How To Deal With Water Removal And Water Damage Restoration

Whether you’re facing a burst pipe or a leaking roof, excess water can very quickly damage a home or business unless quick action is taken. Do not put off restoring water damage. Mold growth for example, can become a severe issue in as little as 24 hours, while sewage leaks are a health hazard that needs to be addressed immediately. The sooner any kind of water damage is taken care of, the better and less costly it will be. At Arch Plumbing, our licensed and bonded team is always ready to take on the challenge of water removal and water damage restoration for both homes and commercial buildings. If you’re facing water damage to your property, call us right away at (415) 375-0302 so we can help you resolve this emergency.

Causes of Water Damage

Numerous problems can lead to water damage in your home, including a clogged or overflowing toilet, plumbing leaks and storm flooding. Damage from a broken pipe supplying clean water may in the short term be less dangerous than grey water damage or sewage, but can very easily become standing water in which bacteria and other microbes grow out of control.

Whatever the cause behind the water damage affecting your property, quick action is necessary to ensure it can be restored to its pre-water damage condition.

Impact of Water Damage

Some forms of water damage may be visible, but some of the biggest dangers could be lurking behind walls, or invisible to the naked eye. That’s why it’s absolutely crucial to contact a team that’s experienced with water damage restoration to perform a thorough inspection.

1. Mold Growth – Even after cleaning up visible water, dampness from water damage can remain in your flooring, drywalls and more, leading to the growth of hazardous mold. Never disturb visible mold on your own – call in experts who can help remove it safely for you.

2. Damage to Personal or Business Possessions – In the event of water damage, clean and remove as many loose objects to a safe and dry place as possible.

3. Damage to building materials – Standing water can warp wood framing and bend or crack hardwood flooring.

4. Health hazard – Any water from sewage pipes or that has been in contact with the ground or stood for over 24 hours will be full of bacteria, fungal spores, viruses and more.

5. Electrical Hazard – Water damage can sometimes make outlets stop working – however the wires connected to it can still carry a live current, posing an electrocution hazard. Do not go near an outlet or keep devices plugged in when you are facing water damage.

What Happens During Water Damage Restoration?

The very first step we’ll perform is a thorough inspection and analysis of the situation, to determine the exact source of the water damage, and the extent of the problem.

We will then quickly move to step two, and remove water from your property, working with specialized equipment including pumps and vacuums to extract as much as possible. We will work to remove water not just from your floors, but your ceilings and walls as well. These measures will help to reduce overall indoor humidity and prevent the further growth of mold and other fungal contaminants. The type of equipment used will vary based on the extent and type of water damage you are facing.

During this point, if significant mold is found in your drywall, we may need to remove the affected portions, working to ensure minimal exposure to asbestos or lead, which may be likely in older home builds.

The next step is further drying and dehumidification, to combat any remaining moisture after the water removal process, and to prevent secondary damage to the structure of the building. Depending on prevailing weather conditions in the Bay Area and the amount of damage, this process can take from a few days to a few weeks to be fully completed.

Once the during stage is completed, our team will start work on the restoration process, replacing damaged drywall and more. If further coordination is needed with other contractors, our team will be happy to work out the logistics to ensure your peace of mind.

Why Choose Arch Plumbing

Arch Plumbing is a family-owned business, and we treat each case as if it were one of our own. We know how devastating water damage can be for homeowners and businesses alike, and work with great speed to ensure the problem is resolved properly. As one of San Francisco’s most trusted commercial plumbers, we also understand the need for businesses to meet OSHA health and safety regulations. We offer industry best practices and specialized equipment for water removal and water damage restoration. Get in touch with us today to schedule an inspection, or for a maintenance consultation to ensure your property is at less risk of being affected by water damage.