Several issues can lead to water damage, some of the main reasons are water leakage from the plumbing line, flood water, and slab leaks. These are the main causes of the problem. To stop the issue from worsening, homeowners must act quickly to start the repair process.
In such cases, there are two options: DIY Water Damage Repair or hiring professional water restoration service providers to check the issue and start the repair process. If the damages are minimal or you have experience in the past, then DIY is the best option otherwise contact the professional firm to start work quickly.
We shall discuss in detail the processes and tips to effectively perform the task and save huge amounts of resources, You just need to follow the guide.
DIY Water Damage Repair Tips and Tricks
It is a common problem homeowners face, but how to tackle it effectively will determine the repair cost and time to restore normal life. There are different types of water damage, from Clean, Gray, and Black water. The repair process is different from each other.
Clean water damage requires minimal effort to perform repair tasks. On the other hand, grey and black water damage require more effort, So, before starting the process one needs to know about the details of water.
Inspect for Serious Issues
The first thing one needs to do after water damage is inspect infected areas and things. The inspection provides guidelines for repairing tasks. It also gives you the idea either to do DIY or hire a professional for the task.
If it is of a normal nature that you can handle easily without further damage, DIY is the best option. DIY option saves a lot of budget, you need to spend on water restoration firm services. In case of damages at a high level where water enters into different parts of the building including floor, wood, and ceiling, and can lead to structural damages, DIY is not the right option for you.
Dry Out the Affected Area
When you decide to go for the DIY option, the first thing to do after the damage inspection is clean and dry the affected area thoroughly. To achieve the desired results, this step needs to be completed well. It is a slow process and takes some time to complete.
Remove Water
In case of flood or sewerage system break down water enters the building, which is a painful sight as you can not control it by any means. To start the repair process you need to remove the extra water from your home. You can use a bucket, pump, or wet vacuum. Mold and mildew start growing if you relax in the water removal process.
Ventilation
It is primarily used to remove moisture. It needs proper ventilation, so you should open the door, windows, and anything else that lets air circulate.
Dehumidifiers and fans can be used to speed up the process of removing moisture from wood surfaces. It is necessary to place the dehumidifier higher to achieve the best results.
Damaged Furniture and Carpets
Carpets and some furniture are unable to be repaired after water damage and need to be disposed of to avoid health issues and mold formation. You need to be aware of local laws if doing DIY, otherwise, take the help of a professional who knows about local laws and regulations of damaged items disposal.
Moisture Progress
You need to check the moisture regularly after providing the necessary ventilation. Moisture needs to be dried completely as it can lead to mold in the future.
In case you see mold growth, you need to contact a professional water restoration firm as they can better understand the problem and provide quick solutions.
Disinfect the Damaged Surface
Disinfection after water damage is important to tackle harmful bacteria and viruses. There are different categories of water so the cleaning process also differs. If the damages come from clean water (category 1), you do not require a deep cleaning and disinfection, sanitization is enough in such cases.
If the damage comes from category 2 and 3 water, you need to perform cleaning and disinfection. Grey and black water contain many harmful bacterial elements that are disastrous to your family’s health. To avoid such health hazards follow the process.
Clean Affected Surface
The first step after moisture removal is to clean the damaged surface. It is to remove dirt or debris from the surface and make the surface ready for the next step.
Disinfectant Selection
You can choose any Disinfectant solutions available from the market considering the water category and harmful bacteria. A good Disinfectant solution contains the following
- Chlorine bleach
- Hydrogen peroxide
- Quaternary ammonium compounds
- Alcohol-based solutions
How to Apply
You can use a spray bottle, mop, or cloth to apply the solution evenly on the affected area. Do not left any space, especially the corners. It is also important to pay attention to areas that are in regular use such as switchboards, doorknobs, etc.
Once the solution is applied on damaged surfaces, you need to leave it for some time to kill the bacteria and viruses. You can check the manual attached with the Disinfectant about the time required for better results.
Repeat if Necessary
Once you complete the process of Disinfectantion, you need to test its effectiveness. Because, if the germs are not killed up to a satisfactory level you can repeat the process to get the required result. There are many tests which you can perform, the most effective is ATP testing. The ATP provides enough detail on whether the microbes were eliminated properly.
Ceiling Water Damage Repair DIY
Ceiling water damage can lead to structural damage, safety issues, and the growth of microbes. Once you see the early signs of water damage on your ceiling, you need to act immediately to save your family from any unforeseen and other damages.
The ceiling is mostly made with Drywall and Plaster. Water and moisture can damage it quickly. There are many water damage signs you can check to start the repair process on time. Following are some of the signs you can check.
- Water stains
- Sagging
- Peeling paint
- Soft spots
Identify the Source of the Leakage
Before starting the repair, you need to stop the leakage so no further damage can occur. You can check the roof and plumbing system for any leakage. Once you discover the spot, fix it immediately to stop further damage.
Remove Damaged Materials
Once you stop the leakage you can move toward the damaged area. It can be drywall or ceiling tiles. You need to address it carefully while removing it to avoid further damage and injury.
After you remove the damaged ceiling, dry out the moisture. Proper ventilation can increase the speed of the process, you need to open windows and doors for airflow.
Replace Damaged Materials
Once the ceiling is completely dried you can proceed to the next step, which is to replace it. It can be drywall or ceiling tiles. The process is difficult. If you think you can not DIY this process you can call a professional firm to perform the task for you.
You need to be careful while replacing the tiles and damaged ceiling, also keep the level of tiles the same to get the required finishing of the ceiling.
Paint the Replaced Ceiling
Once you complete the replacement and dried, you can paint the damaged area. To paint and match the color you first apply a primer which provides a base for the paint. Once primer base is applied you can color it. It is also important to match the new and old ceiling colors before the application to get the required finishing.
DIY Bathroom Water Damage Repair
Bathrooms are the places where water is present all the time, but too much water can damage the bathroom as well. The excess water can be the result of a flood, sewerage lines issue, roof leakage, or clog in the toilet area. You need to address the issue once you notice it.
Find the Source of the Issue
If you notice an issue the next step is to find its source. It will prevent further damage and also be the starting point of the repair process. Start repairing the problem once you find the source.
Dry the affected Area
Once you lock further water inflow you can move toward the repair process. Install a fan and dehumidifier to extract the moisture from the damaged part. It is important to extract the moisture and fully dry the area, otherwise it can lead to mold formation in the future.
Replace the Damages Parts
The next step is to replace the damaged parts with new ones including tile, fixtures, and sealings. You need to pay attention to sealing to avoid leakage in the future. Once the replacement and sealing are completed you can paint the damaged parts if required to match the coloring.
Contact Professional Water Restoration
DIY water Damage Repair will reduce the cost but in cases where damages are of structural level and DIY is not the best option to exercise, you need the services of a professional firm that can work for you. USA Water Restoration is one of the best service providers in such a scenario.
They have a professional team for water restoration in Battle Ground that guides their clients from inspection to the final stage of the repair. Provide multiple options either to repair or replace the damaged material based on the budget of clients.
FAQs
Does water damage go away on its own?
No, You need to take action to minimize the damages and for repair. You can DIY repair or seek professional assistance from a water restoration firm. But to minimize damages you need to act fast as a homeowner. If you waste time and think water damage goes away on its own, the damages will multiply from the initial stage.
How long does it take for water to do damage?
It takes a few hours and in some cases less than an hour to start damage. Drywalls, furniture, fixtures, and ceilings can not last long if you do not act fast to resolve the issue. The moisture and bacterial infections are also an issue to tackle in such situations. If you are unable to extract moisture, mold growth is a major issue.
How common is water damage?
It is a common issue homeowners face. The source can be a flood, roof leakage, plumbing system breakdown, toilet clog, etc. As per the Insurance Information Institute, more than 14000 homeowners are affected by this problem every single day in the USA. The number tells the story of the problem.
Conclusion
DIY water damage repair is painful and time-consuming but at the same time, it ensures home safety and structural loss. DIY accessing the issue and fixing the leaks, replacing, and repairing is cost-effective. You can restore your home to pre-damaged condition with a little effort. In case of heavy damage that you can not tackle, seek professional assistance to save your home from further damage.