Water Mitigation vs. Water Restoration: What’s the Difference?

Water damage can become a problem in an instant. Leaking pipes, faulty home appliances, and storms are just a few examples of where water damage can strike. Even a small leak can spiral out of control into a situation that calls for water mitigation and water restoration services. While each of these services is in response to recent occurrences of water damage, there is a difference between them. 

weDRY Restoration is here to extend our knowledge of these services so that when it comes time to deal with water damage, you have a complete understanding of what they are and how they work. Let’s look into each service and their differences. 

Water Damage Mitigation 

Water mitigation prevents further water damage. To minimize loss, water mitigation effectively prevents additional water damage by removing standing water and drying affected areas.

What Does Water Mitigation Involve?

Water mitigation entails the use of specialized equipment and a step-by-step process for success. Here is what you can expect: 

• The removal of affected materials such as furniture, drywall, flooring, and structural components.
• Utilization of commercial-grade equipment and proven methods to extract excess water and dry out affected areas. 
• Cleaning and disinfection of salvageable. 
• Taking precautions such as boarding up doors and windows to further protect the home. 

Water Damage Restoration

Water damage restoration focuses on repairing and rebuilding affected areas of the home to get them back to their pre-damaged condition. Depending on the extent of damage and its type, varying methods and equipment can be used to complete the restoration process. 

What Does Water Restoration Involve?

Each instance of water damage can vary and require different restoration methods. Generally, water damage restoration entails: 

• Repair or replacement of affected floors and walls. 
• Repair or replacement of roofing or ceiling components.
• Additional cleaning and disinfection of affected areas and other items like carpeting, rugs, or upholstery. 
• Usage of methods to prevent the development of mold.

Key Differences Between Water Restoration and Mitigation

When it comes to water mitigation vs water restoration, it’s important to note their differences. Above all, each service is used to help a home recover after recently sustained water damage as a result of a storm, appliance leak, or a burst pipe. Let’s look at how they differ. 

Water mitigation specifically focuses on preventing further damage by keeping the home, materials, and other items from suffering the consequences of water damage. Water mitigation also comes first before restoration. Restoration services include repairing and replacing water damage affected property after mitigation has been completed. 

Mistakes to Avoid When Dealing with Water Damage

Dealing with water damage isn’t a situation to take lightly. There are a multitude of considerations to keep in mind when doing so. Here are the mistakes you should avoid when dealing with water damage in your home: 

• Don’t enter a room that has sustained electrical or structural damage until it’s absolutely safe to enter. 
• Don’t come into contact with water of a grey color. 
• Avoid placing newspapers on the floor.
• Don’t use a vacuum to suck up excess water.
• Avoid trying to lift carpeting. 
• If the flooring or carpets are wet, refrain from using electrical appliances. 
• Most importantly, leaves water damage up to the professionals.

DIY vs. Professional: Which Approach Is Right for You

It is highly recommended to avoid going DIY to handle water damage. Dealing with water damage on your own can put you in harm’s way of electrical or other health-related hazards. Choosing to deal with water damage by yourself can also make issues worse or issues can go unnoticed, keeping the complications of water damage around longer. 

Leave it up to a team of professionals like those at weDRY Restoration. With help from qualified professionals, the proper safety precautions are put in place, and proven methods and industry-standard equipment are used for successful and thorough water mitigation and restoration services. 

Water Mitigation and Restoration FAQ

1) Why is water mitigation performed before water restoration?

The potential of further damaging the home, its structural components, and its belongings needs to be prevented before moving on with restoration efforts. Otherwise, water damage can spread or get worse. 

2) Do I need both water mitigation and water restoration services?

Not in every instance. If you’ve experienced water damage, you’ll need water mitigation services. Depending on the extent and type of water damage, restoration may not be needed. 

3) How long does water mitigation take?

The timeline of water mitigation depends on factors such as how recent is the water damage, the extent of damage, the type of damage, and the affected materials. Water mitigation can take anywhere from a couple of days or even weeks depending on these factors. 

4) What equipment is used in water mitigation versus restoration?

During the water mitigation process, the equipment commonly used includes pumps, wet/dry vacuums, and moisture meters. During water damage restoration, dehumidifiers, air movers, infrared cameras, negative air machines, and other drying equipment are commonly utilized. 

5) What kind of professionals handle water mitigation and restoration?

Trained and qualified damage experts like those at weDRY Restoration. Some companies focus on one area of damage like water while other companies like weDRY Restoration can handle damage types of all sorts. 

6) What does a water mitigation company do?

Water mitigation companies respond to homeowners or businesses with services aimed at preventing further water damage. 

7) How much does water mitigation cost?

The cost of water mitigation depends on the type of water being dealt with and the size of the affected area. Choose weDRY Restoration for honest, affordable, and trustworthy water mitigation services. 

Contact weDRY Restoration for Reliable Water Damage Mitigation and Restoration Services

If your Southeast Michigan home has become a victim of water damage, trust weDRY Restoration. Our team of water damage experts is ready to provide dependable water mitigation and restoration services when you need them most. We’re dedicated to getting your home back to its pre-damaged state, and we even go the extra mile to be available 24/7 and offer help with your insurance claim.