If a flood occurs, this can often be one of the most deceptively damaging catastrophes to hit a property. While the case for a fire or a storm is obvious, many mistakenly believe that a house or commercial space, “Just getting wet,” is easy enough to address.
The truth is, water damage can be a longer and more comprehensive process of recovery because the damage isn’t always evident. And unlike a fire or a storm, floodwater doesn’t just “stop,” once a flood is over, it can remain on the property and must be removed. Here’s how it’s done.
Flood Water Extraction
Always Take Precautions and Wear Protection
Whether you are attempting a DIY or professionals have been called, the one thing that remains true regardless is the need for personal protective equipment.
Water that has flooded into a property is not the same as treated water from a tap. At best, it is “grey water,” which is to say that it is from untreated sources, such as lakes and rivers, and is still rich with natural bacteria and contaminants that come from these sources.
At worst, the water may be from sewer lines, in which case it is “black water,” meaning it is high in potentially toxic bacteria and substances. Swallowing this water or even allowing open wounds to come in contact poses a high likelihood of infection, so wearing protecting equipment is crucial.
Use a Wet Vacuum
If the presence of water is small, then a portable “wet vacuum” may be purchased or rented. As the name implies, this unit is designed to suck up water without having its mechanical or electronic components damaged by liquid. Barring this, an old-fashioned bucket system can also be used.
For larger flood situations, professionals will bring in industrial or commercial grade water vacuums and pumps to remove larger volumes of water at a much faster rate. This is especially important if you’re trying to remove the water as quickly as possible to start the building’s recovery process on furniture, flooring, or carpet.
Moisture Removal
Once the water is gone, the job’s still not done. Just because pools of water are no longer present, that doesn’t mean the area is dry. Carpets and furniture made of fabric have become permeated with water. The same is true for organic materials like the wood used in some furniture frames or on hardwood floors. This moisture won’t necessarily dry off on its own if left alone.
If left unattended, moisture in insulation, flooring, carpet, and furniture will lead to a mold infestation. For people with respiratory conditions such as asthma, this can lead to serious health risks. Even for people with no respiratory conditions, given time, mold can infect people with respiratory or even neural disorders, which can lead to permanent damage. This is why professionals bring in special equipment to draw out existing moisture. Fans and dehumidifying units are used at this juncture.
Contact Us If You Need Flood Water Cleanup
If you’re worried about moisture and want an assessment of water damage in your home, contact us. We can see just how widespread the water and moisture are and ensure that all of it is removed so that mold doesn’t have a chance to spread.