Standard Techniques For Water Removal Services

By Author: Leo Nov
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When a disaster strikes a home, it can come so unexpectedly and with great intensity, leaving in its wake water-damaged houses or business establishments. Such disasters like floods or storms can result to certain areas in the house, like basements and kitchens, to be submerged in floodwaters. Such cases would require effective water removal techniques.

Water removal services can be performed with the simplest equipments and tools. However, it is still very wise to consult first with experts before engaging in any activities. Hiring a contractor to do the work for you would be one of the more popular options, however it would still be important for you to learn or be familiarized with the following techniques.

The following provides a short discussion on the available techniques, tools and processes used for water removal from a home or an establishment.

* Moisture Detection

To determine if a certain home structure is still intact and to check for any hidden sources within drywalls, a non-destructive moisture meter can be used. These sensors are sensitive enough to detect these underlying moisture ...
... or water. Hygrometers should also be used to monitor the relative humidity in the area.

* Water Removal Process

Water removal should be done after the storms and floods have passed and subsided externally to avoid additional damage and to prevent the proliferation of molds and mildew. Water removal is performed using several types of equipments and should be used depending on your situation and extent of damage. Submersible sump pumps are the most common tool for water removal although there are other tools available as well. These include manual pumps, external extraction units, and even the old bucket and pail routine.

* Mopping Up Activities

Not all water can be removed by pumps as there will be some extraction limitations on these tools. Mopping up activities can be done using standard cloth mops, super absorbent cloth or foam, or by using wet-dry vacuum cleaners.

* Water Removal from Carpets

Carpets are one of the most flood-susceptible items in the home or business establishment and should be dealt with at the soonest possible time. Water removal on carpets can be performed using sub-surface flood extractors and then finishing off with a wet-dry vacuum cleaner. These extractors can remove the trapped moisture within the inner sections or layers of the carpet.

* Drying Capabilities

As an integral part of water removal activities, drying is another area to focus on. These tools can range from air blowers, air movers, and dehumidifiers that can remove accumulated moisture in the air. Air movers can also be daisy-chained up to 12 or more units for better coverage and a faster drying process.

* Sanitizers and Deodorizers

One of the most unpleasant characteristics of floods is the foul odor that they leave behind in the affected area. This is an indication of the myriad microorganisms present that can cause pathogens harmful to humans. Disinfectants and sanitizers are applied to affected surfaces to annihilate these germs. This is finished off by strong deodorizers to eliminate any remaining smells.

Knowing the basic techniques in water removal services can help you in the decision making process of choosing which contractor that shall do the job for you.
Leo Nov is an editorial staff member of RestorationSOS.com, a leading service provider for water damage cleanups. To learn more about water damage and water removal, visit RestorationSOS.com