Water Extraction and Its Importance in Handling Water Damage

Nobody wants to get caught in a water catastrophe which can be caused by flooding, plumbing issues, or sewage backup. It's a nightmare for many people, so it's totally understandable if you're unable to determine the best steps to take when water damage happens to you. This is especially true if it's your first time experiencing this type of disaster.

In general, water damage and the needed cleanup that follows should be left in the hands of professionals and they usually do this with much efficiency. Water damage is not something you should allow to wait though. The more water that sits on your property, and the longer it stays there, the greater the damage that you will consequently face.

Water Extraction

This refers to the quick and effective removal of standing water from your property or business and is normally the first step in the cleanup process. Many restoration companies are known to provide this basic service before moving forward to the restoration of your property to its former glory.

The aim of water extraction is three-fold and includes the following:

1. Protection

The water extraction process will initially get rid of standing water in the area so any mold growth can be prevented, keeping your property safe from further damage.

2. Reduction

This is where home items and valuables are checked to see if they can still be saved. The goal is to reduce the chances of your possessions being irreversibly damaged.

3. Restoration

The final step is cleaning the area and restoring your property to its original condition.

Why Is Water Extraction Necessary?

Water damage requires immediate attention as this can bring irreparable harm to your home and everything found inside it. Water can eventually seep through your foundation if the damage is left unattended, leading to structural weakening.

When standing water is not extracted or removed quickly, mold growth will also inevitably ensue. This can lead to allergic reactions or asthma attacks if you have family members who are suffering from these conditions. Even pets can be adversely affected.

How Does Water Extraction Work?

Extracting water from your property can be a difficult job, so you'll have to let the experts handle it. While you wait for them to arrive, it would be best if you try doing pre-extraction work. Identify some of the things you can do, which can include the following:

1. Locate the Water Source

Identifying the water source is the first and most important step in the extraction process. Often, simply turning off the main water valve will suffice, but if this doesn't work, restoration specialists can locate the source for you.

2. Identify Safety Hazards

Loose fittings and electrical sockets are potential safety hazards, especially if they come into contact with floodwater. To avoid any accidents, it is best to shut off the main circuit breaker.

3. Take Out the Water

Do your best to remove some of the water, but remember to wear protective gear when you do so. Once the experts arrive, they will likely use industrial wet vacuums and water extraction machines to get rid of excess water from your property. These tools can also remove water from carpets and wooden floors, according to specialists in water damage restoration in Colorado Springs.

The next thing they will use are fans or professional drying equipment to dry every inch of the place. This part of the extraction process will help non-visible water to evaporate quickly.

4. Sanitize and Disinfect

Water extraction professionals normally have commercial-grade, EPA-approved cleaning or sanitizing products at their disposal. These are designed to eliminate germs and bacteria that have clung to surfaces. Another equipment that water damage experts use works on turning chemical residues into fog. This will permanently kill surrounding bacteria and eliminate any unpleasant odor that they produce.

5. Dehumidify the Property

Dehumidification is the final step in the water extraction process. In this stage, cleaning professionals will use dehumidifying equipment in order to remove any remaining moisture in the damaged area. Once the equipment is turned on, it will allow dry air to circulate so the remaining moisture will quickly evaporate.

Key Takeaway

Water extraction is a long and complicated process, but is a required step in effectively handling the effects of water damage. It usually involves a three-fold goal that focuses on protecting the home, reducing the damage, and restoring things to their pre-damaged condition.

While the water extraction process is usually performed by professional restoration specialists, there are things you can do on your own to reduce the dangers of water damage. The easiest thing to do is to turn off the main water source, and as an added precaution, you should also shut off all electrical supplies. Once the experts arrive, they can continue from where you left off and complete the water extraction process up until property restoration has been achieved.