Over 35% of American homeowners have experienced losses because of water damage. In 2003, freezing pipes and water damage made up over 20% of all insurance claims. Individual water damage can cost over $4,000.

Water Damage Restoration Costs

The average cost of water damage restoration is $2,700. However, it can be over $7,000. It all depends on the severity of the water damage. With an insurance cover, you will pay less out of pocket costs.

Drying your property from a clean water leak will cost you less than $3,000. If there is further damage and you need to repair damages, replace things like carpets, and restore your house, you will need to incur an extra $4,000.

When Will You Need Water Damage Restoration?

1. After a flash flood

A flash flood can bring walls of water up to 15 feet high. There is a one in four chances that a flash flood will damage your home. If your home is in a high-risk flood area, you are more likely to suffer from water damage than fire damage. After the flash flood, you require water damage restoration to prevent further damage.

2. After a Burst/Leaking/Cracked Pipe

A 1/8-inch crack in a pipe can release over 200 gallons of water in a day. This is enough water to flood your house. If the water is exposed to damp wood, that will be the perfect condition for the growth of toxic mold. Thus, water damage restoration will come in handy.

A leaking or burst pipe is inconvenient. If the pipe is inside the house, it can lead to a slippery floor that can cause falls. Water from the leaking pipe can get into contact with drywall and carpeting and cause further damage.

3. After noticing mold

Moisture can trap beneath floors and carpets. Mold will begin growing in 24-48 hours in an untreated moist environment. Mold is dangerous for health. Immediate water damage restoration will stop the moisture and the mold facilitating a healthy house environment.

4. After a burst Sewer

This is a serious case of water damage. There is a risk of infection. Thus, there should be urgent water damage restoration.

5. After noticing a failing water heater

A failing water heater is an indication that you require water damage restoration. If there is a puddle of water underneath the heater, that indicates a slow leak. If you do not carry out water damage restoration, you risk flooding your home because a water heater is under a great deal of water pressure.

6. After a fire

Water damage can occur after a fire. The cause for that can be the extensive use of the fire hose resulting in flooding. The extensive heat of a fire can burst pipes in a building. Falling debris after a fire emergency can break pipes and cause water damage. Thus, there might be the need for water damage restoration after a fire.

What Does What Damage Restoration Involve

• Removing water

• Removing sewer

• Removing mold

• Replacing destroyed items

Water Damage Restoration: DIY Water Removal

If the water damage is not extensive, you can opt for DIY water removal. This will involve some steps.

1. Unplug Everything

Before you begin removing water, you should unplug everything. This will prevent the risk of electric shock.

2. Use Dry/Wet Vacuum

Secondly, you need to soak as much water as possible using a dry/wet vacuum. You should run the vacuum over your walls and floors.

3. Steam Carpets

You will need to steam your water-damaged carpets. This will remove moisture and clean your carpet. If your carpet has serious water damage, you will need to involve a professional steaming service.

4. Disinfect

Water damage can cause a buildup of bacteria on carpeting, floors, and walls. You should buy a disinfectant and use it to disinfect these areas.

Water Damage Restoration Depends on Category

The category of water damage will determine the most suitable restoration measure.

• Category 1

This is clean water. It does not pose a substantial threat to humans. It can be an appliance malfunction, sink overflow or a broken water supply line.

• Category 2

This is grey water. It has a significant degree of physical, biological or chemical contaminants. These can cause sickness and discomfort because of microorganisms.

• Category 3

This is black water. It contains harmful bacteria and fungi. For the case of black water, there must be professional water damage restoration.

The Bottom-Line

Early detection of water damage will save you losses and make you eligible for an insurance claim. Your insurer can refuse to compensate you if it took more than 24 hours to detect water damage.