DIFFERENCE BETWEEN WATER MITIGATION AND RESTORATION

Difference Between Water Mitigation and Restoration

What is Water Mitigation?

Water mitigation services involve drying affected areas and eliminating standing water to prevent further damage. Before experts arrive, property owners can prepare by packing up personal items and opening windows. These services use specialized tools and methods to prevent further damage caused by water intrusion, with the main objective being to reduce loss.

Water damage mitigation includes:

• Removing affected materials
• Using commercial-grade equipment to extract water
• Cleaning and disinfecting salvageable materials
• Protecting the property’s integrity by boarding up windows and doors

These services aim to prevent further consequences from water damage, rather than repair or replace the property.

What is Water Damage Restoration?

Water damage restoration aims to fix and restore any property or residence harmed by water. Skilled professionals focus on repairing and reconstructing your home following the water mitigation process. The goal is to assist homeowners in fully recovering from their losses, with the primary objective being to restore the house to its pre-loss state.

The water restoration process cannot start until the water mitigation step is finished, as repairs cannot be completed until all water damage issues are fully resolved.

The Water Restoration Process

Restoring your property following water damage cleanup can involve a wide range of services, such as carpet cleaning or complete reconstruction, depending on the extent of the damage. This includes:

• Complete water removal using pumps and extraction units
• Removal of damaged materials if they are not salvageable
• Cleaning, sanitization, and deodorization processes
• Drying visible water and restoring materials to normal moisture levels

Types of Water Mitigation and Damage Restoration

Sources of exterior water include leaking gutters, groundwater, and increasing water tables. Water can also originate from the interior, such as overflowing bathtubs or showers, ruptured water pipes, backed-up toilets, and malfunctioning water heaters. The level of mitigation and damage restoration services is determined by three types of water, which also determine their cost:

1. Clear Water: Comes from a burst pipe in a water supply line and is safe to drink.
2. Gray Water: Typically used in dishwashers, sump pumps, tubs, or washing machines, and is murky in color.
3. Black Water: Contaminated by sewage lines or toilets.

Differences Between Water Restoration and Water Mitigation

Despite their similar names, water damage restoration and mitigation are two distinct processes that take place at different times. Restoration and mitigation complement one another, but they usually occur one after the other.

Water Mitigation:

• Takes place during or immediately after the event.
• Keeps the house stable.
• Guarantees that there won’t be any more damage.
• Does not replace property.
• Is a temporary solution.

Water Damage Restoration:

• Takes place after the event.
• Is carried out after water mitigation.
• Aims to restore homes to a pre-damaged state.
• Aids in recovery from water damage.
• Repairs property.
• Replaces damaged items.

Common Misconceptions About Water Restoration and Water Mitigation

• Replacement is more cost-effective than restoration: Often, cleaning and salvaging materials are less expensive than replacing them.
• Your walls and carpets will naturally dry out: Moisture can hide behind and beneath materials, posing health risks from mold exposure.
• Water mitigation and restoration is cheaper to do on your own: Poor repairs may end up costing more in the long run, and cleaning up after a flood may be too risky or difficult to handle alone.

The Dos and Don’ts of Water Damage

Dos:

• Turn off the electricity supply.
• Turn off the main water supply if dealing with a burst pipe or leaking appliance.
• Contact your insurance company and experts as soon as possible.
• Remove artwork, valuables, furniture, carpets, and other items.
• Drape curtains over rods and mop up as much water as possible to keep curtains dry.
• Open closets, cabinets, and drawers to let air circulate.
• Open windows and doors to let fresh air in.
• Take pictures for insurance purposes.

Don’ts:

• Enter a room with electrical or structural damage until it is safe.
• Touch gray water or water from a sewage pipe.
• Lay a newspaper on the ground.
• Remove tacked-down carpeting by hand.
• Remove water with a vacuum.
• Operate electrical appliances while standing on a damp carpet or floor.

Protect Your Property with PureDry

If you are experiencing water damage on your property, don’t hesitate to contact us! We handle everything from water removal to full water damage repair.

• 24/7 live calls
• On our way in 60 minutes or less
• We bill insurance companies directly
• Locally owned and operated
• Highest rated provider in Seattle, WA & surrounding area

Contact us today for professional water damage mitigation and restoration services.