine the answer. If your home has sustained only minor damage from water, then water mitigation services may be all that’s needed. However, if your home has been extensively damaged by water, then you’ll likely need to have both mitigated and remediated. Call for an experienced restoration company now.