Excessive water in a building is a catastrophic event for any homeowner. Flooding, plumbing problems, or storms can wreak havoc and increase the risks of navigating more extreme damage such as microbial growth or structural deterioration. Damp, dark environments are ideal conditions for microbial spores to develop into mold colonies. Items inside the home are also at risk of irreversible damage, especially if made from porous materials such as wood or fabric.
Water damage disasters can happen during any season. While Bakersfield residents enjoy minimal storms during the mild winters, the area still receives a share of rainfall. Plumbing pipes can burst due to numerous non-weather conditions – tree roots can infiltrate cracks and worsen them, or pressure from blockages can lead to breaks.
Having a plan of action ready is imperative to reduce overall damage and minimize repair costs when your home experiences water damage. The damage caused by a water disaster can vary based on the amount of water present and which category the water is classified as. There are three categories that water damage falls under:
- Category 1: Also known as “clean water,” this water comes from supply lines and does not contain hazardous materials. If left for too long, it can escalate into Category 2.
- Category 2: Exposure to “grey water” can cause mild to moderate skin irritation or other health concerns. This category of water contains household chemicals or other minor contaminants. This type of water is often associated with drain lines from appliances such as dishwashers and washing machines.
- Category 3: Known as “black water,” this category contains bacteria and other pathogens, and is regarded as the most harmful to human health.
When Tip Top Restoration of Bakersfield is on site conducting a water extraction and dry out service, different pieces of equipment are set up to play their roles in ensuring thorough water removal.
- Pumps and vacuums are the first tools on the job site. These remove as much water as possible as quickly as possible. Quick extraction is key to minimize the overall damage and to prevent the growth of mold and mildew.
- Dehumidifiers and air movers are set up after most of the water has been extracted. These machines reduce the length of time needed to fully dry the area out. Dehumidifiers extract moisture from the air and collect it in the machine’s reservoir to be emptied, and air movers increase the airflow in a room to speed up the overall process.
- Infrared cameras and moisture meters detect potential hidden water. Implementing these two ensures that all water has been located and extracted. These provide peace of mind that the job has been completed properly.
Many insurance policies cover sudden, unexpected incidents that result in water damage. Burst pipes or the resulting water damage from extinguishing a fire are a couple of examples. Water damage resulting from floods may not be covered unless an additional separate flood policy has been added on.
Drying out a structure before secondary damage develops is the priority when arriving on site to address water damage. Quick, efficient dry-out can save homeowners from future headaches caused by mold or structural deterioration problems. Tip Top Restoration of Bakersfield understands the importance of rapid response and immediate action. Our professionals are standing by 24/7 for all your questions, to schedule inspections and assessments, and more!
