Are Water Mitigation and Water Damage Restoration the Same Thing?

Home water disasters can cause incredible damage, including in places you can’t see. Prompt water mitigation and water damage restoration help minimize the havoc water can cause.

Water mitigation and water damage restoration are two distinct services, but water mitigation is typically the top priority when it comes to safeguarding your property.

When are Water Mitigation Services Needed?

Water intrusion can come from small sources like a dishwasher leak or larger ones like rainwater causing inches of standing water in a basement. Other instances of damage that call for water mitigation services include:

• Sewer backup, sump pump failure, or clogged toilets
• Toilet wax seal failure
• Shower pan corrosion
• Pipe leaks and ruptures
• Washer or icemaker line breaks
• HVAC drain line blockage
• A leaking roof
• Moisture behind walls
• Foundation cracks
• Mold

Mold is a good example to illustrate how water mitigation works. We’ve often found that clients we do mold remediation services for had existing water damage issues that ended up leading to the mold damage. When performing water mitigation we look for what’s causing the water problem and for ways to stop mold before it multiplies and becomes a bigger concern.

The Difference Between Water Mitigation and Water Damage Restoration

Water mitigation and water restoration services can be performed separately, but most professionals rely on both methods during a single job. Water mitigation services are performed first followed by whatever restoration services are needed. So, what’s the difference between the two?

• Water mitigation uses specialized equipment and techniques to prevent further damage from water intrusion. The goal is to minimize the amount of loss suffered. The process can involve removing affected materials like flooring, beams, or drywall to prevent mold growth, mitigating structural weakening, and protecting belongings. Commercial grade equipment is used to extract water from and dry out the structure. Salvageable materials are cleaned and disinfected, and your home’s structural stability is ensured by steps like boarding up windows and applying tarps.
• Water damage restoration repairs and rebuilds water damage with the goal of restoring your home to its original state. Work isn’t started until after the initial spread of water damage is under control. Trained specialists use the highest quality materials and equipment to rebuild and reconstruct your property. Which tools and techniques are used depends on the extent of water damage, but typical services include eliminating mold, replacing damaged flooring and walls, repairing and/or replacing roof damage, and conducting humidity and moisture tests. Carpets, rugs, and upholstery are often cleaned if the water is detected and mitigation performed early.  .

To sum up, water mitigation services don’t involve repairing or replacing damaged property. They’re designed to minimize the impact of a water disaster and help limit further damage. It is critical to address any underlying water issue to maximize the benefit of the mitigation effort and insure a effective solution.

Are You Currently Experiencing a Water Disaster?

If you’re in the middle of a water intrusion disaster, here are some important dos and don’ts to follow:

Don’ts:

• Safety first! Do not enter a room with standing water until the electricity has been turned off!
• A regular household vacuum should never be used to pick up water.
• Never use electrical appliance if standing on a wet floor or carpet.
• Leave visible mold alone.

 Dos:

• Call a water mitigation professional as soon as possible. Mold and other damage can begin within hours of a water intrusion.
• Mop and blot up as much water as possible.
• Remove non-attached floor coverings and mats but leave wall-to-wall carpeting removal to a pro.
• If there are window coverings like draperies that touch the water, loop them through a hanger and put them up on the rod.
• Remove wet cushions to dry and wipe down soaked furniture.
• Move valuables like paintings, photos, and art objects to a dry location. Books should be left tightly packed on shelves until it’s determined if they need specialized drying.
• Prop open closets, cabinets, and drawers to allow them to air out.

Water Mitigation Myths

There are three main misconceptions people tend to have about water mitigation and water damage restoration:

1. That you’ll save money by replacing rather than restoring. The truth is in many cases it costs far less to have a water mitigation professional clean and salvage your home and furnishings.
2. Carpets, walls, and other surfaces can safely dry on their own. Of course, almost anything that gets wet will dry out on its own over time. The real issue, though, is that moisture can make it’s way behind and beneath these materials where it never fully dries out. The most common problem that results from this is mold, which can cause serious health issues. Your water mitigation specialist has professional tools that allow them to measure moisture levels and reduce the risk of mold and other problems.
3. It’s more cost effective to do water mitigation and restoration on your own. Maybe, but unless you have the right equipment and know-how, making water mitigation a DIY project can actually cost you more money in the long run. It may even be too dangerous for you to do.

Mitigating Water Damage and Worry

Whenever water is found where it doesn’t belong it’s important to immediately take steps to stop it from doing more damage. Central Florida Restoration Solutions is available to immediately assist you with water mitigation and other residential services including:

• Mold damage
• Fire damage
• Smoke damage
• 24/7 emergency services

Whether your home’s water damage covers 50 or 5,000 square feet or more, our skilled teams have the knowledge and expertise to remove water and begin the restoration process quickly and efficiently. Our rapid response means your valuable possessions can often be preserved and the integrity of your home can be maintained.
If you’re dealing with a water or mold problem Central Florida Restoration Solutions offers a no obligation assessment designed to help you make a decision you’ll feel comfortable with in dealing with the issue. Our 25 years of experience in proven water mitigation techniques gets your Central Florida home back to normal as soon as possible. For more information on all our home restoration services, contact Central Florida Restoration Solutions today.