When you find unexpected water within your home, the steps that immediately follow can make or break the restoration process. Unfortunately, there are a ton of resources available with misinformation about what you should do next. Even from friends who mean well, it is important to know what information is factual and what information is fictional. Not knowing for sure what to do when water is found in your home can result in things like delayed recovery, expensive repairs, and even long-term damage. This is why it is so important to identify the truth behind water damage restoration. Here are some of the most common myths about water damage restoration and the truth behind them to help you make more informed decisions.
Myth: You Can Wait a Few Days to Call for Help
Depending on the severity of the water damage you might find yourself dealing with, you might think that it is okay to wait before you contact a water damage professional. If there is minimal water damage, it can be really tempting to clean it up on your own before you bring in professional help. But even minor flooding or minor leaks can result in significant problems if left for any period of time.
The Truth: Fast Action Minimizes Damage and Costs
The truth is that time is of the essence when it comes to water damage restoration, particularly in places like St. Louis, where the humidity can make water damage worse. Within 24 to 48 hours, water exposure can result in mold growth and structural damage that escalates. Water damage professionals recommend beginning the restoration process within the first few hours of water intrusion. By acting quickly, your chances of salvaging your personal belongings and keeping your home protected from other damages increase. This is also why 24/7 emergency services exist, to help ensure that you and your home can receive water damage restoration services any time that you need.
Myth: DIY Restoration Efforts Will Work Just as Well as Professional Services
Because of the numerous online tutorials, some homeowners think that they can handle water damage restoration themselves as an easy, cost-effective fix. Mopping up visible water, setting out a couple of fans, and trying to fix the cause of the water exposure can be very tempting to try to manage on your own. While things might look dry or cleaned up, moisture can be left behind and result in more extensive damage than if water damage professionals were called from the beginning.
The Truth: Only Professional Restoration Actually Protects Your Home
Proper water damage restoration involves more than just cleaning up visible water. Trained professionals don’t just treat symptoms; they solve underlying issues and address the problem at the source. Licensed water damage restoration technicians are able to use tools like moisture meters, industrial dryers, infrared cameras, and other tools to restore your home properly. If you want to protect your home, calling professionals ensures that things are done the right way by someone with the knowledge and skills to restore your property.
Myth: All Water Damage Is the Same
It is easy to assume that all water damage is created equal. Water is water, so treating the water leaking from my toilet is the same as treating water leaking from my kitchen faucet, right? Water damage actually falls into several different categories, each with its own unique risks and challenges. Clean water from the kitchen faucet is very different from the grey or black water that comes from the toilet.
The Truth: Water Damage Varies
If you overlook the type of water involved, your restoration process can be significantly compromised. Grey and black water damage require extra steps to disinfect the area, not just dry and restore it. The truth is, water damage restoration professionals don’t just evaluate how much water you are dealing with. They also have to evaluate what contaminants might be exposed to your home and how to clean up accordingly.
Water Damage Restoration in St. Louis
When it comes to protecting your home from water damage, acting upon the wrong information can make matters worse, all while being more costly in the long run. While some of these myths might seem minor or harmless, they can have severe consequences. Acting on information not provided by trained professionals can compromise your home’s safety. No two water damage situations are the same, which is also why it is so important to rely on water damage restoration professionals who can assess, mitigate, and restore your property. Don’t fall for the common water damage myths. If you have any doubts or questions, call the experienced team at Rainbow Restoration of St. Louis for reliable information on how to take care of your home when faced with unexpected water in your home.
