What Does a Water Remediation Company Do?

When water damage occurs, homeowners don’t have to worry about handling the cleanup on their own. There are several teams of professionals who can help get the property restored to its pre-loss condition. However, it can be overwhelming when sorting through the different service providers. Some companies only focus on remediation, while others might specialize in mitigation. 

In order for homeowners to understand which services they will require, they should learn more about what a water remediation company in Columbia, MO can do for them. Anyone struggling with water damage should keep reading this guide to learn more about the difference between water damage remediation and mitigation and the services that accompany a water remediation.

Water Damage Remediation vs. Mitigation

Many people mistakenly use the words remediation and mitigation interchangeably. However, it’s important to understand that these are two distinct phases in the total process of returning a property to its pre-loss condition. This process typically starts with mitigation. It then moves into remediation before it finishes with the actual restoration.

Though there is some overlap in the remediation and mitigation process, the two steps have very different goals. With a water mitigation, the primary objective is to contain the initial damage and stop the water from spreading. The majority of the work is done in an effort to prevent secondary water damage problems, such as rot and mold growth. 

Water remediation is a transitional stage between mitigation and restoration. In this step, the main goal is to focus on cleaning the space and getting it prepared for the final restoration phase. 

A water remediation company usually focuses on drying out the space and making sure the environment is sanitized to prevent any mold in the future. By the time the remediation process is completed, the home should be a clean base for the contractors to work on for the restoration phase.

Services Provided by a Water Remediation Company 

While many companies offer full-service water damage restoration that include mitigation, remediation, and reconstruction, this isn’t always the case. For that reason, customers need to understand the difference and what services they can expect from a water remediation company. If a homeowner recognizes the importance of hiring a water damage company, they should expect the professionals to complete the following steps. 

Water Removal

The first phase in the water remediation process is to start removing the water from the affected area. Depending on how much water made its way into the home, this could require contractors to use powerful, truck-mounted pumps, or they might be able to use wet/dry vacuums to remove smaller puddles or residual water in floors or carpets.

If there are household contents in the affected area, the contractors may have to use more specialized water removal methods to restore the items. Usually, they will remove the items from the house and take them to a secure facility to clean and dry them.

Read About - Classes of Water Loss

Moisture Monitoring

As the contractors work through the drying process, they make sure to constantly monitor their progress with moisture meters. These tools allow professionals to check for hidden moisture within walls, floors, or ceilings. They also allow them to see which area may need extra attention or more drying equipment.

Cleaning & Sanitizing

The next step in the water remediation process is to clean and sanitize any and all of the affected surfaces and materials. From the kitchen cabinets to the ceilings, everything should be wiped down with the appropriate cleaning tools and solutions. After everything is cleaned, it should be sanitized to prevent any mold spores from growing. The sanitizer can also prevent exposure to harmful biohazards or other contaminants.

Drying

The final drying phase is usually the step that takes water remediation companies the longest. While there are techniques and tools they can use to expedite the process, it can still take several days or longer to make sure the property is completely dry. Air movers and dehumidifiers are especially useful in this phase.

Pre-Restoration Repairs

Finally, the water remediation company should address any repairs that must be completed for the actual restoration can begin. This typically involves removing all of the materials that were damaged beyond repair. This can include carpeting, flooring, drywall, and more.

Learn more about the role of a water mitigation company

Get More Information on Services Provided by Your Local Water Remediation Company

Still feeling confused about the difference between water mitigation and remediation? If so, ABC Environmental Contracting Services in Columbia can help! 

Choosing the right water damage restoration company is crucial for ensuring your home is restored properly. Customers should contact their knowledgeable professionals to learn more about the services they offer as a water remediation company. They can be reached by phone 24/7 for emergency water damage solutions, or customers can contact them through their simple online form.