DIY Water Damage Cleanup – NO!

DIY home improvement projects are all the rage right now. Thanks to countless blogs and videos on YouTube, you can learn to do almost any project. While they may be on the craze,when it comes to water restoration or cleanup projects, it is best to call in the professionals. Water damage can cause lasting and lingering damage to your home in Cedar Rapids. For water damage cleanup, you do not want to go at it alone. 

Before any water damage cleanup can begin, you have to determine what type of water damage you are dealing with. There are three categories of water damage, and each has its own process to be followed in order to ensure effective cleanup. 

Category 1 water damage results from “clean water”, like a burst pipe or water line. The longer water sits, the worse the damage becomes. If Category 1 water sits too long before getting cleaned up, it can turn into Category 2 water, or “gray water”. Gray water damage occurs when the water source is contaminated with chemical, physical, or biological elements that could cause illness. This water often comes from malfunctioning dishwashers or washing machines, and sinks and toilet overflow.

 Category 2 water requires additional sanitation and decontamination along with the cleanup to prevent illness. Without the proper training and equipment, and if not handled quickly and correctly, gray water can turn into “black water” which is very dangerous. 

Category 3 water is referred to as “black water” because it contains significant pathogens that can cause serious illness and death if ingested. This type of water damage comes from sewage backups, floodwaters, or stagnant water that has been present for an extended period of time and has begun to grow bacteria. Black water damage should never be handled on your own. Cleaning up after any kind of water damage requires proper personal protective equipment, along with the proper drying and cleaning equipment to ensure your home is restored safely.

Water Damage In Cedar Rapids

Because each type of water damage has its own risks associated with it, it is better to leave restoration to a team that has the proper experience, training, and equipment to safely clean up the mess. Timing is also a huge factor when cleaning up water damage. Mold can begin to grow in as little as 24 hours after water damage occurs, so getting your home cleaned and dried ASAP will mitigate any further damage. If the source of the water damage is unknown, it cannot be stopped. At Challis Restoration, our team knows how to find the source, determine the correct course of action, and get it stopped. We know the risks that are associated with water damage, and can offer fast, efficient, and satisfactory cleanup results all while following the standard safety and procedural guidelines for correct water damage cleanup and restoration. We are available 24/7 for emergency services because we know how fast water damage can expound. If you find yourself dealing with water damage in your home, don’t try to clean it up on your own – call Challis Restoration Services right away to get you on the road to recovery.